I've decided I want to play a squeezbox of some kind..and I love the look of the concertina's. But I've no idea which one to go for. I've never played one before and I have a pretty megre buget so I don't want to pay out lots of money at first.
Is there anywhere that's good to go to get a chance to try before buying?
Any advice would be welcome. (sorry I suppose you here these questions a lot)
Full Version: Advice For A Newbie On A Budget
The best bargain brands are the Rochelle, Jack, and Jackie from Concertina Connection. The Rochelle is an Anglo (different notes on push or pull, very much like a harmonica), the Jack and Jackie are English (same note in either direction, the scale goes back and forth from one hand to the other).
Stagi and Hohner aren't as good in my opinion.
If you get an Anglo get 30 buttons. 20 buttons are too limited.
The ones I listed are advertised on the Music Room's website at 270 pounds. I'd suggest just finding a shop that has Englishes and Anglos to figure out which kind you like better, and order one of those online.
I got confused between this post and another, it seems, so I had put this answer in another thread where it may not have belonged so well.
Stagi and Hohner aren't as good in my opinion.
If you get an Anglo get 30 buttons. 20 buttons are too limited.
The ones I listed are advertised on the Music Room's website at 270 pounds. I'd suggest just finding a shop that has Englishes and Anglos to figure out which kind you like better, and order one of those online.
I got confused between this post and another, it seems, so I had put this answer in another thread where it may not have belonged so well.
Depends mostly upon what you mean by "lots of money" and what type of music you'd like to play on the box (as some types of concertinas are easier to play certain genres of music over other types of concertinas). There are a number of places in the UK you an go to try out boxes and to get advice. Unfortunately I'm in the US and have little idea of the closest concertina selling stores and festivals over your way.
One thing I *can* suggest: consider borrowing or renting a concertina at first. That would be a very inexpensive way to get to try out several types of concertinas to see which is best for you - before spending considerable dough on one that doesn't work well and/or is hard to play the type of music you'd like to play.
So - what would you like to play on it and what sort of budget do you have?
-- Rich --
One thing I *can* suggest: consider borrowing or renting a concertina at first. That would be a very inexpensive way to get to try out several types of concertinas to see which is best for you - before spending considerable dough on one that doesn't work well and/or is hard to play the type of music you'd like to play.
So - what would you like to play on it and what sort of budget do you have?
-- Rich --
Have you heard one being played? That might help you make your mind up.
Basically, there are three types of concertina. Anglo.......which usually makes a very rhythmical sound. English, can sound rhythmic but can also sound very lyrical and duet.....of which there are many variants.....hard to come buy, hard to find anybody who can teach you, probably expensive but sound absolutely gorgeous in the right hands....bit like a church organ.
If I were you, I'd get along to your local folk music club, or try to find your local Morris dance side....I'm sure they'd put you right.
Trust me on this though.........if you buy a cheap concertina you will either give up quickly or you'll end up buying another one very quickly.
You might consider buying an English button melodeon instead? They look like a piano accordian but with buttons instead of piano keys.
They actually work in pretty much the same way as an Anglo concertina.
You can get a Hohner Pokerwork melodeon for just under £400
http://www.themusicroom-online.co.uk/produ...products_id/641
Mine must be about 25 years old now and is still going strong.
Keep in touch,
Phil
Basically, there are three types of concertina. Anglo.......which usually makes a very rhythmical sound. English, can sound rhythmic but can also sound very lyrical and duet.....of which there are many variants.....hard to come buy, hard to find anybody who can teach you, probably expensive but sound absolutely gorgeous in the right hands....bit like a church organ.
If I were you, I'd get along to your local folk music club, or try to find your local Morris dance side....I'm sure they'd put you right.
Trust me on this though.........if you buy a cheap concertina you will either give up quickly or you'll end up buying another one very quickly.
You might consider buying an English button melodeon instead? They look like a piano accordian but with buttons instead of piano keys.
They actually work in pretty much the same way as an Anglo concertina.
You can get a Hohner Pokerwork melodeon for just under £400
http://www.themusicroom-online.co.uk/produ...products_id/641
Mine must be about 25 years old now and is still going strong.
Keep in touch,
Phil
QUOTE (Richard Morse @ Aug 10 2008, 08:17 PM) 
One thing I *can* suggest: consider borrowing or renting a concertina at first. That would be a very inexpensive way to get to try out several types of concertinas to see which is best for you - before spending considerable dough on one that doesn't work well and/or is hard to play the type of music you'd like to play.
So - what would you like to play on it and what sort of budget do you have?
-- Rich --
So - what would you like to play on it and what sort of budget do you have?
-- Rich --
Well budget wise I'm putting aside I've got about £120 to spend at the monet but I'm putting aside a little money each week. So the longer I spend deciding the bigger my budget.
I'd be greatful if I can play anything..something you can dance/tap your foot to (I just want something portable I can play on my own).
QUOTE
If I were you, I'd get along to your local folk music club,
is there a site I can go to to find my local one?
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 10 2008, 03:27 PM)
Well budget wise I'm putting aside I've got about £120 to spend
About the only type of concertina you'll get for that amount will be a reeeeeeaaally terrible quality Chinese made one. They are so bad - and take so much work just to fix them to be marginally playable - that we can't/won't sell them in our store. OTOH, you can rent a far better concertina (anglo, English or duet) for about £13 per month... if you were in the US. I assume that you can rent them for a similar amount in the UK. That way you can continue to save up to get a decent box - and know which type to get too.
QUOTE
I'd be greatful if I can play anything..something you can dance/tap your foot to (I just want something portable I can play on my own).
Like Cajun music? French quadrilles? Riverdance? Classical? Ragtime? Morris.... ? And do you expect/hope to learn and play from books and other concertina players (then the keys your concertina plays in, and that it should be in concert pitch, would be important)?
I know this may sound like a lot of extraneous info-gathering, but the three systems of concertinas are quite different from each other, and with such a limited budget it really makes sense to get the box which will allow you to play what you want to most easily.
-- Rich --
By a "squeezebox" what do you mean?
And why did you decide on a squeezebox? Have you heard a sound and liked it?
If so, it probably was an accordion of some sort.
In general there are about 13 types of "squeezeboxes", each for it's own type of music, but intersecting a lot.
If you are in UK, the chances are you heard, in probability
1. Piano accordion - easy to find, rent, find a teacher. There are smaller ones. If you really want portability, get one with 24 basses, but have thirds removed in chords.
2. 2 row D/G Melodeon
3. 2 row B/C Melodeon
4. Shand Accordion
2-4 are like harmonica, push/pulling produces different sound, but they are smaller, portable, more expensive (much more expensive than used small Piano Accordion) and less versatile. So if you like squeezebox, and want versatility, small PA would do nicely. If you into some particular music, like Irish, English, Scottish, I'd go with button box, they look better, smaller, punchier, more danceable. If the money is an issue, and musical appetites are not so great, you can go with one row Hohner Pokerwork, they are cheaper, but very good, esp. for punchy danceable folk tunes. And they are very small.
If you are set on strange ridiculous 6 sided Concertina, you need to decide on whether you like the sound.
Mind you, concertina is not an accordion, it sounds very different, and may not suite the music of your liking.
Other than that, Rochelle/Jackie will be the only reasonable choice.
And why did you decide on a squeezebox? Have you heard a sound and liked it?
If so, it probably was an accordion of some sort.
In general there are about 13 types of "squeezeboxes", each for it's own type of music, but intersecting a lot.
If you are in UK, the chances are you heard, in probability
1. Piano accordion - easy to find, rent, find a teacher. There are smaller ones. If you really want portability, get one with 24 basses, but have thirds removed in chords.
2. 2 row D/G Melodeon
3. 2 row B/C Melodeon
4. Shand Accordion
2-4 are like harmonica, push/pulling produces different sound, but they are smaller, portable, more expensive (much more expensive than used small Piano Accordion) and less versatile. So if you like squeezebox, and want versatility, small PA would do nicely. If you into some particular music, like Irish, English, Scottish, I'd go with button box, they look better, smaller, punchier, more danceable. If the money is an issue, and musical appetites are not so great, you can go with one row Hohner Pokerwork, they are cheaper, but very good, esp. for punchy danceable folk tunes. And they are very small.
If you are set on strange ridiculous 6 sided Concertina, you need to decide on whether you like the sound.
Mind you, concertina is not an accordion, it sounds very different, and may not suite the music of your liking.
Other than that, Rochelle/Jackie will be the only reasonable choice.
QUOTE (Richard Morse @ Aug 10 2008, 09:17 PM)
About the only type of concertina you'll get for that amount will be a reeeeeeaaally terrible quality Chinese made one. They are so bad - and take so much work just to fix them to be marginally playable
so is not worth getting a cheap one that I can learn the principals of playing on then before investing in something more expensive?
QUOTE
OTOH, you can rent a far better concertina (anglo, English or duet) for about £13 per month... if you were in the US. I assume that you can rent them for a similar amount in the UK. That way you can continue to save up to get a decent box - and know which type to get too.
I didn't know you could rent them....I'll have to google that.
QUOTE
Like Cajun music? French quadrilles? Riverdance? Classical? Ragtime? Morris.... ? And do you expect/hope to learn and play from books and other concertina players (then the keys your concertina plays in, and that it should be in concert pitch, would be important)?
erm folky stuff...jigs, hornpies maybe I'm not really fussed. I like the sound of the instrument.
And I'll learn however I can probably be from a book unless there's a DVD I could learn from?QUOTE
By a "squeezebox" what do you mean?
oh I just read somewhere that was a collective tern for these kinda instruments. Maybe I misunderstood.
QUOTE
1. Piano accordion - easy to find, rent, find a teacher. There are smaller ones. If you really want portability, get one with 24 basses, but have thirds removed in chords.
2. 2 row D/G Melodeon
3. 2 row B/C Melodeon
4. Shand Accordion
2-4 are like harmonica, push/pulling produces different sound, but they are smaller, portable, more expensive (much more expensive than used small Piano Accordion) and less versatile. So if you like squeezebox, and want versatility, small PA would do nicely. If you into some particular music, like Irish, English, Scottish, I'd go with button box, they look better, smaller, punchier, more danceable. If the money is an issue, and musical appetites are not so great, you can go with one row Hohner Pokerwork, they are cheaper, but very good, esp. for punchy danceable folk tunes. And they are very small.
If you are set on strange ridiculous 6 sided Concertina, you need to decide on whether you like the sound.
Mind you, concertina is not an accordion, it sounds very different, and may not suite the music of your liking.
Other than that, Rochelle/Jackie will be the only reasonable choice.
2. 2 row D/G Melodeon
3. 2 row B/C Melodeon
4. Shand Accordion
2-4 are like harmonica, push/pulling produces different sound, but they are smaller, portable, more expensive (much more expensive than used small Piano Accordion) and less versatile. So if you like squeezebox, and want versatility, small PA would do nicely. If you into some particular music, like Irish, English, Scottish, I'd go with button box, they look better, smaller, punchier, more danceable. If the money is an issue, and musical appetites are not so great, you can go with one row Hohner Pokerwork, they are cheaper, but very good, esp. for punchy danceable folk tunes. And they are very small.
If you are set on strange ridiculous 6 sided Concertina, you need to decide on whether you like the sound.
Mind you, concertina is not an accordion, it sounds very different, and may not suite the music of your liking.
Other than that, Rochelle/Jackie will be the only reasonable choice.
this is all so compilcated. lol! A lot to take in. never knew there was so much choice.
I don't see the attraction of a button accordion, myself. They aren't any cheaper than a Rochelle, and have (from what I've seen anyways) a more limited range. They do have that accordion sound, if you like that kind of thing, but I don't find it that appealing personally. The concertina's woodwind-like sound is more attractive to me, but then I was once a woodwind player so it would be.
The button box has a $20 toy accordion for the very cost-conscious consumer. It'll handle the classics: Mary and her Stupid Lamb and the like.
ETA: No, DO NOT get the cheap one. Alll you will learn is how frustrating frustration can actually get. It's wasted money. You get more enjoyment, and learn more, by chucking the money you'd spend on one in a bonfire.
The button box has a $20 toy accordion for the very cost-conscious consumer. It'll handle the classics: Mary and her Stupid Lamb and the like.
ETA: No, DO NOT get the cheap one. Alll you will learn is how frustrating frustration can actually get. It's wasted money. You get more enjoyment, and learn more, by chucking the money you'd spend on one in a bonfire.
QUOTE
The button box has a $20 toy accordion for the very cost-conscious consumer. It'll handle the classics: Mary and her Stupid Lamb and the like.
I hear Mary's lamb go blue tounge and had to be put down
*Gleaned from elsewhere* LDT is a Spiers and Boden/Bellowhead fan so raunchy English style trad is what rocks the boat. Anglo or English concertinas probably fit the bill (but probably hasn't noticed that John Boden (rarely) plays a pretty mean MacCann duet).
LDT: Keep saving, you'll need double + your existing funds to buy a decent starter instrument in the UK. Anything less will put you off forever believe me.
Welcome to the wacky (and expensive
) world of concertina playing.
Pete.
LDT: Keep saving, you'll need double + your existing funds to buy a decent starter instrument in the UK. Anything less will put you off forever believe me.
Welcome to the wacky (and expensive
) world of concertina playing.Pete.
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 10 2008, 04:34 PM)
QUOTE (Richard Morse @ Aug 10 2008, 09:17 PM)
About the only type of concertina you'll get for that amount will be a reeeeeeaaally terrible quality Chinese made one. They are so bad - and take so much work just to fix them to be marginally playable
so is not worth getting a cheap one that I can learn the principals of playing on then before investing in something more expensive?
Not worth it. Most of those cheap ones don't work right out of the box: notes severely out of tune, buttons that stick down, bellows leaks.... You wind up spending half the time fussing with it to get it playable and then the other half trying to manage the uneven button travel and pressure while fighting stiff bellows. Finally you give up and get a better concertina - or are so put off that you go for another type of instrument entirely.
Look at the options: Spend £40 on a Chinese disaster and a lot of fixit time and you might get half that back if you manage to sell it (not counting the time/effort you put into dealing with it)... or rent a better box for 4 months (actually trading them in so that you can try all three types!) which is easier to play and have no problems. If you value your time.... which is the better deal? At the end of 4 months you either have a box you really can't stand, has hampered your learning, and you have no clue as to what the other types are like to play... or be much further along learning to play the thing and know which type of concertina to upgrade to.
QUOTE
erm folky stuff...jigs, hornpies maybe I'm not really fussed. I like the sound of the instrument. And I'll learn however I can probably be from a book unless there's a DVD I could learn from?
And I'll learn however I can probably be from a book unless there's a DVD I could learn from?Sounds like English style traditional dance tunes. There are lots of books and some DVD's to learn from. Going to festivals, events, and gatherings to learn from players first hand is even better.
Who have you heard play concertina that you like the sound of? Knowing what type of concertina s/he plays will help figure out which type may be most suitable for you. At the moment it's sounding like you'll be happiest with a G/D anglo or an English concertina.
-- Rich --
Try selling your wife/husband/children/soul into slavery, and buy the best box there is.
Otherwise (trust me) you'll spend the rest of your life trawling this site to find what you really want...Jeffries/Crabb/Wheatstone/English/Anglo/Duet/whatever.
Sorry - you're hooked...
MB
Otherwise (trust me) you'll spend the rest of your life trawling this site to find what you really want...Jeffries/Crabb/Wheatstone/English/Anglo/Duet/whatever.
Sorry - you're hooked...
MB
QUOTE
Try selling your wife/husband/children/soul into slavery
unfortunately I have none of the above to sell
QUOTE
*Gleaned from elsewhere* LDT is a Spiers and Boden/Bellowhead fan so raunchy English style trad is what rocks the boat. Anglo or English concertinas probably fit the bill (but probably hasn't noticed that John Boden (rarely) plays a pretty mean MacCann duet).
oooh...is there a clip on youtube anywhere of that?
QUOTE
LDT: Keep saving, you'll need double + your existing funds to buy a decent starter instrument in the UK. Anything less will put you off forever believe me.
£240? It will be the most i've ever invested in an instrument.
I'd better get saving....or ask for contributions from family.*puts tin marked concertina fund on desk* I may threaten them with playing the recorder if they don't pay up.
QUOTE
Welcome to the wacky (and expensive unsure.gif ) world of concertina playing.
Thank you for the welcome
LDT - here some examples of different concertinas and playing styles on YouTube:
These are some of my favourites - no doubt other folks may think differently!
Anglo Concertina (plays different notes on the push and pull; higher notes are on the RH side, lower notes are on the LH side)
Brian Peters - anglo concertina played in so-called 'English style'. Probably the very best exponent of this style in my opinion!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=blZeRHg6RUM
Liam (can't remember his 2nd name) playing a morris tune on anglo concertina also in so-called 'English style'
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx8p5QpLbBM&...feature=related
Noel Hill playing Irish traditional music on anglo concertina - some would say the he is the very best in this style.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MWosPa3SuNM&...feature=related
Edel Fox - a fine young player of Irish traditional music on anglo concertina
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mMzwjNbioTY&...feature=related
English Concertina (plays the same note on push and pull; the notes of the scales alternate from side to side).
Pauline de Snoo playing English concertina in 'classical style'
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=D_YC_tgZYXg&...feature=related
Simon Thoumire playing fast dance tunes on English concertina
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LiSnLR6Ojuk
Duet concertina - (various types, but all play the same note on push and pull; the higher notes are on the RH side, the lower notes on the LH side)
Robert Dawson playing a very fine Crane Duet:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IGkolUwGA9o
JeffLeff playing a Hayden Duet concertina
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVrHqQkMC0&...feature=related
These are some of my favourites - no doubt other folks may think differently!
Anglo Concertina (plays different notes on the push and pull; higher notes are on the RH side, lower notes are on the LH side)
Brian Peters - anglo concertina played in so-called 'English style'. Probably the very best exponent of this style in my opinion!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=blZeRHg6RUM
Liam (can't remember his 2nd name) playing a morris tune on anglo concertina also in so-called 'English style'
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx8p5QpLbBM&...feature=related
Noel Hill playing Irish traditional music on anglo concertina - some would say the he is the very best in this style.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MWosPa3SuNM&...feature=related
Edel Fox - a fine young player of Irish traditional music on anglo concertina
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mMzwjNbioTY&...feature=related
English Concertina (plays the same note on push and pull; the notes of the scales alternate from side to side).
Pauline de Snoo playing English concertina in 'classical style'
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=D_YC_tgZYXg&...feature=related
Simon Thoumire playing fast dance tunes on English concertina
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LiSnLR6Ojuk
Duet concertina - (various types, but all play the same note on push and pull; the higher notes are on the RH side, the lower notes on the LH side)
Robert Dawson playing a very fine Crane Duet:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IGkolUwGA9o
JeffLeff playing a Hayden Duet concertina
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RDVrHqQkMC0&...feature=related
QUOTE
this is all so compilcated. lol! A lot to take in. never knew there was so much choice.
Don't be put off, when it comes to real choice, it's not so complicated at all. Try to figure what guitar tuning you
'd prefer - that's the choice!
Or worse, the world of harmonicas. Unless you are dead centered on Blues the way Hawling Wolf played it, you are swimming the the vast ocean of different tunings, systems, all of which look identical.
But first of all:
Where have you heard the sound, and what this sound was: thin, thick, with our without accompaniment?
Have you seen anyone play a squeezebox? Which was it, square, 6-sided, small or large? Did it have piano keys or all buttons?
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 11 2008, 09:01 AM)
QUOTE
*Gleaned from elsewhere* LDT is a Spiers and Boden/Bellowhead fan so raunchy English style trad is what rocks the boat. Anglo or English concertinas probably fit the bill (but probably hasn't noticed that John Boden (rarely) plays a pretty mean MacCann duet).
oooh...is there a clip on youtube anywhere of that?
Not that I'm aware of, if you delve around the Spiers and Boden website long enough you'll find reference to the MacCann. We went to see Eliza Carthy backed by S&B a while ago and the MacCann got an airing that night, I was pretty impressed with his playing.
QUOTE
£240? It will be the most i've ever invested in an instrument. I'd better get saving....or ask for contributions from family.
I'd better get saving....or ask for contributions from family.Current price for the Jack/Jackie/Rochelle at The Music Room is £269.99! In March 2007 when I got a Jack and a Jackie the Jackie was about £199 and the Jack and Rochelle £210
QUOTE (tallship @ Aug 11 2008, 05:31 PM)
Current price for the Jack/Jackie/Rochelle at The Music Room is £269.99! In March 2007 when I got a Jack and a Jackie the Jackie was about £199 and the Jack and Rochelle £210
The Button Box sells both models for the same price £178 (we even have a used one at the moment for £155) . I don't know how much shipping and UK tax would be though it seems that there might be some savings by taking advantage of our weak dollar
-- Rich --
QUOTE
Or worse, the world of harmonicas. Unless you are dead centered on Blues the way Hawling Wolf played it, you are swimming the the vast ocean of different tunings, systems, all of which look identical.
Oh I managed to play twinkle twinkle little star on a harmonica once...but it made me go all dizzy. lol!
I am quite fancying the Anglo, and I'd rather go for what is a popular/common tuning. Is that 'D'?
I don't want to make a final decision till I've had a go on one though. I don't think there's any sops which sell them in southend so I might pop up to London.
QUOTE
The Button Box sells both models for the same price £178 (we even have a used one at the moment for £155) . I don't know how much shipping and UK tax would be though it seems that there might be some savings by taking advantage of our weak dollar
sounds like a bargain. Do you ship to the UK then?
QUOTE
Not that I'm aware of, if you delve around the Spiers and Boden website long enough you'll find reference to the MacCann. We went to see Eliza Carthy backed by S&B a while ago and the MacCann got an airing that night, I was pretty impressed with his playing.
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 12 2008, 04:01 AM)
I am quite fancying the Anglo, and I'd rather go for what is a popular/common tuning. Is that 'D'?
The Rochelle Anglo that everyone recommends (me too, I started on one and they're excellent) only comes in C/G, which is the most common tuning for Anglos.
Having said that, G/D Anglos are great for playing English traditional music on, and if you're going to be (eventually) playing with others, that tuning goes well with fiddles and melodeons.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with starting on a C/G Rochelle and then trading up to a better instrument in G/D if that's what suits you.
QUOTE
Having said that, G/D Anglos are great for playing English traditional music on, and if you're going to be (eventually) playing with others, that tuning goes well with fiddles and melodeons.
I think I'll be playing on my own for a while...all the people I know who play music (my siblings and cousins)are more into 'rock'. lol!
QUOTE
There's absolutely nothing wrong with starting on a C/G Rochelle and then trading up to a better instrument in G/D if that's what suits you.
I think this is why I need to try some first see what I like the sound of best.
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 12 2008, 04:01 AM)
QUOTE (Rich)
The Button Box sells both models for the same price £178 (we even have a used one at the moment for £155) . I don't know how much shipping and UK tax would be though it seems that there might be some savings by taking advantage of our weak dollar
sounds like a bargain. Do you ship to the UK then?We sell/ship and all over the world, but we restrict our rentals to just North America.
-- Rich --
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 12 2008, 04:54 AM)
QUOTE (Dave)
There's absolutely nothing wrong with starting on a C/G Rochelle and then trading up to a better instrument in G/D if that's what suits you.
I think this is why I need to try some first see what I like the sound of best.
I think you'll find that your preference of "sound quality" will change as you come to appreciate concertinas more, and as you move up to better concertinas your choice of better sound quality with become broader.
-- Rich --
QUOTE (Richard Morse @ Aug 12 2008, 01:10 PM)
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 12 2008, 04:01 AM)
QUOTE (Rich)
The Button Box sells both models for the same price £178 (we even have a used one at the moment for £155) . I don't know how much shipping and UK tax would be though it seems that there might be some savings by taking advantage of our weak dollar
sounds like a bargain. Do you ship to the UK then?We sell/ship and all over the world, but we restrict our rentals to just North America.
-- Rich --
I shall keep that in mind.
QUOTE
I think you'll find that your preference of "sound quality" will change as you come to appreciate concertinas more, and as you move up to better concertinas your choice of better sound quality with become broader.
listening ot the clips on youtube...I like the sound of the duet most..but I suspect that's way out of my price range.
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 12 2008, 09:28 AM)
QUOTE (Rich)
I think you'll find that your preference of "sound quality" will change as you come to appreciate concertinas more, and as you move up to better concertinas your choice of better sound quality with become broader.
listening ot the clips on youtube...I like the sound of the duet most..but I suspect that's way out of my price range.
Strange thing is that the entry model duets are very pricey (about £600 in the UK, less in the US) yet the quality models often cost considerable less than comparable quality anlgos and Englishes.
When you listen to concertina recordings on Youtube, is the sound quality of the reeds or the way it's played that you find more attractive? Duets are often played with lush chords and counterpoint at the same time the melody is being played. Englishes tend to be played more sparely and anglos can be pretty spare to almost as full as a duet.
-- Rich --
QUOTE (Richard Morse @ Aug 12 2008, 04:58 PM)
When you listen to concertina recordings on Youtube, is the sound quality of the reeds or the way it's played that you find more attractive? Duets are often played with lush chords and counterpoint at the same time the melody is being played. Englishes tend to be played more sparely and anglos can be pretty spare to almost as full as a duet.
-- Rich --
-- Rich --
I think its the lushness and they sound denser and thicker..if that makes any sense.
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 12 2008, 11:02 AM)
QUOTE (Richard Morse @ Aug 12 2008, 04:58 PM)
When you listen to concertina recordings on Youtube, is the sound quality of the reeds or the way it's played that you find more attractive? Duets are often played with lush chords and counterpoint at the same time the melody is being played. Englishes tend to be played more sparely and anglos can be pretty spare to almost as full as a duet.
-- Rich --
-- Rich --
I think its the lushness and they sound denser and thicker..if that makes any sense.
It does.
In which way I'd get a C/g 30 button Rochelle from the Button Box or Concertina Connection, you really have no other choice.
It can be learned to sound thick and chordal. I personally think that Rochelle's reeds, sounding kind of metallic and accordeony, blend in chords well.
See? Your difficult choice is over.
Now let the USMail roam the world! C'mon, give the guys a job.
QUOTE (m3838 @ Aug 12 2008, 02:54 PM)
[Suggests you] I'd get a C/g 30 button Rochelle from the Button Box or Concertina Connection, you really have no other choice.
Well, there are other people/companies that sell the Rochelle - but I totally agree with m3838 that the Rochelle seems to be the right box for you to start out on. It's the best sounding, easiest playing, and least trouble-prone of all the lesser concertinas, very reasonable priced... and you can play lushly with it. There isn't another choice out there that comes close. About the only restriction you'll find with the box is that it'll be difficult to play lushly/easily in keys other than C and G (well, a few more keys if you're really a pro), but your next box can be in G/D or Bb/F or whatever which will give access to more keys. Note that you can play F, A, Eb whatever key tunes/pieces with the C/G... but they come out sounding in C or G. Play the same piece with the same fingering on a D/A box and the tune will then come out sounding in D or A. Not a problem when playing by yourself or if the tune is actually in the keys your box is in.
-- Rich --
QUOTE (Richard Morse @ Aug 11 2008, 11:55 PM)
I don't know how much shipping and UK tax would be though it seems that there might be some savings by taking advantage of our weak dollar
-- Rich --
-- Rich --
As I'm about to import a custom built case from the U.S. I've been researching this and it's pretty hard to work out the full cost. First of all there's in import charge which varies according to the goods imported; but can I find a list anywhere - no, it seems to average around 3.5%. Next there is an unspecified 'handling charge' paid to the postal service to levy the import charges on behalf of HM Customs and Excise, probably another couple of pounds. Finally VAT (our version of sales tax) is payable at 17.5% on the full value of the goods including postage, packing and insurance costs (and the way our tax system works we probably pay VAT on the import charges too!). I live out in the sticks and therefore have to drive a thirty mile round trip to collect and pay the import and tax charges for the goods at the main the sorting office for our area.
I should have mentioned The Music Room price includes p&p which makes it look a tad more reasonable, even so an imported box will probably work out cheaper depending on shipping charges etc.
QUOTE (tallship @ Aug 12 2008, 09:59 PM)
I should have mentioned The Music Room price includes p&p which makes it look a tad more reasonable, even so an imported box will probably work out cheaper depending on shipping charges etc.
As I've mentioned before, I have the Rochelle available for only Euro 265 in Ireland (or £220 including trackable postage to UK), with no additional import and tax charges if you're anywhere in the EU.
I also allow you the full price of the Rochelle if/when you want to trade it up (forgot to mention that previously).
QUOTE (Stephen Chambers @ Aug 12 2008, 11:16 PM)
QUOTE (tallship @ Aug 12 2008, 09:59 PM)
I should have mentioned The Music Room price includes p&p which makes it look a tad more reasonable, even so an imported box will probably work out cheaper depending on shipping charges etc.
As I've mentioned before, I have the Rochelle available for only Euro 265 in Ireland (£220 including trackable postage), with no additional import and tax charges if you're anywhere in the EU.
is that new or secondhand?
(I'll add to my list)
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 13 2008, 11:20 AM)
QUOTE (Stephen Chambers @ Aug 12 2008, 11:16 PM)
Euro 265 in Ireland (£220 including trackable postage), with no additional import and tax charges if you're anywhere in the EU.
is that new or secondhand?
New, you'd rarely see a secondhand one. People tend to hang onto them, even after they upgrade...
QUOTE (Stephen Chambers @ Aug 13 2008, 12:18 PM)
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 13 2008, 11:20 AM)
QUOTE (Stephen Chambers @ Aug 12 2008, 11:16 PM)
Euro 265 in Ireland (£220 including trackable postage), with no additional import and tax charges if you're anywhere in the EU.
is that new or secondhand?
New, you'd rarely see a secondhand one. People tend to hang onto them, even after they upgrade...
that's a good sign if people keep them even when they get upgraded. Shows its worth the money.
There's a used Rochelle in the Buy/Sell forum. And it's in the UK.
http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=7959
http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=7959
I know you lot will probably throw rotten fruit at me....but I went to the Hobgobilin store yeasterday and I had a go on some and (yor right the cheap 20 button ones even sounded cheap to my untrained ear) but I tried one I liked a 30 button anglo not a Rochelle though and couldn't resist buying it. 
it wasn't until I got home that I realised I should have asked the make. lol
Must have been dazled by the salesman. lol!
My mum has already said could I learn a to play a tango.
btw. I think I might sew myself a nice patchwork quilted bag as it came just in the box.
it wasn't until I got home that I realised I should have asked the make. lol
Must have been dazled by the salesman. lol!
My mum has already said could I learn a to play a tango.
btw. I think I might sew myself a nice patchwork quilted bag as it came just in the box.
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 19 2008, 03:14 AM)
I know you lot will probably throw rotten fruit at me....but I went to the Hobgobilin store yeasterday and I had a go on some and (yor right the cheap 20 button ones even sounded cheap to my untrained ear) but I tried one I liked a 30 button anglo not a Rochelle though and couldn't resist buying it.
it wasn't until I got home that I realised I should have asked the make. lol
Must have been dazled by the salesman. lol!
My mum has already said could I learn a to play a tango.
btw. I think I might sew myself a nice patchwork quilted bag as it came just in the box.
it wasn't until I got home that I realised I should have asked the make. lol
Must have been dazled by the salesman. lol!
My mum has already said could I learn a to play a tango.
btw. I think I might sew myself a nice patchwork quilted bag as it came just in the box.
hey lady d! you got a scarlatti then? how's it sound?
QUOTE (philapilus @ Aug 19 2008, 12:26 PM)
hey lady d! you got a scarlatti then? how's it sound?
I'm still having fun just getting it to make a noise. lol! Although my family keep asking me whether they can have a go. My mums already asked me if I can learn play a tango on it.
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 19 2008, 08:05 AM)
QUOTE (philapilus @ Aug 19 2008, 12:26 PM)
hey lady d! you got a scarlatti then? how's it sound?
I'm still having fun just getting it to make a noise. lol! Although my family keep asking me whether they can have a go. My mums already asked me if I can learn play a tango on it.
a nice noise i hope
QUOTE (philapilus @ Aug 19 2008, 01:57 PM)
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 19 2008, 08:05 AM)
QUOTE (philapilus @ Aug 19 2008, 12:26 PM)
hey lady d! you got a scarlatti then? how's it sound?
I'm still having fun just getting it to make a noise. lol! Although my family keep asking me whether they can have a go. My mums already asked me if I can learn play a tango on it.
a nice noise i hope
Well I didn't get the usual chorus of 'shut up' I get when I practice playiing the recorder or penny whistle.
a nice noise i hope
[/quote]
Well I didn't get the usual chorus of 'shut up' I get when I practice playiing the recorder or penny whistle.
[/quote]
sigh. everyone's a critic aren't they? meanies.
i'm sure you'll be ace in no time at all. can't wait to hear it
a nice patchwork quilted bag
I for one will need to see a photograph of the bag.
;O)
Phil
I for one will need to see a photograph of the bag.
;O)
Phil
Try to find a copy of this book:-
Handbook for Anglo-Chromatic Concertina Specifically aimed at
by Roger Watson the Hohner concertina,
Wise Publications but applicable to other
Distrib. by Music Sales Ltd makes. A bit perfunctory
8/9 Frith Street but covers the essentials.
London W1V 5TZ Good chord list.
England
And if you can't find a copy......get back to me {wink}
Phil
Handbook for Anglo-Chromatic Concertina Specifically aimed at
by Roger Watson the Hohner concertina,
Wise Publications but applicable to other
Distrib. by Music Sales Ltd makes. A bit perfunctory
8/9 Frith Street but covers the essentials.
London W1V 5TZ Good chord list.
England
And if you can't find a copy......get back to me {wink}
Phil
QUOTE
sigh. everyone's a critic aren't they? meanies.
i'm sure you'll be ace in no time at all. can't wait to hear it
i'm sure you'll be ace in no time at all. can't wait to hear it
here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmwZtL7dEE8
QUOTE
a nice patchwork quilted bag
I for one will need to see a photograph of the bag.
I for one will need to see a photograph of the bag.
of course.....QUOTE
Try to find a copy of this book:-
Handbook for Anglo-Chromatic Concertina Specifically aimed at
by Roger Watson the Hohner concertina,
Wise Publications but applicable to other
Distrib. by Music Sales Ltd makes. A bit perfunctory
8/9 Frith Street but covers the essentials.
London W1V 5TZ Good chord list.
England
And if you can't find a copy......get back to me {wink}
Handbook for Anglo-Chromatic Concertina Specifically aimed at
by Roger Watson the Hohner concertina,
Wise Publications but applicable to other
Distrib. by Music Sales Ltd makes. A bit perfunctory
8/9 Frith Street but covers the essentials.
London W1V 5TZ Good chord list.
England
And if you can't find a copy......get back to me {wink}
found it
ordered it now
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 20 2008, 03:15 AM)
QUOTE
sigh. everyone's a critic aren't they? meanies.
i'm sure you'll be ace in no time at all. can't wait to hear it
i'm sure you'll be ace in no time at all. can't wait to hear it
here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmwZtL7dEE8
QUOTE
a nice patchwork quilted bag
I for one will need to see a photograph of the bag.
I for one will need to see a photograph of the bag.
of course.....QUOTE
Try to find a copy of this book:-
Handbook for Anglo-Chromatic Concertina Specifically aimed at
by Roger Watson the Hohner concertina,
Wise Publications but applicable to other
Distrib. by Music Sales Ltd makes. A bit perfunctory
8/9 Frith Street but covers the essentials.
London W1V 5TZ Good chord list.
England
And if you can't find a copy......get back to me {wink}
Handbook for Anglo-Chromatic Concertina Specifically aimed at
by Roger Watson the Hohner concertina,
Wise Publications but applicable to other
Distrib. by Music Sales Ltd makes. A bit perfunctory
8/9 Frith Street but covers the essentials.
London W1V 5TZ Good chord list.
England
And if you can't find a copy......get back to me {wink}
found it
ordered it nowYou've got one reed touching the edges of a slot on the pull. You need to send this instrument for some check up. And also, I think you may try to, when pulling, not spread your fingers, but kee the hand in a shape of "dome", slightly touching the buttons. I believe your fingers have to be on top of the buttons at all times, without pressing on them. Well, more or less.
QUOTE (m3838 @ Aug 20 2008, 07:47 PM)
QUOTE (LDT @ Aug 20 2008, 03:15 AM)
here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmwZtL7dEE8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmwZtL7dEE8
You've got one reed touching the edges of a slot on the pull. You need to send this instrument for some check up.
Or possibly a loose reedplate?
QUOTE
Or possibly a loose reedplate?
There aren't any reedplates on this one. It's reedbanks glued solid to the plywood. It's 30 button one, if I'm not mistaken. I wonder if it can be returned? If so, return it with the speed of lighning, you'll save yoursef.
Why do you need yet another defeat?
QUOTE (m3838 @ Aug 20 2008, 09:10 PM)
QUOTE (Stephen Chambers @ Aug 20 2008, 08:46 PM)
Or possibly a loose reedplate?
There aren't any reedplates on this one. It's reedbanks glued solid to the plywood.Misha,
If it doesn't have any reedplates, then it can't have any reeds, and if it doesn't have any reeds, it can't make any sound...
QUOTE (Stephen Chambers @ Aug 20 2008, 03:21 PM)
QUOTE (m3838 @ Aug 20 2008, 09:10 PM)
QUOTE (Stephen Chambers @ Aug 20 2008, 08:46 PM)
Or possibly a loose reedplate?
There aren't any reedplates on this one. It's reedbanks glued solid to the plywood.Misha,
If it doesn't have any reedplates, then it can't have any reeds, and if it doesn't have any reeds, it can't make any sound...
Oh, ouch! I misread your post as "reedpan". Sorry!
Anyways, a loose reedplate will buzz on both, pull and push, will it not?
QUOTE (m3838 @ Aug 20 2008, 10:35 PM)
... a loose reedplate will buzz on both, pull and push, will it not?
It ain't necessarily so.
QUOTE (Stephen Chambers @ Aug 20 2008, 10:55 PM)
QUOTE (m3838 @ Aug 20 2008, 10:35 PM)
... a loose reedplate will buzz on both, pull and push, will it not?
It ain't necessarily so.
you want to know something odd.....
I closed the concertina up completely then opened again and the buzz dissapeared. But then last night it buzzed of a different button.
I seem to have a
phantom moving buzz.I thought it was my fault because the first buzz appeared after my scarf got sucked into the bellows a bit. Or that maybe it was the way I was playing.
QUOTE
It's 30 button one, if I'm not mistaken. I wonder if it can be returned? If so, return it with the speed of lighning, you'll save your
sefits got a years garuntee (well that's what it says on the recipt I got it from Hobgoblin) but I have to arrange to go up to London again if I want to take it back. And I can't get there till next month.
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