Well, my Hohner melodeon in D is getting a little ratty, so I am looking to make my first costly melodeon purchase. I am considering either a Castagnari Max (or whatever they are called now), or a cajun handmade box. My only concern with a cajun box is the 2 most famous builders who will do equal tempered tuning for Irish Trad have raised their prices through the roof! $2600 USD from one builder! For a melodeon? Other less known cajun builders say they don't do equal tempered tuning or have no idea what I am asking for. I HAVE considered just keeping the Hohner, getting it "hot rodded" with new reeds and bellows, but have a hard time getting past the cheapness feeling of a Hohner, even though Johnny Connolly has used one for years. Not to mention the spoons bass' which have broken spring twice. Any gems of helpful assistance out there?
Is it important for you to have it made by a "famous maker"?
The tuning issue - I would not pay as much attention to it. Either find the relevant discussions and answers through the melodeon.net forum and pass it on to the builder (or the one doing the tuning for him), or have the tuning adjusted later. You will probably want a slightly different sound than the dry cajun-tuning, so this might be an issue anyways.
In terms of facory-made accordions, the Castagnari one-row is a REALLY nice box! I've tried a couple, and they were both great to play, listen to, and look at.
BUT: The Beltuna will give you the same feel - really nice boxes at low prices. You should try one out.
Another option is a second-hand. In that case, you'd probably want to try prior to purchase anyways.
Marc's current prices of $2700 USD are ridiculous, no matter how good his accordions are. I am looking at no more than $2000.00 USD new. Castagnaris here in the USA are around that price, depending on the dealers, so may be my only option on a new box. In regards to your first reply, I would say with that wit of yours, no wonder you call yourself Bob himself. Can't get many dates huh?
Well, I’m happy for Marc that he can get that much, but that’d be out of my league, too. Is the tuning temperament the only real difference between Irish and Cajun models?
My wife recently picked up a used "Acadian" single row D, a Savoy knock off made in Italy, very nicely made and sounding box for less than a grand. Another box maybe worth considering is the new Hohner "Morgane" a 2 row, that can also be had for about the same amount new, a famous french box player and maker helped design it, they,re made in China, suprisingly good quality, and sound for the money. You could also check out some of the makers in Montmargny ,Quebec,home to the World Accordion Festival, (great museum too), world class 1 rows there. Good luck.!
Suggestions for a one row?
Suggestions for a one row?
Hello:
Well, my Hohner melodeon in D is getting a little ratty, so I am looking to make my first costly melodeon purchase. I am considering either a Castagnari Max (or whatever they are called now), or a cajun handmade box. My only concern with a cajun box is the 2 most famous builders who will do equal tempered tuning for Irish Trad have raised their prices through the roof! $2600 USD from one builder! For a melodeon? Other less known cajun builders say they don't do equal tempered tuning or have no idea what I am asking for. I HAVE considered just keeping the Hohner, getting it "hot rodded" with new reeds and bellows, but have a hard time getting past the cheapness feeling of a Hohner, even though Johnny Connolly has used one for years. Not to mention the spoons bass' which have broken spring twice. Any gems of helpful assistance out there?
Don
# Posted on December 20th 2007 by gdhow62
Re: Suggestions for a one row?
Is it important for you to have it made by a "famous maker"?
The tuning issue - I would not pay as much attention to it. Either find the relevant discussions and answers through the melodeon.net forum and pass it on to the builder (or the one doing the tuning for him), or have the tuning adjusted later. You will probably want a slightly different sound than the dry cajun-tuning, so this might be an issue anyways.
In terms of facory-made accordions, the Castagnari one-row is a REALLY nice box! I've tried a couple, and they were both great to play, listen to, and look at.
BUT: The Beltuna will give you the same feel - really nice boxes at low prices. You should try one out.
Another option is a second-hand. In that case, you'd probably want to try prior to purchase anyways.
# Posted on December 20th 2007 by Larshansen
Re: Suggestions for a one row?
Hmmm. If it's just one row, I'd plant tomatoes.
# Posted on December 20th 2007 by Bob himself
Re: Suggestions for a one row?
Marc Savoy built a couple of really nice Cajun boxes for a friend of mine. I don't know about his current prices.
# Posted on December 20th 2007 by Bob himself
Re: Suggestions for a one row?
Bob:
Marc's current prices of $2700 USD are ridiculous, no matter how good his accordions are. I am looking at no more than $2000.00 USD new. Castagnaris here in the USA are around that price, depending on the dealers, so may be my only option on a new box. In regards to your first reply, I would say with that wit of yours, no wonder you call yourself Bob himself. Can't get many dates huh?
Don
Don
# Posted on December 20th 2007 by gdhow62
Re: Suggestions for a one row?
Well, I’m happy for Marc that he can get that much, but that’d be out of my league, too. Is the tuning temperament the only real difference between Irish and Cajun models?
# Posted on December 20th 2007 by Bob himself
Re: Suggestions for a one row?
Castagnari in preference to Hohner.I reckon the castagnari action is better.
# Posted on December 20th 2007 by Rufus Jameson
Re: Suggestions for a one row?
My wife recently picked up a used "Acadian" single row D, a Savoy knock off made in Italy, very nicely made and sounding box for less than a grand. Another box maybe worth considering is the new Hohner "Morgane" a 2 row, that can also be had for about the same amount new, a famous french box player and maker helped design it, they,re made in China, suprisingly good quality, and sound for the money. You could also check out some of the makers in Montmargny ,Quebec,home to the World Accordion Festival, (great museum too), world class 1 rows there. Good luck.!
# Posted on December 21st 2007 by mandobrynley
Re: Suggestions for a one row?
Take a look at Frans VanderAa's melodeons.In my opinion better than the castagnari.He has moved to south america so his prices are a lot cheaper but this doesnt affectt the craftmanship.
http://www.accordionmaker.com/melodeon/!boot.php?taal=&muziek=aan
# Posted on December 21st 2007 by dinn2