MikeOR

I have a few buttons on my Stagi English concertina which are bent - with a couple which actually make my finger sore as it catches on the sharp edge of the button. I opened the instrument to see if I could straighten the bent buttons only to find that the buttons themselves are bent, while the linkages are OK. Any ideas on how to straighten them would be appreciated.

I want to be able to play Minor, Augmented, Diminished, in addition to Major Chords in all keys, which (I would guess) are not available on any Anglo instrument, so I chose English

I should have mentioned that I have the Frank Butler book as well. The one I mentioned has plenty of (fairly modern) pieces which are good for anyone starting out on an English

I looked at all the options before settling on a 48 key English. I aim to play different types of music and would find an Anglo too restrictive - even more than my chromatic harmonicas. Both the Anglo and chromatic harmonica are quite limited when it comes to Chords, but at least the harmonica is not limited to a couple of keys Mike O'R

I have had my Stagi 48 for just over a week. This is my first concertina of any kind, although I have been playing accordions (button & piano types) for many years. I also read music, so you could say that I have a headstart. My main difficulties are holding the instrument, playing with just 2/3 fingers and alternating hands. However, as the English system is so logical and has a full 3.5 chromatic octaves, I am getting along fine. I am using music from Kenneth Baker's "Complete Keyboard Player" series, which I find to be ideal for a gentle introduction to my concertina, as all the music is written to fit the range of available notes. Mike O'R Nottingham UK

Thanks for your input Paul. I am surprised at just how easy (and logical) everything is. I just hope that my finger joints get used to the unusual bending, which is more severe than with my accordions.

I just bought a Stagi 48 button English Concertina. I have never played any concertinas before, although, as I play Piano and Button Accordions and Chromatic Harmonica. So far, I have found the Stagi (or I suppose any English concertina) to be quite logical. I can already play simple tunes, mainly from dots. The things I find strange are: 1. Holding the instrument with thumbs and pinkies 2. Playing with just two or three fingers 3. Alternating hands I would welcome any hints & tips from old hands