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Edgley Vs. Tedrow Concertinas?


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I'm looking into purchasing either an Edgley or a Tedrow concertina, but I'm not sure which one. The only concertina I've ever played or heard in person is a Rochelle, so I really have no idea about the subtle differences of these instruments.

Any suggestions or tips would be helpful. Any information would be great (i.e. differences in sound or response or what music they're best suited for playing).

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so I really have no idea about the subtle differences of these instruments.

I've never met a Edgley, only a Tedrow concertina, and I liked it very much. What I've read about Frank Edgley's concertinas leads me to believe I'd like them very much too. That doesn't help you with your question of course, but there isn't actually an answer. You'll be glad to hear, though, that there is a reason for this.

 

Frank and Bob both make concertinas to order, rather than on a production line. This means they have the opportunity to offer their buyers some degree of customisation, so you can't make direct comparisons of the kind I think you are looking for. I would say that, whichever of them you deal with, you should end up with a concertina you will really like.

 

Chris

 

Edited to add PS: another maker I'd put in the same category is Andy Norman of England. The recent plunge of the pound against the dollar may make his concertinas more attractive over there in the US

Edited by Chris Timson
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I own an Edgley, but I heard very good things about both. I don't think you can go wrong with either of them.

 

What amazes me about my Edgley is that it can hold it's own in term of reed response and action against any very good concertina. It's much better in term of action and speed than many more expensive concertina-reeded concertina I've tried. I'm sure it's the same with Tedrow's.

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I'm looking into purchasing either an Edgley or a Tedrow concertina, but I'm not sure which one. The only concertina I've ever played or heard in person is a Rochelle, so I really have no idea about the subtle differences of these instruments.

Any suggestions or tips would be helpful. Any information would be great (i.e. differences in sound or response or what music they're best suited for playing).

 

I've owned both and can say that they are excellent instruments. Great sound, responsive action, similar price and feel. From my perspective as a new owner I've found both a joy to play. Both Frank and Bob are great to talk to if you have any questions and are a pleasure to do business with.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

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My choice came down to Edgley or Tedrow. I listened to the music files on both websites; both appealed to me.

 

I would have been equally happy with either.

 

What decided it for me was the 24-button option Edgley offered -- I have notably small hands, even for a female.

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Edited to add PS: another maker I'd put in the same category is Andy Norman of England. The recent plunge of the pound against the dollar may make his concertinas more attractive over there in the US

 

Although the Canadian Dollar is dropping faster :angry:

Edited by Paul Read
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Edited to add PS: another maker I'd put in the same category is Andy Norman of England. The recent plunge of the pound against the dollar may make his concertinas more attractive over there in the US

 

Although the Canadian Dollar is dropping faster :angry:

 

Yeah, so americans can now buy canadian products for really cheap!

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I concur with the other opinions that both makers build excellent concertinas.

 

I own a Bb/F Tedrow and have another one on order that will have the Ab/Eb keys. Bob is willing to accomodate any special order (within reason).

 

Bob and Frank are able to fill your order within six months compared to other concertina builders who will place your request on a 3 to 5 year waiting list.

 

Good luck with your decision.

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Bob and Frank are able to fill your order within six months compared to other concertina builders who will place your request on a 3 to 5 year waiting list.

If I might chime in here... Morse's are quite decent boxes too... and with our increased production (and softening of the economy) our wait list is now only a few weeks long rather than months... and some of our models are available right now - we have stock on the shelves! Check them out.

 

It's true that we don't offer an abundance of options or special customisations, but we do have many choices of keys, the odd special note here and there, and choice of cherry or black finish... but if that's acceptable you can get a decent box plenty quick!

 

Or is there something specific that you want that has limited you to an Edgley or Tedrow?

 

-- Rich --

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Kensingtons have a great reputation for the price -- but so far as I know you can't order one:

 

"5/6/07 My books are temporarily closed. I need to focus on completing the many orders I currently have before I can accept any new ones."

 

How do people feel about Kensington concertinas for a mid-range instrument?
Edited by Daniel Hersh
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If I might chime in here... Morse's are quite decent boxes too

We can't have Rich blowing his own trumpet without a backing band! I own a Morse Ceili G/D, it's a good instrument, no question. I am in the lucky position of owning a fine Jeffries G/D which is my pride and joy (along with my Dipper baritone) but it's heavy, and as a morris musician I wanted something I could stand up and play for long periods while still being a nice instrument. The Morse fulfills that role admirably. Although my first choice in a session would of course be my Jeffries I have, in circumstances where I was likely to play for morris and go to a session, just taken the Morse and had a good time. I wouldn't be without it. (There's got to be an advertising slogan in there somewhere: Morris without a Morse just isn't Morris?).

 

The problem is, the choice of a concertina is a very individual thing. We can say whether in general a maker makes decent instruments; we can give some broad characteristics (e.g. Morse boxes are unusually light, Tedrows often have beautiful veneer on the ends etc) but after that it's down to you. The great positive is, as Ken says, we are lucky (especially anglo players and to a slightly lesser extent English players) to have so many capable makers nowadays. It was very different 12 years ago!

 

Chris

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I'm looking into purchasing either an Edgley or a Tedrow concertina, but I'm not sure which one. The only concertina I've ever played or heard in person is a Rochelle, so I really have no idea about the subtle differences of these instruments.

Any suggestions or tips would be helpful. Any information would be great (i.e. differences in sound or response or what music they're best suited for playing).

I'm sort of in a similar situation....ordered a Tedrow myself. :) I think they are beautiful....plus the exchange rate and great service.

(Having to wait...ooohhh...I so can't wait) lol!

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