Simon R

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. This is a little tune I've been working on called Crump's Geese. Its mainly about getting taps going with the right hand where I have a fingertip missing on the middle finger so have to work extra hard. I also wanted to avoid 'breathing in' on the short chords and getting unwanted diatonics. I've had an online lesson with John Kirkpatrick which was great, and he's got me practicing bass-chord oompahs. I'm having one lesson a month to try to develop proper technique, but this tune is just a bit of fun. Crump's Geese.m4a

Thanks, Ken. I've been playing guitar for over forty years so playing an instrument that's not laid out chromatically is, er, interesting. I love the physicality of it though, the combination of breath and button tap.

This great site gave me, a complete concertina newbie, lots of really useful advice when looking to buy a quality, affordable instrument. Through a contact on here, I got hold of an early Bastari Goblin, leather bellows, metal buttons, perfect condition. From the design of the hard case that came with it, I'd guess early 80s manufacture, though I'm not sure. Anyway, I've never played concertina (or anything squeezy) before, though I do have proficiency on some other instruments. This is my first level one effort at a tune, a week after getting the instrument, composed while trying to learn real tunes from instruction books. I'm making progress with the Sailor's Hornpipe, but it'll be while before I share a recording of that... First Concertina Tune.m4a

Thanks for this, John. I really appreciate the advice. I'm weighing up my options, and I'm going to try a few models out. The advice on CNet has been incredibly helpful.

Thanks Simon. I'll have a play with some of the Stagis at the shop I am visiting at the weekend and see how they feel. It is useful to hear someone saying they are still happy with a relatively inexpensive instrument. More recent Chinese Hohners have taken a bit of a knocking in online reviews I've read. My choice is how much to spend on a first instrument when I don't know how well I'm going to be able to play it. Loved 'An Evening in October' btw...

Thanks so much, John. That sounds really helpful. I don't know Quantock Lodge too well but I'm a regular at Halsway Manor which is in the vicinity. I will check out the links you have provided.

Hi there. I am new to the concertina though I play various other instruments. I am involved in folk sessions in Southwest England and I am looking to buy a CG Anglo, preferably 30 key. I've been stung a couple of times trying to buy cheap vintage 20-key models from Ebay which invariably arrive in a defective condition. I am now biting the bullet and want to spend something in the region of £400-£500 for a new or refurbished instrument. I am visiting a shop in Bristol at the weekend which stocks Stagis, Scarlattis, Hohners, and Sherwood Kirklees in that price range, and online I can get new Trinity College models or even a 'Gear for Music' instrument. I know the latter will be Chinese-made but I bought a GfM fretless acoustic bass guitar cheap recently and it's surprisingly good. However, I recognise that the mechanics of the concertina possibly mean this is not relevant. Can someone give me some advice on which makes might produce reliable instruments with a decent tone in this kind of price range? I might upgrade properly in the future if I get good on the thing...