Okay, so I've never actually played a concertina, but I wanted a change from the accordian. I need to know what would be a good concertina(at a reasonable price) on which to start learning.

You're in luck - this has been discussed around here at some length. A search for "beginner" or such will turn up some relevant threads, but here are a few:
http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=3875
http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=3803
http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=3787

To toss my own story into the mix... I play Irish tunes almost exclusively. I have owned a 30-button Stagi for 7 years (the model that's going for about $650 at the Button Box these days). I started paying serious attention to it about two years ago, and I've learned a lot from it. Now I am about to upgrade, because I still love to play the concertina.

Hello. I bought a Jackie English concertina last December and now I'm hooked. I am pleased with the instrument given the budget price. I had a problem with a slow responding note and emailed Mr. Wim Wakker. He replied immediatly with repair instructions and I was able to solve the problem.

My wife plays folk and Celtic music (fiddle), and told me I need to accompany her if I want to eat well, so now I am looking at the Guens-Wakker 48 button treble instrument or the English 48 button Morse. Any insights regarding the merits of either instrument? Any other advise? How would an older Lachenal in decent shape compare?
Very happy to have found this site.
Thanks,

Geoff Bury
Pleasant Grove, Ut

Both excellent instruments.

Geoff, I can't speak to the Wakker, but I do own a Morse. Great instrument, fast, light and a pretty thing to look at. Two years out this month and it's trouble free and sounding better all the time. An older Lachenal in the same price range could be alright and most likely have a wonderful sound for accompanyment.

Thanks Jim.

Right Mr. Bard, before you think about that lot too hard you need to decide which of the systems you want. There are 3 main ones, each played very differently, they each have strengths, they each have weaknesses, they each have differing availabilities and prices. Anglo, English, or Duet. That's your first decision. Then you can think about where it comes from!