Hi,
I've been lurking for a while but this is my first post, so hello!
I purchased a cheapo Chinese C/G anglo about a year ago and have been making my way through Bertram Levy's book, as well as fooling around with some classical and Klezmer music. I've really been enjoying it, but have been a bit put off by the poor quality of the concertina. I played a friend's comparatively nicer concertina recently and immediately decided that I needed something a bit more decent (it isn't solely my poor technique!). I am quite tempted by the Rochelle, which seems pretty highly recommended on the forums here. However, before buying I've also been wondering about making the switch to an English. Without starting any flame wars, I wondered if someone could help me by answering the below:
1) Several web pages I've read imply that the English concertina is somewhat quieter and mellower than the Anglo. If this is the case, does this apply when purchasing a new concertina (e.g., Rochelle vs Jackie)? This is a consideration as I live in a converted Georgian terrace which, though lovely, has paper-thin walls and floors.
2) One style of playing I love on the Anglo is playing melody on the RH and accompaniment on the left (for example, the Constant Billy arrangement in Levy's book). Some posts I've read here suggest that this isn't as straightforward on the English given the buttons are split by on/off stave?
3) If I went the English route and bought a Jackie, would I miss not having 48 keys?
Thanks in advance!