[Have: Cheap 20-button in C/G - Want: Cheap chromatic]

The price difference between a basic anglo and a basic English in the Suttner catalog is easy to explain: The English has 58% more reeds, levers, pads, and buttons, all hand made. (Would be 60%, if one didn't count the air buttons on each.) The additional €1500 surely represents the additional cost of materials and labor.

I see the point, this explains why the prices of Anglo and English models from makers using accordion reeds are not significantly different: English models are always more expensive but not that much.

[Have: Cheap 20-button in C/G - Want: Cheap chromatic]

I was primarily responding to the statement that "the simpler and robust architecture of the Anglo makes possible a cheaper construction technology." That doesn't sound at all right to me, but perhaps I misunderstood your meaning.

I deducted this statement from some writings about the History of Concertina, and most of these texts explained that the Anglo became the favorite instrument for blue-collar workers because they were much more affordable and very easy to learn. Lachanel improved their production technology and they sold tens of thousands of affordable Anglos. The English remained the instrument of the higher classes. This may also explain why Irish traditional musicians used the Anglo. In today's Suttner price catalog an English is 1500 euros more expensive than an Anglo (basic model). It's highly probable that I misunderstood these stories.

[Have: Cheap 20-button in C/G - Want: Cheap chromatic]

I don't think that this is accurate in any way.

I expected that I said wise things.

[Have: Cheap 20-button in C/G - Want: Cheap chromatic]

I think I might be better off with a chromatic one instead

I'd say exactly the opposite: learning a cheap English concertina could be much more tedious than learning a cheap Anglo. I think the quality of the instrument is much more important for an English than for an Anglo. The simpler and robust architecture of the Anglo makes possible a cheaper construction technology. If you are sure you go for the English, then you should pick a hand made quality instrument starting at around 2000 Euros. I am not an expert at all; these are just my first (possibly inaccurate) observations in the process of being a beginner in the Concertina World.

Miki

[Banned Morris]

I wonder how many people would be offended if a group of black performers doing traditional entertainment painted their faces white? And would the same action be taken by the school?

Great comments, drbones, and very good questions; Thank You. Miki

[Beginner's instrument: Hohner C48/6 or Jackie?]

Hi eitreach,

Why have you chosen the English system instead of the much more popular Anglo?

I'm asking because I am in the same boat.

All the Best, Miki