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[fc diato]

Mary ... I second third and fourth and fifth the growing consensus advice you're getting.
- don't overthink... just get a box!  I bought my first on a total lark, and didn't even know they came in different keys. The point is to have one at home to play.  After a while, you'll figure out what you really like to play and what you want. All while having fun!  Then resell and rebuy. 

- so either head down I-91 to the Button Box where you can feel and hear a bunch of boxes. Don't know where you are in Vt, but unless it's the northeast kingdom, it really is next door - just across the border 15 minutes from Brattleboro.
- or the AD box if you're ready to take the jump and trust the advice on the forum (I would!)

[MaryColleen]

OMG! I bought one!

I took the "jump in and buy one" advice and bought a one row cajun!

I just hit the "submit order" button and it's done. It should arrive within the week.

Why did I buy a one row two base?? I've been looking at and listening to 2 row 8 bases!

Did I make a mistake?

Ack! Buyer's panic!

[Winston Smith]

Don't worry, you'll have great time with it. Congratulations!!!

[malcolmbebb]

From what you've said earlier,, there is no wrong choice except not getting something. Have fun!

[Steve_freereeder]

OMG! I bought one!

I took the "jump in and buy one" advice and bought a one row cajun!

I just hit the "submit order" button and it's done. It should arrive within the week.

Why did I buy a one row two base?? I've been looking at and listening to 2 row 8 bases!

Did I make a mistake?

Ack! Buyer's panic!

Congratulations, Mary! You should have a lot of fun with that instrument and be assured: no - you haven't made a mistake!

Although it is generally 'accepted wisdom' that one-row four-stop instruments are not beginners' instruments, that's usually because it's recommended for beginners to explore the relationships between the rows on a two-row instrument at a fairly early stage. But, <whispers> I actually started off on a one-row instrument too!

The one-row box will teach you the push-pull technique of playing 'up and down the row' which is the underlying basis of all diatonic instruments which comprise the melodeon family. You will also have the different stops which will bring in the various banks of reeds and allow you to explore the variety of sounds which it can make.

If, at a later stage, you feel moved to get a two-row instrument, your experience and skills learned on the one-row will stand you in good stead and will never be wasted.

I don't have many recordings of me playing one-rows, but there are a few which Darren (Dazbo of this forum) made a good few years ago now.
Hopefully they will give you an introductory insight into one of the styles of playing which these boxes are capable of:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE_YMn7dINc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y0wM1w7Zdw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnNRC_Z2GJ4

[Thrupenny Bit]

Well done Mary - glad to hear you've taken the plunge!
As you can see, if you ask a question here, you'll get a lot of replies and help so please ask away if you get stuck on anything.
....and of course, most importantly, enjoy your new journey into melodeonism
Q

[MaryColleen]

I don't have many recordings of me playing one-rows, but there are a few which Darren (Dazbo of this forum) made a good few years ago now.
Hopefully they will give you an introductory insight into one of the styles of playing which these boxes are capable of:

I love these tunes! Thank you for the videos and the encouragement! I feel much less panicked today! 
And I love your Castagnari! I was actually looking at that one and almost got it, but I went with a used BonTee instead as it was a bit less expensive. I'm very excited for it to arrive! 

[Steve C.]

Several members, Daddy Long Les, Anahata and others have great one row videos on Youtube for learning and inspiration!

[Lester]

Loads of 1 row tunes here

[playandteach]

As I found out last night in Witney,  one row is a good place to learn some keyboard geography. I didn't but maybe should have started there.