chendrum

I just came across an advertisement for an Irish Music Festival in Southern California called Get Shamrocked from Friday, September 18th to Sunday, September 20th, 2015. The event info has this to say: "After two amazing events, Get Shamrocked is now established as a major event on the Celtic music calendar. Gathering the very best Irish and Celtic bands/musicians from across the planet to create a weekend of pure Irish magic. The three day, 16 band line-up has been carefully selected to encompass every aspect of Celtic music with no taste left unsatisfied." Here's the website: http://getshamrocked.com/index.html Anyone want to meet up on Friday or Saturday afternoon? Jarod

Hi John, I'm about one week less new than you! I bought a Hoener a couple weeks ago and was not very impressed with the construction and returned it. Then I bought a used Rochelle from a member on these forums, and have been using it for almost a week. I'm LOVING it so far. I was nervous because it looked different, sounded a bit harsher on the videos online I had seen, and was considered the 'cheap' choice at $415. I'm so glad I returned the Hoener and took the chance on the Rochelle. It looks and sounds great to a newbie like me. I'm sure when I get a chance to hang around a couple of the legends that frequent these boards and hear their instruments in person, I'll be so impressed that I'll have to upgrade. That's absolutely not the case right now though. I'm loving playing it and learning on it. Good luck to you! Jarod

I have just a few concerns based on small things that I see on the outside. I'm just nervous that what little I see on the outside is reflective of their construction standards on the inside. Anyway, here's what I see: Here's the strap. The screw that held it on was very loose; I tightened it: Here's a picture of the plywood splinters: Here's a picture of some tearing on the bellows: It seems to be playing ok for the most part. I've only noticed one note that's a little off-key; my wife couldn't hear the difference when I pointed it out.

Thanks all for the advice and suggestions! Based on the advice, I think I'm going to stick with an Anglo in C/G. I'm convinced I need to return this Hoener. The small problems are scaring me and I'm afraid to play it. I'm looking to upgrade to a better quality 20 button or a 30 button. Anyone have a spare for sale, (preferably in Southern California)? Thanks again!

Hello! I'm a newbie to the concertina world, and would love a little advice. I recently bought a Hoener D40/20/9 in the key of C/G from Sam Ashe. I spent $260; they usually go for $305 retail. There were a couple loose screws holding on the straps, and the wood on the ends looks like particle board; I can see little splinters along the wood work. All that said, I love the sound so far, and am enjoying learning the instrument. I have 25 days left of my 30 days return policy. I can't seem to find anyone within 100 miles that has even heard of a concertina (much less, has one), so I think my options for a new one would have to be to buy online (which scares me). I'd primarily like to play hymns and Christmas caroling... maybe a pirate shanty or two. So, to my questions: 1. Should I return the Hoener immediately because of the quality of the construction? Or stick with it until I can play fairly well, and then upgrade? 2. Is a 20-button sufficient to play hymns/Christmas songs, or should I look for a 30+ button? 3. Should I play an Anglo or English for this style of music? I enjoy the diatonic so far, but don't know if playing hymns is feasible with one. 4. Is there a specific key I should be looking for for the instrument? 5. Are there any suggestions on where to go or who to meet to find Concertina players in Southern California? I'm near Murrieta; a town in Riverside county between San Diego and Los Angeles. Thanks ahead of time! I've already learned so much browsing these forums!