David Colpitts

I concurr wholeheartedly with Tiposx's suggestion. As a matter of fact, many people might be looking for an inexpensive G/D Anglo, since it plays "instantly" in the two most popular session keys (at least for some sessions) and might be better for some people's song self-accompaniment, in home rows. I bet if you try, you'll find a swap, probably right here.

As these things often go, I got my first Stagi at Ken's suggestion at a Squeeze-In, about 14 years ago....it was 95 USD and still plays fine; it's the 30 button, black, real leather bellows, and a sweet tone. Last year, got a similar vintage with metal ends for 125 USD, and a 30 button D/A for 300, with low mileage. All are well above, IMHO, the lowest quality Chinese imports people speak of so often here. They are (also, IMHO) above the bigger, newer "faux marquetry" Stagis made before the last corporate change there; I don't know anything of the new and improved ones. Anyway, to the original question: I bet some nice old Stagis in or near your price range remain. As Ken said, perhaps "keep looking."

Thanks, Ed, for the update. Glad the Stagi looks promising, and I hope the Phoenix's arrival does not make the Stagi suffer too much by comparison. While I have the "Hayden-specific" old Bastari 46 button, and love it, I never thought the Stagi was bad on its own; other more experienced Hayden players are probably more critical of the odd slants and spacings of the Stagi. Probably a good idea to keep them in two places! And, as far as hand and finger fit, curling, reaching rows goes....there are threads on here about such, and modifying the handrest rails (angles, height, and some cool stuff about shapes) that might be of interest while you await the Phoenix. I wish you well with your new instruments. David

Ed, I am curious about how you like the new Stagi Hayden. They are, of course, the least expensive option in a "full compass" Hayden these days.

I enjoy threads like this, since many of the responses give priceless insights into the workings of different brains with different systems. I share the love of the Anglo (and to play in the "home keys" mostly, have added an A/D, G/C or two, my main G/D for sessions, a little Hohner melodion in BbEb (because it was there, and plays more-or-less like an Anglo) "Instant" left-hand chords and intuitive (at least to harmonica players like me) tunes in the home rows. Three (old Italian) Anglos and the Hohner totaled about 600 US dollars. That's "value for the money" to me. Of course, the G/D (Morse, from Massachusetts, USA) cost four times that, but I was already hooked and haven't looked back....also value for the money. BUT for flexible chords, potential self-accompaniment to voice, and the "subjunctive" keys, I have a beloved Hayden duet, which is remarkable in its own ways. And if you want to sing along, and have any harmonica experience, beware: Many of us find it nearly impossible to sing with the Anglo, since for every other note, we try to inhale. Not so good for singing, although a childhood "parlor trick" perhaps. I'm glad you are seeking out chances to try different systems. I used to be able to go an hour north to the Button Box store (and Morse fabrication shop) where I might try 10 or more instruments at a sitting. That was the "golden age" of tryouts! Good luck!

The CC Elise has 34, and that struck me as not enough. CC Troubador has 42, I think, and the "standard" for years has been 46. My old Bastari has 46, and that seems a great compromise. OTOH, if your pricing will be lower than Elise by a fair bit, then 34 might be a popular spot to land. But the Elise couldn't play in A.... Others know a lot more, and I suspect they'll weigh in. If you can make a real bass Hayden, I'd be interested, even if fewer buttons.

and on my iPad

I am not sure what you mean by "a blank on the left hand side." Do you mean no notes, or that you don't know which notes you want?

Jody, this is a blast! Thanks for sharing.

This thread is great fun to follow, and I am learning much. I hope you'll find the creation of a Hayden duet concertina a worthwhile use of your energies! As someone (Alex?) said, there's a very expensive and long upgrade path for Haydens with "real concertina" reeds, but that may not matter so much to those of us who already like the accordion-reeded hybrids. For me, the upgrades to accordion-reeded Haydens is still pricey, and if you could get more buttons into an economical package I bet you'd have a hit.

Just realized your first question didn't get answered. I did a search and found under $900 at one on-line store, but closer to $1500 at the other place my search turned up. With that discrepancy, I'd be inclined to research a bit, particularly on the lower priced offer, and check reviews. If all checks out, that is a reasonable price these days, I think. But still maybe not "twice as good as" an Elise, for starting out.

Can't help but chime in, since I am an "advanced beginner" or so on the Hayden Duet. As David B. said, there have been some changes at the company producing the Stagi. I have tried them out (and might have bought one, if not for the rather serendipitous purchase of an old Bastari Hayden for under 600 bucks, 4 years ago. Those are "hen's teeth" now, but may turn up. The problems most people cite for the Stagi involve non-Hayden-standard button configurations and angles of key rows relative to the handrest, which frankly I think I'd adjust to, as a beginner. For my taste, the sound is sweet but sort of muffled, or rather, soft. Not a super fast or super responsive concertina, but nonetheless (again, to me) rather appealing little chromatic box that does offer a lot. But, have you considered a Concertina Connection Elise model? Smaller range/fewer buttons, but under 500 bucks new and used to come with full money back if traded in for another in the CC lineup. I actually preferred tha action and sound of my Elise to the new Stagi, but missed being able to play in key of A. As wiser people always ask, what sort of music do you most want to play? And you can get a great idea about Hayden duets (and other types) from apps like Michael Eskin's or MusixPro on iPad or phone.

Thanks, David. Do you think it's better, as it seemed to me?

What is the material you used? It does look nice!

Hello, All. Spent some time on my "spare" Bastari Hayden yesterday; mostly because my explorations last year left it apart in pieces, and I have been playing the other one so much lately that I really wanted to determine what was up with the "parts" model, so's to (perhaps) make it playable as a real spare instrument, and not to part it out as needed. While at it, I have found what is (for me, at least) the easiest way to get all those floppin' buttons back into the metal ends: LIE DOWN! That saved my neck, and made it so simple....might have still taken as many tried (thought I think not) but no pain, and closer visuals than standing or sitting up with my Hayden overhead. Also, easier to make the whole thing level/parallel to the floor, which is almost essential to simple realignment. That done, I can actually sort of play it! A couple of flatulent notes, a valve or six shot, a tired spring....nothing monumental, but MISSING 2 BUTTONS and their immediate shafts. Are they called "pistons?" Does anybody have a box full of old Bastari/Stagi buttons from which they might sell off a pair? I can rig something up from scratch, but my guess is much easier to use an old pair if available. And, also discovered, to my surprise, that the reed plates are screwed in and not waxed in. I don't remember if the daily player is that way too, but I like the idea for maintenance and repair. Are the others screwed in? All information will be greatly appreciated, and never ever sold!