Sylvester wrote:
BTW, does anyone have any reference for unseens112's link at the top of the page? Not willing to seem like untrusting. I'd just like know if anybody from you has ever played a box by them. What's the sound like and so on.
I haven't seen or tried one Sylvester, although I had a chance a few years ago when your man was trying to set up an accordion workshop for neophytes in Montreal. He said that he had boxes for people to try. It never happened and I wasn't interested anyway. The insane idea of learning the accordion hadn't bitten me at the time.
However I have read several comments on other irish box forums suggesting that these boxes are very good value for money - good sound, well made, and very playable.
Personally I would prefer not to buy a box that had been made in China, even if re-fettled in the US. There are so many great little manufacturers close to you, in Italy!
You'll see quite a few second-hand Hohner Double-Ray models going on eBay - about one a week. They are all B/C boxes and they seem to fetch about US $600 at the moment.
Have you tried contacting any of the Italian manufacturers directly? I've heard of some very good prices that way.
I've also heard very good reports of Serenellini boxes (they used to make accordions for Saltarelle) particularly the "Cloud" model which you should be able to get hold of new for about €1600. Have a look at this website in England
http://www.melodions-online.co.uk/, or contact Stephen Chambers in Ireland - jmcneill AT indigo DOT ie.
Here's a page with links to other European manufacturers:
http://lgendrot.club.fr/marques/marques.htm
I realize this might be information overload but I think it's worth taking your time to examine all your options!
Cheers
Steve