I'm looking at a couple of used Cajun boxes, both in excellent shape. The Martin D is $150 cheaper than the Acadien C; both are in great shape. I'm a beginner, though I do play the piano accordion (not particularly well).

Which way would you go?

Thanks, Jamey Hall

Most of the music is in C, although a D box sounds so sweet. I'd stick to a C for a first box.

No doubt...go C for 1st buy
tons of stuff in C and G and let's don't forget the key of F(tit' monde and for zydeco "why you wanna make me cry")
Kirk

Yeah, if you want to learn from videos or instructors, you must have C accordion.

Even though you'll hear a lot of D recordings, you're not gonna learn soley from listening (although listening is VERY important to the learning process).

Get your C. And if it's in good shape, an Acadian is a very sweet accordion. I own two myself and love them to death.

After you get your C accordion (if that's the one you choose), make sure you pick up Dirk Powell's instructional DVDs. They are the best way to learn for beginners, that is, unless you have a teacher nearby.

I must stress that all the videos that are available from any teacher are always taught with a C accordion.

I agreee with all of the above but here's my 2 cents. Get both.

I've heard people here say that D's are harder to find and worth more. You wouldn't be thinking (since in this case I could get the D for $150 less), "I could get the D, play on it for a while, then sell it and buy a C, having a good bit left over(for a pick-up, an amp, instructional DVD, a Po-boy, etc)"? Or is that WAY too much trouble?

Thanks, Jamey

Have you played a Cajun accordion before? If you want to learn, get a C and some videos. Otherwise, going from Piano accordion to diatonic is gonna be a lot harder than you'd think (believe me, that's what I did)

It's not every day a good used handmade comes along. And the prices will vary, there is no saying you're gonna get more for your D accordion when you want to sell it. I've seen different key accordions go for about the same amount used. I don't think the key has much to do with how much you'll get for it if you want to sell it used.

Buy a C box first. D box next, but many people never have anything but a C box.

Are these the ones on www.buttonbox.com ? They have two Martins, a D and a C and an Acadian in C.

Really? I only saw the Martin in D. Are the others still there?

Thanks,Jamey

yup, all three are still listed.

If you intend on playing Cajun music C without question

Are you intending on playing "only" Cajun music

then the C box of course

If you are intending to play either Irish or Quebec.. then D is the box of choice
however... the Martin D tuned Cajun will not be suitable

in which case the answer is neither unless you want to spend the money to retune the D box..

I wouldn't though

I'd opt for another box altogether

good luck

Jamie, I don't know the brand Acadien. If it were an Acadian and then in C I wonder why you doubt, reading your posts!!!

G

If you are considering the button box accordions. Look closely there are 2 Martin D's one is tuned cajun with tremelo (wet) the other is tuned equal temperment. Neither would be the best choice for cajun music in my opinion.
The Acadian is cajun tuned dry in C that would be the ideal choice and it turns out to be only $100 more that the wet Martin

One Martin is an equal tempered D, the other is a Cajun tuned C, same as the Acadian C. The other D they have for sale is a Gabbanelli Cajun King. I wouldn't recommend that one.

Sorry, the Martin C is Cajun tuned, but with Tremolo, which I take means Cajun tuned on the wet side, producing an old-time sound more like the old Monarchs and Hohners. It would work, but the Acadian C is probably the one to get.

If you are planning on playing Cajun, with others, get the C.
If not and are going to play with fiddlers in other styles, get the D. Standard tuned fiddles is more compatible with D accordions.

C is just as standard for fiddles in cajun music
fiddlers expect to tune down a whole step quite often

some have 2 fiddles

about rarity of D vs C - yes D is less common
but also, the market is smaller
i wouldn;t let that be a factor

wle

Thanks for all the input, friends. The choice seems pretty clearly tilted toward the C (Naturally, the one that costs more!).

Anyone need a keyboard accordion? I only have about 10 I want to sell now . . .

Thanks again, Jamey

That is actually a very good price on the Acadian. Marc Savoy just went up on his prices.

I am wondering if the Martin C is one of his progressive tuned boxes. Funny it is described as "Cajun tuned with Tremelo".

There seems to be a good market on Ebay for PA's. I actually find more players of piano accordions here in Austin than players of button boxes. Just give good full descriptions with good photos and they should sell well.

You have chosen wisely, Grasshopper...




R!CK

I should think a fair trade for the C box would be 10 piano accordions : )

The Button Box takes trades....


If it is "Cajun" tuned it is not "progressive" (standard Italian ) tuning