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The aroma is improving with vinegar therapy, although I might unleash baking soda on the hard case, which is the greater offender. The fan bellows technique is interesting, and I shall experiment with it some more. Bellows movement makes more sense so far with my anglo and its strap. Does anyone play English with a modified anglo-style strap mechanism? I wonder how that would work, especially with the lower keys and possible crowding? How would that used Jackie be? One person who responded said that he/she had one not used for a couple of years. Did you find it limiting, knowing that the top octave is not included and that all the accidentals normally seen on the 48 key model are not included? I understand it has a nice sound. Are the bellows responsive? Thanks!

Hey, gang. The recently purchased Anglo concertina is working out well; with some experience with a Cajun-style C melodeon, bellows work makes sense, and the C-row reflects the 1-row melodeon very well. So no problems with Mr. Anglo. However, the rental EC from a US-based free reed establishment is a bit of a problem. Maybe I didn't ask and they didn't tell, but this concertina absolutely reeks of tobacco. I'm supposed to struggle with this thing as a complete novice with the bellows smelling like a chain smoker? This is totally ridiculous. Aside from its tobacco abuse problems, the EC as an EC is kind of weird to hold, pull bellows with thumb and pinky, and work the fingers around especially the lowest notes. It feels kind of cramped. Is this usually a problem for a beginner? I would love to learn how to play the EC ("one concertina for all styles" according to one writer), and many have suggested I consider that instrument as a violinist, but it sure ain't pouring tunes out at this point! Maybe it's because the darn thing is coughing and wheezing too much to sing a pretty song for me. So, are there any suggestions to help me hold the concertina in a firm, secure way to smoothly work the bellows? Suggestions for getting around the buttons? Anybody in the US I can contact/call about this? I am more than motivated to work with an EC to make it shine. But there is no way I'm buying this particular tobacco-infested instrument. I would love to know where I could rent a clean model or buy a decent, sweet-smelling EC that is pre-owned. Any good DVD's or You Tube clips I could watch that can demonstrate the hold and bellows technique so that I can get through these early awkward times? EC aficionados: I await your good advice and encouragement. Many thanks!

I just got an Anglo concertina a couple of days ago (I just got an EC as well the following day, but more about that later), and it's fun to get to know, play, etc. I have The Anglo Concertina Demystified, so I have a good tutor to get me started. I do have a question though. Let's say you're on the C row, on the middle C/D button, and you are playing C and D, one after the other, when playing the C major scale. Do you keep the finger depressing the button while you play C and then D with the bellows change, or do you lift up the finger and re-depress the button when, having played C, you now play D on the pull? I know both are possible, but I wanted to know if there is a preferred technique I need to be aware of there. Thanks!

Many thanks - that is fantastic.

I bet I will be downloading several tutors along the way, along with the ones I will consult rather soon: The Anglo Concertina Demystified and the out-of-print tome by Alistair Anderson. Yes, it appears I will be bi-concertinish within a week. I knew this would happen - and I'm excited about it. We will see how this plays out, so to speak...

Good morning, and the weather is glorious here today. Talk about a hybrid approach! I am going to rent a 48 button English concertina to see how that goes, and there will be an Alistair Anderson tutor delivered along with that. I am quite excited, and I bet that I'll end up buying the instrument. But there's more: I will also be purchasing a 30 button Anglo concertina, hopefully arriving before the English. A local Anglo player has the Bertram Levy tutor The Anglo Concertina Demystified for me to use. Assuming that everything arrives intact and in good playing condition, this should be a blast! Now that my situation is somewhat more settled, I welcome commentary/advice on the learning process, based on how you started and developed your concertina chops. Take care!

Is it still available? What is the price?

Gary, that would be fantastic. I have e-mailed you. I am also looking for a BC Irish accordion, but I truly believe the concertina, whatever kind, is just a matter of time. I think it would be a blast to learn. Many thanks!

What would you regard as an excellent tutor/instruction method for the beginning anglo player or beginning English player? Also, what ways are there to contact players to get some good advice on starting out? Thanks.

Is the concertina still available? Do you have any soundclips? Thanks.

What are good tutors/instruction materials and/or DVD's, should they exist, for the English concertina? And what are good tutors/instruction books for the Anglo?

For players that play pretty much one type of concertina, what kind of music do you enjoy playing on it? For players of more than one type of concertina, do you play certain kinds of music with one and other types on the other, or is it all mixed? If I don't want to pay a fortune but still want to get a fine, good-sounding instrument whose sound I will enjoy for a while, what do you recommend for Anglo and for English? Are Stagis worthy contenders? Should any consideration be made regarding boxes from China? Should one consider good, fine-crafted newer boxes from North America or Europe even as a novice (perhaps around $2K)? I like the idea of buying handmade instruments if the prices aren't too high and the availability is there. Thanks!

What key layout is recommended for the anglo concertina? For English, is the 48 key model the best way to go? What brands of concertina are best to look into? I wouldn't mind a model for a novice, but a good, perhaps more expensive, instrument for the long haul doesn't like a bad way to go, either. Thanks.

Is the concertina still available?

Another thing would be what the sound quality would be. Are there significant differences between the sound or tone of an anglo vs English vs duet concertina? Are there differences in how a particular concertina would sound both for very rapid passages as well as long, sustained notes? Are there any advantages an English concertina would have over a duet concertina, knowing both are completely chromatic? Thanks.