Cajuns found a way to build their own 4-stops after the availability of the German boxes were nil during WWII. Was Sydney Brown ordering bellows and reeds from Italy back then?
As creative and crafty as "rural Cajuns" are in practically every aspect of their lives (they are all veritable McGyvers); why in the world hasn't some son of the Louisiana soil been able to craft bellows and reeds -- and chrome buttons for that matter?! Is the mafia involved? I just can't figure it.
Rick, while I can see you're point on someone from LA producing bellows and reeds here, the first time those bellows come apart when someone is pulling on it, will be most likely the last time that maker will sell an accordion or the bellows for that matter.
As someone who is about to "hit the market" with an all new name brand accordion, I can tell you that unless you go through all of the trials and tribulations of building these things you won't have a true appreciation of their worth. I say that meaning for me, they are a labor of love and when you love something, you put everything you can into, at least I do. I look at this as if I would be building each and everyone for myself and no one else. For me, if I know what I am getting had the same care, attention to detail and strive for perfection that I would give, it's worth the money. I know that I am not going to sell a box to anyone until I am 110% satisfied with it and believe me, I am my own world's worst critic !!
The April 2011 Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week
