ben clarke

Theodore, thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out. Del, you have PM.

Hello again. I joined a couple years ago as I was thinking of attempting to learn to play in a Cajun and Zydeco style. Folks here were helpful, but it didn't work out for me. I've since given up on learning to play a squeezebox (no offense intended if that's too low brow of a term) of any type. Now I'm putting together a Zydeco group in the Buffalo/Rochester area. I'm wondering if anyone here would like to get together and play. I have a fair amount of musicians interested, but haven't heard from any squeezebox players so far. Also if anyone here has a suggestion on how to find someone if there's no interest here that'd be great, too. Thanks much! Ben

Honestly, no, I don't know what key it's in. I really have no idea if it would be suitable for playing Cajun with folks who do that sort of thing all the time. I'm just hoping that it is more or less playable so I can get a taste. Summer's on the way around here, and (if it works) it'll be nice to jam with around the campfire with some of the musicians I already play with. We can do a tune that we don't know just as well in F, G or C. One of the guitarists and I can get into it over some keys. I prefer D-flat, while he insists on C#. Thanks for the more detailed info. Amazing that you can tell all that from the blurry shots provided. Thanks, Ben

Thanks, Ken. That's quite generous of you. In the meantime, cross your fingers for me!

Ken, thanks for the reply. I've been hemming and hawing about this for a few years now. I don't like shoddy instruments in general, but have a hard spending significant amounts to try out a new thing I may not pursue. Your comments were helpful, though. There are some examples on eBay and the web brand new for anywhere from $125 to $250 that look interesting. I rolled the dice on this, though. I hope it's not too beat. I like that it's a two-row. I think more flexibility will keep me interested a little better as I learn. German Hohner Pics were quite dark, so I realize it risky, but for under $50, I though it was worth a shot. Should it need refurbishing, does anyone have any recommendations in the Buffalo/Rochester area? Thanks, Ben

I play several other instruments, but for several years now have had an itch (which has shown signs of developing into a full-fledged Jones) to play Cajun/Zydeco squeezebox. The style I'm really into is rythmic in nature, similar to the tune "Gumboots" from Paul Simon's Graceland record. I also enjoy the more punchy New Orleans stuff, too. Donna the Buffalo is an obscure reference as well, yet quite dear to me. I realize you folks must field questions like this a lot, and I have done some searches, but I'm looking for some advice as to what type, and hopefully some specific models to get my feet wet with this style of music. I realize this is a concertina site, and that may not be the most cajun thing around, but there seems to be some friendly and knowledgable folks here, too. So, if I'm too off-topic, I'd appreciate a push in the right direction if it's not too much trouble. Thanks & best regards, Ben