Al.

Thanks for all the info folks. I have decided to pass on the Rochelle and see where my bank account takes me in the future.

Ok, so having seen what can be done with one on YouTube I have decided to go have a look at a Rochelle this Wednesday. The deciding factor was the five fold bellows on a cheap lachenal, not good since I want to engage my inner Peter Bellamy and learn some of his material. Being a non player at the moment what checks should I make to be sure I get a good un. Also, is it worth trying more than one of the same model in case there is a variation in bellows quality? Thanks.

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I have now arranged to have a play on an English at a local folk club so will hopefully be able to get an idea of what that system is like and make a more informed choice.

Thanks for that, I may give you a call nearer the time.

I'm in Northallerton, North Yorkshire. Have only just moved there and just starting to "dip my toe" in the local folk scene. I am off to a session in Richmond this week so may find someone there to assist my quest.

Thanks, the original choice was for an Anglo concertina but that was because I didn't know much about the English system. As for the type of music I would want to use it for quite a few styles. Getting the hang of the English keyboard is my only concern. I have tried an Anglo briefly and managed to knock out a faltering tune on it, I have yet to try and English and having just moved to the other end of England haven't yet made the contacts to ask to try anybody's

Thanks, I'll wait to see if anyone else has an opinion. I have seen a shop which still has some new Jackie's in stock which may be an option.

So would an EC with four fold bellows be better than an Anglo with five fold as far as running out of air is concerned, also does the quality (in particular) the stiffness of the bellows matter so much. It seems to me that if I were to go for an EC I could do so much more than I could with an Anglo of the same price and hopefully wouldn't feel the need to upgrade..

Only just noticed I said "English" 30 button instead of Anglo, so no wonder you asked. Also Al does look rather like A.I.

Totally human.

So I'm looking at buying a Concertina later this year, the budget is limited probably no more than £600 and the chances of my being able to afford an upgrade later are unlikely. I was originally looking at Anglo concertinas but getting something with good(ish) bellows means an old Lachenal without the C# unless I am lucky enough to find a D/G or a 22 button in my price range. Having looked at English concertinas I realise I can get a thirty button chromatic Jackie in my price range or even a four fold bellows brass reeded Lachenal. Would I be right in assuming that the bellows action on an English is less important since there are less direction changes. Anyones comments on my thoughts or on Anglo Vs English value for money would be welcome.

Well it looks like a 22 button or a G/D Anglo is the way to go, with the possibility of changing a reed out of I can't find anything. Out of interest, are G/D Anglos generally more or less expensive than a C/G? Does the fact that they are in a non standard key make them less desirable or does the "more useful" key make them pricier.

Any chance of a link to your You tube channel please Simon so I can hear your Hohner, I don't seem to be able to find it on this site.

Playing Devil's advocate for a while. I played some tunes on the Octave mandolin yesterday and was surprised how many C#s there were. If I went the 30 button route I presume the Rochelle would be the best bet in my price range. Simon I would be keen to hear about your Hohner as it is a brand that most people seem to avoid,( No offence meant).

Thanks everyone, that's given me a lot to think about. Does anybody have advice on if it is a good idea to change a button out to give a C#?