Dragonslayer wrote:Hey y'all, new member here, I'm a multi instrumentalist and play lots of bluegrass but also lots of Irish and Scottish trad music, and I'm interested in learning concertina. I'm wondering what concertina would y'all recommend that is playable, sounds decent, but also won't break the bank? (My budget might be $500 preferably less, but I realize good instruments are expensive) I was looking at the Wren by McNeela music, but also wondering if anyone has a used one that might be more affordable?
And is there any accessories that are required or is it pretty self contained?
Thanks for any help
Gunnar
Well lucky for you there is a less expensive path.
I am assuming you want to go the Anglo route? If not then everything below
works for the other contenders, English Concertina, Duet etc, which are slightly
more complex to manage.
Concertina Connection;
They offer an good beginner box, the Rochelle,
http://www.concertinaconnection.com/roc ... 0anglo.htm
which you may later trade in for a better model, like their deluxe accordion
reed, or even better still, concertina reed, models.
I think this is a great way to start.
Have to add other vendors are now offering the same deal, Morse etc.
Of all those, my favorite is the Ceilidh, you can see those at the Button Box.
Too, you might be aware that getting the best box you can afford is a good idea,
because it will retain its value. I, foolishly, thought I could save a buck a few years
ago, and bought a basic accordion reed model. Boy was I wrong! In the end I had to
fix it up myself, not having the contacts nor stomach to send good after bad money.
Lately I accidentally acquired a vintage Anglo with real concertina reeds. Have to share
that I did not expect to actually win the sale for it! I was quite shocked TBH, and then
had to make arrangements to accommodate another instrument. As well, it has to be sent
off to an expert to fix a few things needing attention. But I must say, it was very well '
worth the expense and trouble. Superb sounding box! I am extremely lucky, because
the only other owner rarely played it.
So you might like to investigate that path. As already mentioned Concertina.net is a great
resource, there I have seen numerous vintage concertina reed boxes well under 2 k US. When you
consider the price of new at way over 3 k US, and some as high as 8 k US, such offerings
are very good value. Makes such as Jeffries, Wheatstone, Lachinal, Crabb, for example, sound and play as good as, and better than, the new makers.
Yes you will part with a hunk of money for such a box, and usually a bit more to get it
to your liking, but no! you wont lose a lot if you have to sell. In fact often, in my case this
really applies, a box may turn out to be worth a great deal more than it cost!
I commend you to Concertina.net where you may get a better idea of the market than elsewhere.
Hope that helps.