Steve Holley

Cut a harmonica in half. Put a bellows between the two halves. Add a valve over each reed hole that can be opened and closed with a fingertip. Viola. (non-technical version).

Couldn't help passing along this picture of a bus advertisement, taking advantage of an articulating bus.

And it's even O.D. Green!

Isn't that known as Bluegrass? (Time to run!) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Junior, Fetch me up a rope.

Actually, I know the pictures aren't great but, although it didn't have a strap, it does have the "D" rings in place. I took a shoulder strap off of a soft briefcase I have and it works perfectly. As for my thumb, it's just that it's not used to being anchored. With my anglo concertina the thumb bondage thing just isn't an issue. But I'm getting used to it. Ever heard "If I Only Had A Brain" cajun style?

Hmmm.. Can I take this as the correct "yell" for a cajun session. I need to get this right to save embarrassement. (I realise I ought to say Heuuch (sp?) for scottish and Yee-ha! for C&W) and should I yell with a french accent <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Maybe this will help: Cajun Yell

LOL! You're absolutely right Stephen! I received the accordion Monday afternoon and have been busy making my thumb sore! It has proven to be a wonderfully well made instrument that truly is brand new. When I took it out of the case (Oh, man! the case!) it looked as if I was the first to do so. With eBay, the pictures are always misleading, sometimes to the good, sometimes to the bad. Buying it unseen, I was apprehensive about the quality of this box until I first held it. There is no doubt that this box should rightfully have brought twice what I paid. It seems to be constructed of beautifully grained maple and is tuned to "C". (Yay!) Thanks for passing on this one and letting me know about it. You have unleashed another Cajun player on an unsuspecting world. Aaaa-YEEEEEEEH!

...And the best part is, we both end up with a box we've been wanting! I'm glad to hear that yours is what you hoped it would be. Mine is scheduled for delivery on Monday. It's going to be a looooong weekend!

Stephen, Thanks for the "heads-up". I BOUGHT IT! (Yikes) I'm well aware of the Caveat of buying on eBay (that's actually where I got my concertina) but after much research it seems like a reasonable risk. Everyone please feel free to help me maintain my cautious optimism (or blind delusion) by letting me know what a great deal it is. I'll post a report when I get it. Thanks again for pointing it out to me Stephen.

Wow, Thanks for all the great advice folks! You've given me a great deal to think about along with the research I've done on my own. One thing I have found (to no surprise) is that eBay is as full of cheap, rip-off "Cajun Style!" accordions as it is concertinas. I have, through here and elsewhere, come up with enough reputable names that I will be able to end up with at least a decent starter. I'm afraid that the nice custom box, like the custom concertina, is still off in the future a bit. Thanks again for the information. How did folks ever get by without the internet!

Hi folks, It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. Marriage, new home, lots of other things that have kept me too busy to hang around a bunch of squeezers. Things have returned to a more relaxed pace and I’ve reached a point with my concertina that I would like to “stretch” (badoom-boom) my abilities a bit. I’m considering a try at the “Cajun accordion”. I’ve always loved the sound of one but have never even held one before. (I had never held a concertina before buying one either but have become fairly proficient with it). There are several things that attract me to the Cajun style accordion. It’s diatonic system would make it easier to learn, since I already play an anglo, and the small size, unique sound and overall appearance appeal to my sense of something “different”. I was wondering if any of you could answer a few questions for me. 1. Does anyone here have one and are they as enjoyable to play as they seem to be? 2. Is it truly the same as a melodeon? Is the difference in tuning? 3. Is the Hohner Ariette a good starter? 4. Would I be better off saving my money until I could afford a custom Acadian from Marc Savoy (who has what I think is the most beautiful style of accordion out there. I want one bad.)? 5. Are there any special considerations to think about in purchasing one? 6. Renting one first? A good thought but where? I recognize the oncoming fever to have one of these so I’m trying to gather as much information as I can. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

She grew up in Alabama, in a small town east of Montgomery. The songs that we were singing/playing were "Let me call you sweetheart"(her favorite), "Tennessee Waltz"(my departed Grandfather's favorite), and several songs that she used to sing to us as children that I just don't know the names of. They may have been made up by her or another family member. Also a couple of old instrumental tunes, "Turkey in the straw" and one that I think is called "Under the double eagle".

Warm Fuzzy: Yesterday morning I went for a walk with my mother and grandmother. When we returned we were standing in the driveway, just talking and enjoying the morning when my mother asked me to get my concertina and play a few tunes. After doing so my Grandmother (she's 88) asked if I knew any "older tunes". I asked her to give suggestions. She began singing different songs, some I remembered as a child, others I had never heard before. I play by ear so am able to pick out a tune, at least the simple melody, very quickly. We sang and played several old tunes and the look on her face as she sang them along with my simple playing was priceless. It was so evident in her expression that she was enjoying the fond memories that the songs brought. It was also creating a memory for me that will always be "warm and fuzzy".

I currently have no pets but on occasion, while playing outside on my front deck, I've had a hummingbird fly down and hover about three feet in front of me. He would dart back and forth, lightning fast, but stay about the same distance away. The first time it happened I had this fear that it would suddenly zip in and spear me in the eye with it's long beak.

As a firefighter I often find time to practice while on duty. The station where I am assigned has a bay large enough for several trucks, with a high ceiling (30 feet) covered with tongue-and-groove pine planks and large beams. The floor is concrete and very expansive. The overall effect is that of playing in a large concert hall. I wander among the trucks playing as loudly as I please. Most of my coworkers have come to expect (and ignore) my sessions. My second favorite, also at the firehouse, is in the large tiled bathrooms, again for the wonderful acoustics!