folkpunk - Posted - 01/14/2018:  12:02:07

Hello friends,

Figured I'd launch this out there cause I bet some of you have some knowledge. My wife has a hankering to start up on the concertina. I know nothing at all about them. Anyone got any suggestions about what to look for or avoid when purchasing a first concertina? I'd like her to start on a playable instrument, not some toy or piece of junk. Thanks in advance for any insights!

dave

MikeM70 - Posted - 01/14/2018:  12:44:26

try here: concertina.net/forums/

I'm sure they'll put you in the right direction.

amwildman - Posted - 01/14/2018:  14:06:33

Expect to pay a lot more than for a beginner fiddle. Anything under about $400 is complete junk, and a good solid intermediate model is usually well over $2000. The Rochelle is reported to have stiff bellows, but otherwise functional. Might find a good used Stagi or Lachenal, but even then, you're rolling the dice unless you know it has been checked out by a good repair person. There are just too many moving things that can go wrong to play the odds on a used concertina (or accordion), IMO.

You can also try one of the newer makers who haven't got the reputation to demand high prices yet. wolvertonconcertinas.com/ is one that I just heard about. As Mike mentioned, concertina.net/forums/index.ph...opic=8925 is a good place for more detailed information

Most everything in the 'reasonable' price range will have accordion reeds instead of the classic Wheatstone-type concertina reeds. Not sure exactly what that means - I'm no player - other than that they aren't considered ideal.

MikeM70 - Posted - 01/14/2018:  14:43:54

be aware there are 3 basic types of concertina: the anglo, the duet and the english. I could elaborate, however I am no expert, but I think this chap explains the difference between the systems in this talk: youtube.com/watch?v=R1cuieGmcy8

fiddlerjoebob - Posted - 01/20/2018:  15:40:59

I play the English concertina. The best part...you can play all the fiddle tunes you already know, and you can play them while lying in a hammock. I have Morse Albion. $2,500. I would like a Wheatstone but they are even more. Try some first.

pete_fiddle - Posted - 01/21/2018:  03:05:29

lovely little things, and go well with fiddle

these seem to know a bit about them

theirishconcertinacompany.com/

TuneWeaver - Posted - 01/24/2018:  16:28:11

Get advice from only experienced concertina players.. not us non players ...Speak with people who can respond with authority...........Anecdotes 'don't cut it'...

KenC - Posted - 01/25/2018:  05:30:48

Yes, come on over to Concertina.net forums - there are half a dozen "I'm a beginner, what do I get?" threads going right now, so you can join in. Enjoy the music whatever else you do!

Ken

fiddlerjoebob - Posted - 01/25/2018:  13:01:18

I Have been playing for twenty years. ??

fiddlerjoebob - Posted - 01/25/2018:  13:05:09

quote:

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Originally posted by fiddlerjoebob

I Have been playing concertina for twenty years. I’m a member at concertina.net too.  

Try “The Buttonbox”

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KenC - Posted - 01/25/2018:  14:11:33

My apologies, I was addressing my post to the OP.

Ken