holdyourponies

I've been playing for some months now but I've noticed a habit and not sure if it's good or bad (I'm assuming bad). When I play I notice that I tend to squeeze my thumb and index finger on the knuckle closest to my palm together to help grip the concertina. I've had to tighten the straps recently but I keep doing it passively. Should I keep focusing on relaxing my hand? I'm on a standard anglo.

Maybe the craftsman is a Milwaukeean making them in China.

New to the 'tina world myself, other than Mcneela or a used lachenal the options were pretty low. I ended up going with concertina connection and am on the waitlist for 9 weeks now. It's still one of the lowest wait times. Cost wise it was about double a Mcneela Phoenix however never seems like I need to upgrade. My opinion doesn't mean much but from the experience of an outsider venturing into this hobby I have learned two things without touching an instrument. 1). They are expensive. 2). They are rare. I imagine that used Lachenals or McNeela are the only two viable options to get into relatively cheap (+/- $500).

I was thinking the first one was accordion. What's the answer? Also is that a song or some notes you put together to demonstrate?

Thank you David. I went with Quilted Maple and it sounds like it's an aesthetic decision more than anything else so I suppose I don't need to overthink the choice.

I meant more the exposed parts like the ends. Curious. Do makers typically use the same frame wood as ends woods.

Do you have an opinion on quilted maple vs walnut? Does it make so much a difference? (Especially on a hybrid)

After scouring a bit on this forum I found this tidbit from Wakker himself from 2018. A few facts: Except for our entry level models (Jackie/Jack/Rochelle/Elise), ALL our models (34 in total; 6 hybrids and 28 with traditional reeds, ranging in price from $445 to $34100), are made here in the USA. The only parts we import are the (accordion) reeds for the hybrid models (we make our own traditional reeds), and the bellows for the Minstrel/Busker/Troubadour models, which are made for us in the UK. We also import our tonewoods for the Wakker models ourselves from all over the world, because the quality and aging is not available in the US. Was happy to see this.

Thanks for the insight! I went with the quilted maple (not entirely sure how that effects the tone). Other question. Do you know where the custom Clover is made? I was trying to find it on their site... I'm assuming the U.S.

This is the route I decided to take. They have pretty reasonable wait times. What are your thoughts on the difference between the Carroll and the Clover? Also curious, which wood did you choose? I don't think I can hear much of a difference between hybrids and trad concertina reeds. From what I've read it seems like its mostly inflection, being able to imbue more emotion with the way the note starts (less rigid?).

Edgley is some time off so I put an order in for a Clover Custom. I noticed while checking the forum that you've had both. What's your thoughts on the difference between them?

Funny enough I was going to send an inquiry through your website the other day but saw you weren't taking any new orders. Is that still the case?

That’s my hesitation with purchasing the Phoenix. I see many first hand accounts of leaky bellows or button issues and needing to send it back. General regret for the purchase of it. I’m still looking but it’s certainly not as easy as finding a guitar and purchasing.

I’m about to jump on a waiting list and this crossed my mind. There seems to be a lot of options regarding woods such as cocobolo, pau ferro, ebony, etc. is there an agreed upon standard? Should I just go with what is offered?

Amazing! Thanks for creating this!