I started out on a japanies concertina, it was very bad. I played a stagi 20b for 1 & 1/2 years and it served me well untill I got my Herrington 30b. The stagi is good to learn on untill you are sure that playing a concertina is your thing. As with most things the more you can aford to spend for a quility instument the better they get. I've been able to play a dipper and a jefferies and they are to die for in responce and tone, but way out of my money leage. My Herrington is a good Mid range concertina, it's loud if I want it to be and soft if needed and faster than i can play it. I play for large gatherings quite often (1,000/ 2,000 people) and it sings out very well for me and my moods. Have fun learning. DCA
