I’m currently one of those surly pipers who terrorize small children and forum subscribers, looking to develop a bit of humanity by learning to play a button box. I am interested in playing Irish music, and am looking for a double row box that will get me started without beggaring me. Opinions and suggestions regarding makers and keys welcome.
Thanks,
dave boling
Suggest you contact Greg Jowaisas and see what he has in his current stock of repaired/renovated antique concertinas.
Otherwise for a low budget alternative: the Rochelle (even has 30 buttons, but some find it a bit large and ungainly)
Mid range hybrid concertinas (concertina construction with accordion reeds) are certainly also around, but some find the accordion reed sound less “traditional”.
Check Concertina.net for lots of great info (the Chiff and Fipple of the concertina world).
As a newby to this area, I think I may have my terminology askew. What I am looking to find is something (affordable to someone who has no idea if they have any potential ability) like this:
dave boling
Melodion.net is the place to find decent used boxes.
Deals vary, as do sellers so caveat emptor.
Scott Bellinger has restored button boxes suitable for ITM sometimes.
http://bellingersbuttonboxes.com/
Probly should figure out what system you’re interested in, B/C, C#/D, or other.
Refer to mel.net.