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Absolute Beginner Seeks Inexpensive 20B Anglo Concertina


Lallander

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Hello all.

I was directed here from another forum. I expressed my interest in finding a good cheap concertina to knock about on and they directed me to both the 20 button anglo and this fine board. I understand that that model is a bit limited, but due to how likely it seems that I will be able to get one within my budget and how easy it should be as a starter instrument I think it is a good fit. It also seems to be the perfect fit for the sort of music I'm interested in playing. Sea chantys, fiddle tunes, backup to a few drinking songs, that sort of thing.

 

From what I understand I could then move on to a quality 20 button or even upgrade to a 30 button without having to relearn much if I ever feel the need.

 

On the subject of budget I can potentially go as high as $200, but if at all possible I'm hoping to find something a bit cheaper.

 

Thanks for taking the time to check out my request.

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Your price range is a challenge - I don't know if you'll be able to find a "good cheap concertina" at that price. You might be able to find one that's not good but is playable and that doesn't break before you either move up to a better instrument or decide that concertina isn't the instrument for you. One possibility would be Stagi's cheapest concertina, the PL-4-2. I don't think that many US dealers carry this model, but I see that Jim Laabs has it for $179.95: http://www.jimlaabsmusic.com/accordions/concertinas/stagi-pl-42-concertina/prod_779.html . That dealer is known for low prices but problematic customer service if problems arise with the instruments they sell.

 

There are lots of cheap Chinese-made new 20-buttons out there sold under various brand names (including Hohner, Scarlatti, and many others) but they have a bad reputation for quality control, though you might get lucky. The other main possibility is eBay, where older German and Italian 20-button concertinas often appear at low prices being sold by people who know nothing about concertinas, but in most cases you'd be taking a gamble on both condition and quality.

 

Hello all.

I was directed here from another forum. I expressed my interest in finding a good cheap concertina to knock about on and they directed me to both the 20 button anglo and this fine board. I understand that that model is a bit limited, but due to how likely it seems that I will be able to get one within my budget and how easy it should be as a starter instrument I think it is a good fit. It also seems to be the perfect fit for the sort of music I'm interested in playing. Sea chantys, fiddle tunes, backup to a few drinking songs, that sort of thing.

 

From what I understand I could then move on to a quality 20 button or even upgrade to a 30 button without having to relearn much if I ever feel the need.

 

On the subject of budget I can potentially go as high as $200, but if at all possible I'm hoping to find something a bit cheaper.

 

Thanks for taking the time to check out my request.

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Probably your best inexpensive bet is if someone here has a playable beat-up Bastari or Scholer sitting around. I usually have one or two spares around as loaners, but don't have any at the moment. Those could be found in your budget and would at least give you something to play for a while until you decide if concertina is for you.

 

For new, the PL-42 has gotten some positive mention on this forum, and based on that I considered getting one to serve as a backpacking instrument since the hard plastic would make it lighter and more durable. The photo they have on the Jim Laabs site is kinda garish, but they offer black as an option too, which looks a lot more subdued:

 

2zog65z.jpg

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Probably your best inexpensive bet is if someone here has a playable beat-up Bastari or Scholer sitting around.

 

This sounds like the best option if anyone does have one. The Stagi initially turned me off due to the bright Christmas color scheme. The flat black is a lot better, but I think I'd rather have an older instrument.

 

If a 30 button Anglo showed up in my price range or just a bit above I would probably be interested in that as well. I'm not sure I would need it, but it would certainly be nice to have.

 

I am certain I want a concertina though. I've been wanting one for a few years now and have finally been able to save up some cash to treat myself to one.

 

Thanks for the advice so far.

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I'd say it's a Bastari/Stagi. Looks like it's in excellent condition and a good bet for the price.

 

Congrats on your purchase of what appears to be a Hohner or similar - almost certainly a good choice given your preferences and price range. Have fun with your new instrument!

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  • 4 weeks later...

Listen to me, my friend

 

A 20 key anglo will frustrate the hell out of you. You are better off going here (or somewhere similar :-)

 

http://yueweimusic.en.alibaba.com/product/309537444-209444901/100_Guaranteed_Concertina_musical_instrument.html

 

You will need to pose as a dealer, looking for a sample or two! And don't let them screw you for the postage.

 

In fact at their price maybe buy two so that you can use the second one for parts (when they fall off)

 

At least you get a FULL instrument to mess with.

 

Peter

Ballyshannon, Donegal, Ireland

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Listen to me, my friend

 

A 20 key anglo will frustrate the hell out of you. You are better off going here (or somewhere similar :-)

 

http://yueweimusic.en.alibaba.com/product/309537444-209444901/100_Guaranteed_Concertina_musical_instrument.html

 

You will need to pose as a dealer, looking for a sample or two! And don't let them screw you for the postage.

 

In fact at their price maybe buy two so that you can use the second one for parts (when they fall off)

 

At least you get a FULL instrument to mess with.

 

Peter

Ballyshannon, Donegal, Ireland

 

Umm - if you read post #6 above, it says:

 

I am now the happy owner of a 30 button anglo concertina thanks to this fine community.

I look forward to slowly learning how to make it play music. :D

 

Post #5 has a link to pictures of the instrument he purchased. Generally a good idea to read through a thread before replying to it. B)

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