I’ve played with button box players in sessions and it’s never been a problem; free reeds actually have an amazing dynamic range so playing quietly shouldn’t be a problem. They’re also great at doing choppy rhythmic chord bits to add spice and energy.
Think positive
John S
Thanks, John S.
I’m trying to think positively, but I also know this musician.
Judging by his guitar abilities (of many years), dynamic playing is not a forte.
Better still, you could tape his hands behind his back. He’ll be really quiet then and have a lot of time to reflect on the virtues of buying a concertina. 
I hear you, wombat; concertinas are SOOOOO much nicer.
Hey now! 
Not all boxes sound like the ceili accordions of the past and not everyone plays like Joe Burke. Have a listen to John Williams (yes, he plays both), Billy McComiskey, Patty Furlong, Jackie Daly… list goes on and on.
There are some lovely sounding boxes out there made even moreso in the hands of a good player. I may start an argument on this point, but just about anything will sound better than some Hohners (except one of those little toy jobs sold by Lark)
Anyway, Wombat, I think you’re biased on this one. I, on the other hand am completely impartial 
Hehe Slagging aside, you’re right ofcourse I have found myself playing with quite a few nice accordeon players over the past few years and it can be a good thing indeed. Listen to Conor Keane, Josie Marsh, Charlie Piggot, Eoin O Sullivan, Andrew Mcnamara, Christy mcNamara even, Jackie Small. Nice music in all of them
As I’m sure you know, I’m just goofing about. Sure, I play concertina and yes, I would choose it ahead of accordeon. But I’d very much like to play accordeon as well some day. I actually love accordeon in lots of contexts other than Irish too, cajun and tango for example. The biggest difficulty, apart from getting a good box, is committing to yet another instrument with limited practice time.