Judy in Poway

If anyone still cares, I had it verified by a luthier, that the Lachenal that was being so hotly discussed back in October (as to whether its ends were Rosewood as listed or Mahogany) is, indeed, made of Rosewood. The carved ends (with the fretwork) are not veneered but solid Rosewood mounted on a mahogany box. Thank you Juliette, it has found a good home! Judy

I have one reed on my Lachenal that is flat in one direction. I have tried blowing on it, to no avail. I hate the thought of mailing it away and would love to hand deliver it to someone. Is there anyone out there in the L.A. - San Diego or thereabouts area that can help me? Thanks! Judy

Today was the day that I finally figured out that if I continued to scroll down in the discussion forum I could read more current replies (yes, I am technologically "disadvantaged".) So it is with great fascination that I read the lengthy discussion on the $1625 Mahogany versus Rosewood-ended concertina since I am the one that bought it. It was quite the scary venture for me since I am, indeed, a relative beginner who had gone in search of an instrument with real "concertina" reeds while I "wait out" the two year list for a Kensington. The instrument arrived from Juliette Daum in France. A reed had popped out, possibly in shipping, which I was able to take care of. However, there are still three problematic buttons on the far right side that I am trying to troubleshoot. Are there any questions that you would like to ask me that might put an end to your Mahogany vs Rosewood debate? Unfortunately I don't know much about woods. However, I do think that it's been re-stained because the wear areas are the same color as the rest of the ends. It also appears to have and eighth inch veneer.

To Leo, I have been playing a Stagi for a year now. I just attended Noel Hill's workshop and feel the urgency now to have one that is more responsive, and that will allow me to play faster. I played several there and liked the Edgleys the best. I will check the Button Box, but assume that most people sell their concertinas on e-bay now, and I have been keeping my eye on those. Thanks for the feedback! Judy

Thank you all who responded to my queries about Herringtons. It's helped me a lot. I actually am on the wait list for a Kensington (Fall 2008) and am looking for an instrument in the meantime that I will need to resell. The Edgleys are now 2125-2300 US dollars so that is why the 1500 looked so attractive. I will need to decide soon since there will still be a wait involved. Thanks again!

I am looking for opinions on the Herrington concertina. Why is it less expensive than some of the others? Why don't more of the Irish players use it? Help!