Hey Rick, Yep it was all cool. When I walked in Jr. was playing steel, Joel on Bass, another guy on guitar, dogs laying at Jr's feet, etc. It sounded so good I just sat down and enjoyed it. Jr. is one fine steel player (he told me he is going play in Chicago next week). Joel replaced the straps for me and we talked about a jam session we both attend every month. Jr and I discussed his golf game. He says it is never too hot for golf but sometimes it too wet. But all that does not put me ANY higher on the waiting list stil 3 months minimum. GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT!!!

Congrats also calgiro, I placed a order with Jr. As well on 5/16/07 in Curly Maple with Red Mohogany stain , metal buttons, silver valves, silver corners, black & red bellows with white crawfish, in the key of D wet tuned... Waiting patiently.

If I didn't live so far away, I would love to visit his shop..

Well I probably saw it. He showed me the batch of curly maple end frames and plates that he has cut now and actually pointed out one that has red written on the inside. I even held it in my hands (sorry). Mine will be in the next batch. Jr said people are placing orders now for Christmas. Anyway, yours is in progress and way in front of mine.

Even though I have to wait until the end of July, its worth the wait. Its like ageing fine wine.

Is Jr. getting backed up or something ? A couple of years ago, he was turning them out in several weeks, but I know he was cutting alot of frames and parts a head of time... I do know that the number of accordion builders is now around 23... that might have something to do with it. More demand and less supply ??

Don't know if Jr. is getting backed up or not. I know his grandson Joel is helping him. Joel can play very well and also gives lessons. He knows what he is talking about when you discuss accordions with him. He will probably carry on the name in the future.

I think Jr. just has a lot of orders in front of him. He showed me a table full of frames ready to go in the back along with several units in various stages of completion in the front. All these accordions are sold. I couldn't talk him into selling me any of them. (darnit) As he said, a lot of people are placing orders now for Christmas.

Let me just say both Jr. and Joel are very fine people who will sit down and talk to you about anything you want to talk about, from music to golf to accordion building to life around Lafayette etc. The fact that they build world class accordions has no bearing on their personalities. Just regular folk like me and you. Jr. invited me to drop by and visit anytime! I think I will follow the progress of my new accordion as it is being built.

And this latest scoop!! Jimmy Breaux may be squeezing a Martin in the future. He is thinking of replacing his D (which is a red Gros Bec brand) with a Martin. But said he needs to sell the one he has first.