Tim,
Does the 114 you bought have spoons or buttons of bass (left hand)?
Within that price range, if you're not ready to buy a real LA-made, did you consider a Gabanelli Cajun King? You can get a new one for around $800 all in. THey're not bad at all, and much superior to the Ariette-type.
Maz

The 114 has spoons. Lyne Anne Hyde was telling me great things about the Gabbanelli, but I gotta stop the bleeding somewhere!

I talked myself up from a $300 arietta to a $500 HA-114. It's a slippry slope. $300 -> $500 -> $800 -> Handbuilt...

I do absolutely appreciate the thought!!! THANK YOU!

Tim, believe me, the accordion you now have has made a career for some great players in the past. You can play it with pride, and you won't go anywhere you would have to be embarrassed about it. You can spend more money, but the music is in the playing, not the instrument. And this from a guy who has owned 6 name brand, handmade LA boxes, and hopes to own more. Play it, enjoy it, and you're on the right track.

Chuck is right. It's all about how you play. But gosh I hate these ?&*(*+?%$% spoons!

I just have to step in here. The Gabs have an anemic sound, and are probably really only worth about $500.

If you had buyers remorse, or wanted to trade up to a handmade by selling the Gab, you probably couldn't get $500, if you could find a buyer.

Bang on that Hohner, and save your money for the big league.

Dwight

man i tell yall whay would somebodby want to jumps in a pond was you dranken must of been i aint never herd somethin like that befors i keep my cows out of the ponds causes the tutles will bite there **** off and she wont be no moore good--teebooger

Well, ya see teebooger, We don't have turtles in Oregon!