I figured out why the high Hohner reeds were going out of tune in this box. They were weak, old and decrepit. I took a whole high bank out of my own 114B and swapped them into this accordion. I figure, I'll be playing this one much, much more. Most of the other reeds are staying nice and stable. If any go out, more than once, I can always replace.

Anyway, since the transfusion, no high reeds have gone out. I'm now much more happy with this instrument. This thing is as close to a Monarch as I'm gonna get. I love it.

Here's Grand Bosco! Thanks to Peer for the help in learning it.

Ted- You should get a set of Hohner reeds and slap 'em in one of your accordions. A little more air is required, but the weight is less, so that is some compensation. Breathers are much easier when they weigh less :-D This sh*t sounds awesome.

Sounds just like Iry's accordion, must be all that wheezing and the special tuning. If I get around to finishing the accordion I started I might put a set of Hohner or Weltmeister reeds in it. Btw, most of Iry's recordings were on a Sterling box. Apparently Eddie took that box to Ireland while on tour and someone stole it. So I keep checking ebay Eire, it may turn up again someday.

Thanks for the credits Jim, but you made much more of it than I did. You speeded it up quite a bit, too!
Nice playing, and say hello to your dad from me.

Well, I thought I could play that song, may have to go back to the drawing board

Great old sound Jim,and playing too.Those reeds did the trick,but I guess your tuning had a lot to do with it.As always,Pops be the man
It looks like you got a good deal on that accordion

Glad to see Hohner getting the recognition they deserve. Lots of great music has been played on Hohners and, historically, Cajun made boxes have been fitted with Hohner reeds; not only by Doucet but Moreau and Shine Mouton.

I contend tone and playability has as much to do with fitting,gapping and tuning the reeds as it does with reed quality.

Hohner and Monarch... I printed the lead post on this thread for posterity.

As to the condition of the reeds and wax, why not call Elton Doucet and ask him about this. He is a very approachable guy... and considering he supplies his self made bass boxes, fingerboards and reed blocks as well as buttons,bellows and reeds to other Cajun accordeon makers , many have a great deal of respect for him. Add to that his accordeons are played by satisfied players in Ireland and England.
I'd be curious as to his reply.

Excellent playing !

Call him
Le Piquant

They are good reeds because of their sound, but their response isn't as good as I'd like. This is a good accordion though, with those reeds. I love it.

You can't beat love. And like I always say an accordion is like a women, they are all fun to hold, they just hold differently.
Le Piquant

They are much the same with the lights out.

An accordion is like a woman- Very hard to get used to. Although, I don't think they play or handle quite as nicely, after you learn them. Response is different too. Hmmm, maybe they are not at all like a woman.