My recommendation based on your prerogative:
After getting the C and D (for Cajun & several other traditional styles, especially where you might jam with fiddles), for zydeco, blues, and that slightly more groovy sound, I recommend you go Bb.
I currently own a C Bon Cajun (Larry Miller) & a D Acadian (Marc Savoy). No question, my next box will be in Bb. A good example of that Bb sound can be found on Horace Trahan's zydeo CD (Horace Trahan & the New Ossun Express). What's the cost for a Martin Jr Nowadays?

Hi Rick,

That is an interesting bit of history that I did not know about.

I can see how a zydeco band with horns and a piano accordion would go that route.

However, I think an equally important factor were the bands like Boozoo and Z-Force and Beau Jocque who were all early proponents of the Bb cajun accordion. One big factor has to do with vocal range. Just go back and listen to some of Boozoo's earlier recordings when he had a C accordion, and notice how strained some of the high notes were when singing in G. Let's face it, the key of G is just too high for most men, unless you want to monkey around with the melody by dropping the high G notes down an octave. Heck, even a high F can be a challenge for me at times, and that is after years of work.

So, I am not discounting your explanation, just offering up additional factor of vocal comfort zone as a determining factor.

Now that I think of it, another big factor is that of availability. Maybe prior to the Bb innovators pushing the builders, maybe it just wasn't done? I am just speculating, but maybe none of the builders went that route until the idea/demand came from some of the zydeco guys?

-David

Yeah, you gotta good comment there David. I remember when I wanted Randy to build me that Bb in '93, he was really questioning my reasoning, especially since I was really hung up on Beau Jocque (and not Roddie Romero). And when I told him I wanted an internal mic in it, he just about passed out. Back then, he hadn't made but a few Bb's because it wasn't that popular of a key -- and NEVER installed an internal mic on a box. Now, I can't imagine playing in a band (or listening to a band) without a Bb box. It IS such a beautiful key. And the internal mic? Well... Ha! It don't git no bettah!

R!CK

My general recommendation would be to go for a Bb. G and F are of rather limited utility.

I have accordions in A, Bb, C and D. I only bring the Bb to gigs any more.

-David

Decided to get Bb and D, gives me the best of both worlds, and now I will have four boxes A,Bb,C, and D....this means I better start playing a lot more and make use of them all. Bb will be a good one to sing with, and D, I can use for Irish music, and to play along with fiddles. When I become rich or sell more instruments I imagine F or G would be my next move. It's nice having a lot of accordions around....it's the ultimate form of material happiness....what could be better?

Great idea on the Bb!

In addition to my collection, I have a B box. Even though it's only a half step off of Bb, it has a very unique sound -- much like A vs. Bb. They are so close, but having those options for your guitarist and bass player opens up new options for them -- makes a lot of difference. Cross-harp on the B box allows guitar chording in F#, which my band really digs.

If you consider an F box in the future, it's really sweet -- those high reeds are gorgeous. We do a couple of blues shuffle tunes on it (cross-harp in the key of C) and it just brings the mood up.

Material happiness, bro...

R!CK

as far as guitar goes, capos are a lot cheaper than
accordions...

wle

something else that;s cheaper than
new accordions

harmonicas

every button box player should learn
at least some harmonica

you already mastered the hard part -
the part that is most illogical -
the in/out thing for different notes

most of the holes on the harmonica directly
correspond to the buttons of the accordion

with only a little practice, you can
play things that amaze much more experienced
harp players - because playing actual
melodies is usually considered 'advanced'

[usually harp players just learn some
bends and chords on the low end at first, and
some manage to never really learn
the notes on the upper end]

you will be able to do it almost right away

so if there is some song your guitar player
wants do in B, just get and E harp and go
for it

wle.

Pictures ! We want pictures !

Ooh! Don't get a Bb!! That key is MURDER on the voice!! It's always either too high or too low for everyone. Definitely get the D, and an E is always fun, too. That's my advice.

SDS