Anybody familiar with Monarch brand cajun accordions, currently manufactured in Italy? I saw one that is made out of cherry wood, originally cost $1,200, and is being sold for $850. Anybody play on one of these, know anything about it? Thanks, Scott
Monarch is a manufacturer from Denver(CO) and their accordions are built in Italy. They also built cajun-accordions and other diatonic accordions. There must be some players their who play on a Monarch.
They look the same as those other cajun style accordions made in Italy. Beltuna makes a very similar instrument. All are probably made by the same company. Concerning the Beltuna Caju model reports say that The sound and feel are good, much better than the Gab., but lack the sound and feel of the Louisiana handmades. Buyer beware!
Ron and Joe,
Thanks for the info. I was briefly considering buying one, but have decided not to (after reading the posts here). Here's the link to the one for sale, in case anyone is interested:
The April 2011 Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week
