I don't think it's necessary for a person to purchase a handmade LA box to learn on. Sure, it would be nice but not everyone has $1000+ to fork out. Especially on something that may not pan out. How many times have we heard about people who want to learn, only to give up and the accordion ends up sitting in a closet? Of course, that's how the rest of us find a bargain accordion!
Take a look at the link. This fellow just recently purchased a handmade but the majority of his videos show him with a HA-114, clothespin and all! It's what he learned to play on.

Also, there are some Regals around from the early 90's. The tuning is fairly decent and they can be found from time to time on ebay for around $400.
Both of the boxes are a TON better than the Ariette and usually cheaper when purchased used.
I love my Acadian but I still love to play my Hohner, too! I usually turn off the wet tuned bank. As for the Regal I once had, it was purchased used and it has now been passed on to its third student!

It'd be a terrible thing if everyone thought that they wouldn't have a chance of learning Cajun accordion if they're unable to afford the best.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYjY9jNza00

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