In Need Of Direction

[ben clarke]

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

[Ken_Coles]

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.

 

...

 

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

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I started 7 years ago with a black Hohner in C (model 114). At that time the Chinese-made Ariettes were leaky and hard to use. They have gotten better and I have tried some that were pretty good. Be aware that they don't age well in some cases. Rich Morse can chime in here, he sells Cajun boxes. My comments assume that you aren't ready to spend around $1000 for a custom box from Louisiana, which is the ideal for me. Cajun accordions are cheaper and much easier to get than concertinas, even at the custom-built level! Of course if you can get to Louisiana or a festival where you can try them yourself before buying that will help.

[ben clarke]

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

[Ken_Coles]

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

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Well, you're like a lot of newbies then. New, I wouldn't buy anything claimed to be "Cajun" cheaper than the Ariettes, which start at $300. Used boxes may be a better gamble; you can't tell until you examine them. I haven't even got around to retuning my G/C two-row, but if you want to see how rebuilds are done I can show you (only after school gets out). I'm near Pittsburgh.

[ben clarke]

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

[Richard Morse]

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.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, it looks pretty beat. A Hohner 2815 from the 1920's. Seeing that it's missing the straps and grille, and that the bellows appear to have already been rotated... I would imagine that no internal work has been done. Providing that there are no leakage issues, cracks, that the bellows is servicable, etc. Fixing and replacing those plus rewax, valve and tuning will cost over $600. More if you have to replace the bellows entirely. You can buy a new 2815 for less than that.

 

Do you know what keys it's in? It may not be usable for Cajun playing at all! I suggest that you get a Cajun-style box in the "right" key that's already in good shape. As Ken said - the $300 Ariette is a good starter.

[ben clarke]

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

[CaryK]

While searching the internet for concertina sellers, I came across Baldoni Accordions. They are located outside of Milwaukee. They build their own accordions and re-build other brands, including Cajun models, as well as sell Stagi concertinas. On their site www.baldoni.com) and on independent sites I came across numerous testimonials to their work. They might be able help you fix your Hohner.