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Upgrading Concertina


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I had a great 20 button lachenal and there was plenty of music inside that box, and it had "the sound" which I loved. I moved to a 30 button to explore more keys but if you're willing to live with the limitations of 20 keys, they're great value.

 

I'd love to one day find a really nice old 20 button made by Jeffries or their ilk, for those old tunes that just fall perfectly on the main rows.

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I would certainly endorse the idea of the 26 button Jones mentioned further up the thread, it will give you all the most important buttons for cross row playing and is a decent "proper" concertina. I had one of these a couple of years ago and was very happy with it.

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Thanks everyone for your comments. Yesterday I received a Lachenal 20keyCG Anglo with rosewood ends from Barleycorn.............And I am thrilled! The sound and play is a world away from my Scarlatti (which I've passed on to my 7 year old son much to his joy). The Lachenal seems a fine instrument; tight bellows and a lovely rich sound, sounds as though i've stepped back in time.It's much smaller of course than the Scarlatti, it feels like a real instrument.

 

I've plenty to keep me going on 20 keys at the moment and Morris tunes look very accessible indeed. Doubtless I will want to upgrade in future but this instrument has given me the inspiration and excitement to push (or pulld!) onwards!

 

Enough of the hyperbole! Thanks again for all the input.

 

adam

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Good choice. If you play across the rows, you will find that Bampton and Headington Quarry tunes generally fit nicely on a 20B with plenty of opportunities for a harmonic accompaniment. For example, the Webley will fit nicely in either of the two keys, with different fingering and a different sound. I love my 20B Lachenal.

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Adam, I don't play an anglo, but I've experienced the joy of an upgrade, and I think many of us feel your enthusiasm for your new instrument.

 

You're in for a whole new world of joy! Perhaps some frustration, too, as you can't blame the instrument for shortcomings!

 

Mike

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