3/1/2023 0 Comments Cajun accordion![]() By the 1920s, a new generation of accordions tuned to the keys of C and D made the instrument suitable for pairing with stringed instruments. Acceptance by white Cajun musicians came decades later, likely because the first imported accordions played in the keys of A and F, making them harmoniously incompatible with the fiddle-led ensembles of the day. Musicologists believe that black Creole musicians were likely the first to incorporate the accordion into their repertoire. It is unknown who brought the first accordion to South Louisiana, or which French Creole or Acadian first played the instrument, but daguerreotypes from mid-century - decades before Germans immigrants settled Roberts Cove in 1881 - show accordions in use in the south and central portions of the state. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Student Union BallroomĪ relatively recent invention, the bellows-driven, vibrating reed squeezebox known as the accordion was first manufactured in Germany and later Russia in the 1820s.This site mainly focuses on the single row Cajun style accordions used to play Zydeco music but most of the pro's bring and play both the single row, triple row and some also bring and play the piano accordions.Industries Meetings Groups Sports Media Members You can always sell your cheap accordion as well if you do decide to upgrade at some point. There are many keys you can choose from but for Zydeco B-flat is very common in comparison to accordions in the key of C for Cajun tunes. While some will suggest to not buy a cheap model I do think it's better to get it and start practicing rather than waiting. There are many makers such as Martin or Savoy of better quality accordions or you can go direct through the manufacturer such as Gabbanelli, After a couple of years with my cheap accordion I purchased a higher quality used Gabbanelli accordion from the Zydeco artist Leroy Thomas and while it was $800 I did save several hundred dollars compared to buying a new accordion.Īccordions for Cajun and Zydeco music are typically tuned differently so when you buy the accordion check if it is tuned "wet" for Zydeco otherwise you can change the tuning later if you prefer "wet" tuning over dry. I first purchased a less expensive Iolite single row Cajun accordion from Ebay for a couple hundred dollars and then had the springs changed under the buttons which made them not as stiff. While this does vary, Zydeco music is often played on an accordion tuned in the key of B flat while Cajun music is often on an accordion in the key of C but this can vary and is often selected by the vocal range of the artist. There are many different keys of accordions you can purchase. If buying it from another location ask if they would send you a video clip of the tests above. Are the bellows tight? (pull out and in on bellows with out playing any notes, does air leak significantly?)ģ. Do all the notes work? (pull out and in on the bellows for all the buttons)Ģ. If your buying off the internet and can't test it out ask the seller to send you a little video clip of the accordion being played which will also give you a little better idea of the condition.ġ. Accordions are extremely durable as I have had both of mine for over 10 years and I have not been "easy" on them. If you need to go cheap I would strongly suggest buying a used accordion first but stay away from the really old accordions. While you may focus on learning Zydeco songs the accordion is referred to as a Cajun accordion when looking to buy the accordion. Depending on your budget for a single row accordion you're probably going to spend around $300 to over $1000 for an accordion and much more for a triple row accordion. ![]() ![]() Of the various types of accordions played in Zydeco music today this site will focus on the single row diatonic accordion as seen to the left.
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