Livvy

Thanks Pentaprism and JimmyG! I think I’m set now that I really want to save up for something nicer than the Swan. I’ve always loved the concertina even though I’ve never owned one, and I know I want to pursue it. I was thinking the same way as Pentaprism about possibly not being able to progress as fast or play as well on a less-refined instrument. Thanks for all the input.

Hi Jimmy, I don’t play concertina yet so your advice is very helpful, thanks! Do you mean that there really isn’t much difference between the quality of the Swan and the Phoenix? Saving money is tempting, but my plan was to just go with the Phoenix and hopefully not have to upgrade from that, since it would just be a hobby for me. But at the same time I want something that will last me and not break or have issues right after I get it. My guess is that something nicer than the Phoenix would mean going the vintage route, which I had made up my mind not to do, since I don’t foresee ever having that kind of money to spend on a hobby. Since I don’t really have the need for a very professional instrument, is it advisable to just go with the Phoenix and keep it? I know I could just be thinking this way since I don’t have much experience with concertinas, so any advice or other thoughts is greatly appreciated.

Hi Kate, How do you like your Phoenix concertina? Any comments on the sound/tone and response? I am torn between the Phoenix and the Swan, mainly because my initial impression of the Swan is that it was a bit shrill sounding and I would think the more expensive Phoenix would be a better quality instrument. It’s expensive for me though . . . I might just have to go with the Swan if the quality isn’t that much lower than that of the Phoenix. That’s why I’m very interested in an update on your Phoenix purchase. Thanks for posting! Olivia