If you want to play cajun music you need to do it on a cajun accordion. You will never get the same percussive effect on a piano note. Pushing that air through the four reedbanks on that little box makes a sound that is unique, period. JMHO
I'ld say, get the Ariette fixed (Hohner does repairs) and learn to play the diatonic. Put the piano up on ebay and sell it. Use the money to buy a LA handmade when you have the basics down and have outgrown the Ariette. Then you can sell the Ariette for cheap or keep it to practice tuning and repairs.
I can get you the address for Hohner repairs or you can dig it up on google pretty easy.
That will dictate the instrument. Most people who try to play cajun music on a piano accordion just end up sounding like crap muzak. One would have to know all the intricacies of a diatonic, and then emulate that on the PA, and it would be a LOT OF WORK. Work most folks won't want to do.
There might even be someone on here who can fix your Ariette for you. Where do you live?
Thanks for the feedback. I want to play "real" Cajun and get the point about matching the instrument. It's much more than a tune to be transferred to a keyboard. I also love zydeco for dancing-nothing like the stomping rhythm.
I live in Davis, CA, if there is anyone who knows someone else around here able to repair the Arriete. Got to do something, because right now I can't do much at all.
I have played around with an Arreite for over a year now. It is cheap and hence no big loss if you try to repair it youself. I have been inside mine so many times I am thinking of installing a zipper.
Hohner will repair them but I would think the money is best put towards a better accordion.
I can not imagine trying to learn the timing required to get the push-pull sound from a piano accordion, plus the reeds and tuning would not sound right.
As mentioned on the board, if you are intent on the cajun sound you need an LA box. If you just want to play music, some of which is cajun style, then there are more options. U-tube has many great examples of various button accordions and players.
Also keep in mind that your 5 year old will not be any more impressed with Daddy's high end box then he was with the Arriete.
This isn't local to you, but there's an accordion shop in Oakland. Smythe's Accordions. He can probably fix it for you.
If all else fails, you can get one of those toy First Act accordions from Walmart, just to get you by until you get your Ariette fixed, or get a good box. And it can always be gifted to the 5 year old.
Dwight, thanks for the referral, I'll head down there on the weekend (if they are open). Maybe I'll take the piano with me to see if anyone is interested.