I don't know of anyone, anywhere, who stocks LA Handmades, because the builders can't keep up with demand. They just fly off the shelves of their own shops.


Are there any bands local to you that you could try out one of their boxes to get an idea?

So I guess people just trust the maker and order customized instruments?

Don't know of any bands but can try and find out.

I guess if I just took the plunge and ordered one from one of the quality makers I probably wouldn't be disappointed, but it's too much money/risk I feel.

I like the Castagnari Max which is readily available in UK, but would like to try some LA/Quebec boxes to compare.

I should email the makers themselves to ask advice.

If you go with one of the established LA, and Texas builders you are not taking much of a risk at all.

This is really the normal way of getting a good Cajun accordion: you call up the builder, talk about what you want and then they build it for you. Every once in a while, you might find that they have one that is what you want all ready to go, or nearly ready to go. I got my Bon Cajun that way. I knew what I wanted, and Larry had one almost complete that fit the bill. The only thing I changed was to get metal buttons. It was even in the right key (A) with the tuning I wanted (Cajun Standard).

-David

There is a builder in the UK can't remember the details but I'm sure someone will. There is aslo Eric Martin in France , Emanuel Pariselle also in france I think and J Helin in Finland. Check the above links. No need to go to the US for a Cajun Accordion when they are redilly available in Europe.

Malcolm Manning in Bradford, Yorkshire. 'Louis' brand.

Where are you, Paul?

BJ

Paul - google 'Mannings Musicals' for Mal's website.

BJ

Unless he changed Eric Martin's accordions look more like Castagneri accordions than Louisiana or Quebec models. The keyboards are also much the same as the Castigneri.

Malcolm Manning wasn't building accordions anymore when I saw him last year, but he still repairs and tunes them.

Where are you in the UK, Paul? I have 4 accordions by different builders (all Louisiana builders) you can have a look at if you want to get the idea of how they feel.

I would recommend buying from Louisiana rather than Europe (Eric Martin etc.) not because they are inferior builders, but because the pound is so strong against the dollar they are cheaper.

The accordion I bought last year worked out at just short of £1000 (including shipping and import taxes), about the same as the one I bought 17 years ago when the dollar was much stronger.

Thanks for all the responses everyone!

I am Cambridge based in the UK.

I will check out the European builders also that were mentioned; thanks for the links.

This is a very helpful group.

Paul

I'm in Darwen (near Blackburn) if you ever make it up this way you are welcome to try out my boxes.

I've a Martin (Jnr not Eric), Acadian, Bon Cajun, and an Anthony Falcon.

I know one or two European players have replaced Castagnaris and Eric Martins with Louisiana boxes so I assume there must be a difference but I guess you'll only know by comparing them.

I'll be selling a Falcon C and a Martin Bb soon and am in Italy if you are interested.

Hi Phil

Your name sounds familiar. Do you play in a band over here?

BJ

I think my name might be familiar because I think you've asked me the question before on the forum.

I used to play with an American Old Time square dance band and played the odd Cajun tune on accordion, but I mainly played 5 string. I have never played with a full blown Cajun band.

You may be right, Phil. Amneeja is setting in.

You may be right. Did I say that already? Who am I?

BJ