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This is a question from a beginner about "responsiveness." I just want to make sure I understand what is involved. Can somebody illuminate on this? Seems like "action" refers to the speed that keys respond to the touch. Does "responsiveness" mean the ability to make the noise softer and louder (i.e., bellows action)? Does it also mean the sound quality of the reeds (sharp or mellow)? If I get a brand new concertina, will I run into problems of stiff bellows and not be able to dampen the sound for soft pieces? Mark's comment about "all on or off while it is new" got me to thinking. If I get a new one (such as the Morse Albion which I admire), should I just expect it to be "loud" and "unresponsive" until it's broken in? One more question ... Do any of you know where I could find an MP3 or .wav file of somebody playing the baritone concertina *online*, so I could hear what it sounds like? I will make a trek out to The Button Box soon, but I am eager to gain as much insight as possible on the baritone. Thanks!!

Wendy, Thanks for responding even though you were sleepy! Interesting idea of "sharing the space" with a concertina! I looked at your website and saw the ingenious 'tina box you crocheted, that's really nifty. I bet it took awhile to finish it.

I just had another thought ... does anybody have experience with the Morse Albion ... how long does it take a new concertina to mellow out?

Thanks for the heads up, Mark. I just sent Chris an email asking for a list of his current concertinas. I also did a search on here and discovered the posts about Ebay scams. I appreciate your advice! I really like the Morse Albion a whole lot for its beautiful design and lightness, and also because it's made by our local friends. I know many others have had very favorable comments on it. I just really want one *now*!!! I think the current wait is 8-12 weeks, and I'm dying to have a concertina of my own so I can get started!

Paul, Thanks for filling me in on Ian Robb's Wheatstone -- if he's playing a tenor-treble, it sure does sound like a baritone at times; like you say, it must be because he is skillful at playing the low end a lot. If I can learn to play one-tenth as well as him I'd be happy as a lark. He's absolutely stunning! I just checked out the Wheatstone website, and I guess $10,000 for an Aeola is a little out of range for me! Darn! I wonder if an "old" Wheatstone (like 1930s or earlier) would have a sound quality similar to the modern ones? Does it cost a lot to get old ones refurbished (by our local Button Box, of course) with fresh reeds and bellows?

Mark, Thanks for your fast response! Well now you've got me thinking again. Treble or baritone? I like both of them! The Morse Albion has all sorts of great reviews, I haven't seen hardly a hesitant word at all. The only thing I wonder about is the accordion reeds ... are the brass reeds dramatically more expensive, or is there a structural reason why they have the steel ones, anybody know? My first thought was a Wheatstone, but I wonder what kind of Wheatstone I could get for $2,000? Has anybody ever bought a concertina off Ebay and been ripped off?

Chris thanks for your speedy response. I've been listening to Ian Robb just now, and his lovely voice certainly sounds glorious with the baritone concertina! If anyone else has illumination on this, please write back!! Thanks again, Chris!

I am trying to decide on what kind of concertina to buy, one that goes well with singing. I really like the looks and sound of the Morse treble English. I'm not an expert, and I was wondering if this one would be okay if I want to sing with it (I have a mid-soprano/high alto voice). Should I be considering an Anglo instead? Would a baritone be better for singing with? I read somewhere that some types are not as good if you want to sing with them, and I'm not sure why that would be. What can you tell me about the best types of concertina for singing? I also read somewhere else that singers usually pick a baritone because it's lower-pitched than their voice, and doesn't overwhelm the voice part; but I am assuming that this would be relevant for a tenor or baritone voice. Would a treble concertina be all right for a higher-pitched voice? I hope this question isn't too dumb! I'm just a beginner! Thanks!!