Kindofintrested

If by "any classical piece" you mean any classical melody, this is certainly true. It can play pretty much anything a violin can play. But much of classical music is more complicated than that. I play classical piano music on a duet concertina (any sort will do, I use a Hayden). <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Larry

Alan, Thank you for your perspective. I think renting is the way to go at this time. All you out there have been very helpful. Thanks again!!! Larry

The best type to start with depends a lot about what you want to do with it. Classical? Oldies? Traditional dance tunes? "Folk" songs...? The different types of concertinas tend to lend themselves easier toward different types of music. Also - what would YOU like to get out of playing concertina? What about the box might "ring your chimes"? That may be a hard one to answer, particularly when just getting into something new like this - but it just might be a the most important issue! For instance, for me - there's something about the "sound" of concertinas (as opposed to accordions, harmonicas and other free-reed instruments) that I just *really* find enthralling. Sure, tunes can be played on pretty much any instrument, but it's the way they sound on a concertina - be they dirges and slow airs to jigs and reels to Chopin and Vivaldi. Simple to sophisticated. Velvet to vociferous! Also - and not to be belittled - is the ease of which such can be elicited.... Whatever you aspire to (that personal "gut-reward" and/or the "music") will be extremely difficult to attain on a poor instrument. Life is short. Ask questions, check around - and go for the best box you can afford. There is a huge difference in the sound and playability between the factory-made ones (Chinese, Italian, German, etc.) and the "hybrids"... and the step up from there to the vintage ones may be significant to substantial (great if you can afford it initially!) - though that choice might better be made once you have an appreciation and understanding of concertinas and what it is you seek. Not necessarily an instructor, but being with players now and again is a Very Good Thing. There are many decent books, fewer CD's and precious few DVD's. Most tend to be extremely specific and may not suit your needs. Concertina bargains are very hard to come by. I should know as we deal in concertinas a lot. About the only place we get them undervalued is at estate sales and some local auctions - and they always need a lot of work. Beware of getting concertinas from eBay as a deal there is now very hard to come by (but not impossible!) and getting burned is easy. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you for your insightful response. I probable like Folk or Celtic type music the best. Although Classical and oldies would be ok also. Trying to do some research on the subject of Concertinas and have been reading about the different types. (English, Anglo and Duet) Which if any are easier to learn to play? I'm kind of intrigued by the "Duet". 0

Thanks for the info about Jim Swope. Sent him an email just a few minutes ago.

This thread would probably be a good place to start, as many of the questions you pose are addressed here. Good luck and welcome to concertina.net! Samantha <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks for you input..

I've been a failure at wind & string instruments. So here I am thinking, maybe just maybe, that the "Concertina" might play into my hands. (kind of) I'm no youngster, age 70, still have most of my hair, larger then in high school & fat fingers. I Think I would like to give the "Concertina" a try. Need your suggestions; Best type to start with? Do I need an instructor or is there a good DVD?? Where is the best place to find bargains???(USA) I live in the San Diego area of California.