The Session >> Discussions >> First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
Comments
First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
Hello! Since the old Craigslist isn't serving up too many options, I thought I might post a discussion here about my search for an affordable button accordion/melodeon. I'm interested in tips on buying one for the first time as well as any leads or offers anyone might have.
I don't currently play the accordion, so this would be my starting instrument. I just need something decent under $400, with 1-2 rows, preferably in D or D/Eb.
I know that I'm lucky to live near what is probably one of the few accordion stores in existence, The Button Box out in Sunderland, MA. Unfortunately, though, I don't drive so getting out there is a bit difficult, so I'm trying to see what I can get used before resorting to the new Hohner Cajun style they have available.
What are the risks of buying something that's in less-than-perfect shape? How difficult are repairs?
Additionally, if there's anyone nearby who might be available for lessons when I do acquire one, please let me know! Maybe we can do a lesson swap - my bouzouki/guitar skills for your accordion skills?
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
Mike Reynolds teaches through the CCÉ Boston Music School. Classes begin on September 12 and registration is now open. http://www.ccebostonmusicschool.org/
Several button accordion players can usually be found at the Green Briar in Brighton on Monday nights. The slow session runs 7-9 pm, with the regular session following. They would likely have good advice in buying a box.
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
I would think the Button Box would help figure out a way to get you there for some advice and look around. Call them and think you can arrange for bus service to Amherst or nearby Northhampton.
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
By all means, get to Button Box any way you can, they are great. There are only a few places in the world where you can play accordions of different styles and brands and try them out.
At one point, I seem to remember that CCE was renting inexpensive accordions to people who were taking lessons from them, another great way to go. Get some lessons and some advice, before you try to dive into this on your own.
Go to sessions to listen, and pigeonhole the box players and ask questions as long as they will put up with you. Try to get to the Greenbriar, as suggested above.
Don't waste money on a box that won't serve you well in the long run. A single row melodeon in D is not a bad idea, but it might be better to save up more money, swallow hard, and be ready to spend more than you planned to, in the long range, you will be glad you did.
I was at the point you are at a few years ago, and now I can proudly say that I am one of the top ten Irish button accordion players in the state of Rhode Island. (What is that my wife is saying? There are only six others that we know of? I could be the worst of them all and still be in the top ten? Pay no attention to her...)
Good luck, and enjoy, the box can be a lot of fun to play!
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
> I just need something decent under $400, with 1-2 rows, preferably in D or D/Eb. <
Hmm, you'll be very lucky to find anything decent for much less than twice that price.
For instruction, in the Boston area, try to find Noel Scott. Great player of both B/C and C#/D systems, and last time I saw him he said he gave lessons.
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
Thanks everyone for your help and advice! It never even occurred to me to rent one but there is a strong possibility that I may have no knack at all for the accordion, so investing a bunch of money right off might not be the best idea. I'm not sure that I have the time for regular lessons with Comhaltas, but I'll look into renting from them for sure, and if not, it looks like the Button Box has limited rentals. Thanks everyone for your input
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
For God's sake, don't forget about Joe Derrane...especially if you're in Boston! This genuis apparently gives lessons as well and is supposed to be a great teacher. Look him up.
First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
Hello! Since the old Craigslist isn't serving up too many options, I thought I might post a discussion here about my search for an affordable button accordion/melodeon. I'm interested in tips on buying one for the first time as well as any leads or offers anyone might have.
I don't currently play the accordion, so this would be my starting instrument. I just need something decent under $400, with 1-2 rows, preferably in D or D/Eb.
I know that I'm lucky to live near what is probably one of the few accordion stores in existence, The Button Box out in Sunderland, MA. Unfortunately, though, I don't drive so getting out there is a bit difficult, so I'm trying to see what I can get used before resorting to the new Hohner Cajun style they have available.
What are the risks of buying something that's in less-than-perfect shape? How difficult are repairs?
Additionally, if there's anyone nearby who might be available for lessons when I do acquire one, please let me know! Maybe we can do a lesson swap - my bouzouki/guitar skills for your accordion skills?
# Posted on August 29th 2009 by strawberriesinthesaltsea
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
I know of a person connected with the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, MA who may be able to help you - private e-mail to follow.
# Posted on August 29th 2009 by Cape Cod Struggler
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
Mike Reynolds teaches through the CCÉ Boston Music School. Classes begin on September 12 and registration is now open. http://www.ccebostonmusicschool.org/
Several button accordion players can usually be found at the Green Briar in Brighton on Monday nights. The slow session runs 7-9 pm, with the regular session following. They would likely have good advice in buying a box.
# Posted on August 29th 2009 by SessionMom
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
I would think the Button Box would help figure out a way to get you there for some advice and look around. Call them and think you can arrange for bus service to Amherst or nearby Northhampton.
# Posted on August 29th 2009 by clareman
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
By all means, get to Button Box any way you can, they are great. There are only a few places in the world where you can play accordions of different styles and brands and try them out.
At one point, I seem to remember that CCE was renting inexpensive accordions to people who were taking lessons from them, another great way to go. Get some lessons and some advice, before you try to dive into this on your own.
Go to sessions to listen, and pigeonhole the box players and ask questions as long as they will put up with you. Try to get to the Greenbriar, as suggested above.
Don't waste money on a box that won't serve you well in the long run. A single row melodeon in D is not a bad idea, but it might be better to save up more money, swallow hard, and be ready to spend more than you planned to, in the long range, you will be glad you did.
I was at the point you are at a few years ago, and now I can proudly say that I am one of the top ten Irish button accordion players in the state of Rhode Island. (What is that my wife is saying? There are only six others that we know of? I could be the worst of them all and still be in the top ten? Pay no attention to her...)
Good luck, and enjoy, the box can be a lot of fun to play!
# Posted on August 29th 2009 by AlBrown
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
> I just need something decent under $400, with 1-2 rows, preferably in D or D/Eb. <
Hmm, you'll be very lucky to find anything decent for much less than twice that price.
For instruction, in the Boston area, try to find Noel Scott. Great player of both B/C and C#/D systems, and last time I saw him he said he gave lessons.
# Posted on August 30th 2009 by Jeeves Tones
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
Thanks everyone for your help and advice! It never even occurred to me to rent one but there is a strong possibility that I may have no knack at all for the accordion, so investing a bunch of money right off might not be the best idea. I'm not sure that I have the time for regular lessons with Comhaltas, but I'll look into renting from them for sure, and if not, it looks like the Button Box has limited rentals. Thanks everyone for your input
# Posted on August 30th 2009 by strawberriesinthesaltsea
Re: First time button accordion buyer in the Boston area, looking for tips and leads, and maybe instruction....
For God's sake, don't forget about Joe Derrane...especially if you're in Boston! This genuis apparently gives lessons as well and is supposed to be a great teacher. Look him up.
# Posted on August 30th 2009 by dtb