Chris Votek

Thank you all for your feedback. I'm wondering if the Stagi 30-key ($600) is not much better than the Jack/Jacki's despite the $300 price gap. Would the Chinese labor half the production cost? Has anyone played both, or either of these instruments? Or can anyone report if either breaks quickly? I'm also looking at the restored Lachenal English 1925 from stella24 on the Buy/Sell forum (if its still for sale). Can anyone tell me anything about the quality of this instrument, particularly if a restored instrument of its kind will hold up for a long time? And finally I'm wondering how much it would cost to have it tuned down 5 cents to A 440 from A 445, and where I could get that done in California. Sorry for asking so many specific questions, I just am not going to be able to buy a better instrument in a long time and want a lot of information before I make my choice. Thanks again!

I'm searching for a 48-key english concertina to learn on. I am considering the Stagi A-48, because around 800 U.S. Dollars is the price I can afford. However, from reading around on this website I get the impression that I might be able to get an older, better concertina for around that price. However I also get the very clear impression that buying an older concertina is a very, very risky endeavor for someone who is new to the concertina world. I am a college student and it will be a very long time until I could afford to upgrade to a better concertina, so I am seeking buying advice for the best possible, reliable english 48-key concertina for around 800 dollars. As a secondary preference to quality, I would prefer a tenor or baritone to a treble. If I bought a Stagi I would buy the baritone. However I understand that the lower ranges are rarer, and would readily go for a treble if it is the best deal. I'm also wondering if there are any good places to go in Southern California to try out concertinas. It's great that the concertina playing community has such a knowledgable, friendly, and welcoming attitude (as I have gathered from these forums, and this website). I'm very greatful a place like this exists on the internet to ask for advice.