Wakker Anglo A1

[Connie Scanlon]

I am looking to try out a Wakker A1 Anglo concertina with the intention of ordering one if it feels right for me. Would anyone know of a contact here in Ireland where I could possibly try one out? Thanks for any help provided.

[Susanne]

I don't know but many of the music shops I've been to have some good concertinas or at least some knowledge about them. I remember one of the guys at Custy's music shop in Ennis had quite a few concertinas and he seemed to know what he was talking about. I can imagine Galway would be a good place too.

[Connie Scanlon]

Thanks Susi. I am just back from a concertina weekend in Ennis called 'Consairtín, the National Concertina Convention'. A great weekend of concerts, workshops, sessions, etc. Actually I did visit Custy's and tried a concertina there. The fellow behind the counter was very nice and helpful. However, there was an expo at the festival -- 3 concertina makers showing their wares. I met Jose Claro and fell in love with a mini ebony. My name is on his list now, so that's me sorted!

[Susanne]

I read about that convention, I can imagine that must have been a great weekend. Good for you about the ebony concertina!!

[Connie Scanlon]

It was a good one, Susi. I would highly recommend it for next year. The dates will be April 1-3, 2016. This was the second year and I can imagine it will continue to grow. There were 14 teachers, two adult classes (lots of children learning to play!). I had Mary MacNamara, a wonderful teacher and musician. The workshop was 3 hours across 2 days. Came home with plenty of homework! She taught us 2 reels, 'Kiss Me Kate' and 'Patrick's Night'. She spent a lot of time teaching us how to play with rhythm. Also went over rolls and cuts. I had a time of it trying to keep up with the class, but will happily spend the next few months going over my notes and recording. The concerts were great. We heard a lot of wonderful music. Very inspiring! There were sessions at night, too. Ennis is a lovely town (as you know) and we really enjoyed walking around and finding places for lunch. It was also great to try out a variety of concertinas from the 3 makers that were there. Kind of noisy at times, but it was possible to stop in when the room was less crowded and have a go. Jose Claro was very nice and his concertinas were great. He doesn't advertise or even have a website. So it was lucky for me to meet him. I'm playing a Genus/Wakker at present, which is fine in many respects. It's very easy to play. The action is very smooth. But it's loud and the accordion reeds give a different sound. The mini ebony is mellow and the high notes are less piercing to my ears. Anyway, as I was playing it, tears came into my eyes, so it must be the right concertina for me!