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It's just a thought .. but generally I have never been one that particularly believes in dividing instruments into grades of usability, or desire; I am often concerned over the term beginners when applied to instruments, and certain makes of instrument.. In visual art there are student grade paints, for example, something which I have also seen as being an unnecessary term; and you can get basic pencils from any shop if you like too; but an artist should be able to get the most out of what is at hand, or available within their budget, without the feeling that somehow they are somehow not working with the ideal dream package. Of course the desired instruments are lovely, no doubt, and always in demand; but we must not expect that everyone has the need, maybe beyond their means, due to fashion perhaps, to afford the crown jewels, when they will find a perfectly good alternative, in instrument makers. There's some wonderful players on a penny whistle, and silver flute. But it all comes down to what you can afford, and how well you form that sound regardless. At the end of the day I believe very much that ' one man's tin really is like another man's Gold.. ( so let people play within their means and the talent will soon polish up, and will shine through ).

I am selling a Hohner C48 2 x 24 button english concertina - rarely played. As I hardly find the time to play this english concertina, it searches a good house where it will be played and not just be stored in its gig bag. Details: Wooden ends - A suitable beginners instrument It is in concert pitch, it has 48 white keys - playing smoothly and sounding okay on push and pull. It has an air release key. The bellows is air tight. The condition is very good - like it just left the factory, the Hohner gig bag is included Shop price is 400 UK pounds. Asking 200 pounds. PM me if you want pictures or if you're interested to buy Marien

Second hand Jackie, English concertina, suitable for beginners. 30 buttons. In excellent condition and includes tutor book and soft case. £290.

Hi all My how time flies! I'm here once again to do a bit of missionary work. Happily I am once again running both Absolute Beginners and Improvers Melodeon workshops every afternoon from Monday 4th Aug to Friday 8th Aug at Sidmouth Folk Week. Both series will be progressive, so very advisable to start at the beginning. They are at a new venue this year, The Kingswood Room at the Devoran and Kingswood Hotel on the Esplanade. There are two Absolute Beginners workshops, just so I can fit them all in: Workshop I: 16:15 - 17:00 Workshop II: 17:15 - 18:00 No need to be able to read music, but you will need access to a D/G melodeon though, thanks to Spinningpath Arts CIC, I shall have a banks of about 12 melodeons available for those who would like to try out the melodeon, but don't have access to one. They shall be allocated by means of a lottery, forms for which will be available from the Box Office on The Ham. SO it's an ideal opportunity to find out what "those people" have been on about! The Improvers Workshops (if you are already a closet member of "those people") is where we look at different techniques and sneaky stuff for showing off. They are at 14:45 - 16:00 each day. Again music reading is not necessary, but you will need access to a D/G melodeon and be able to play a few tunes with simple bass accompaniment. So there we are, tell the world! You never know, someone might be interested ... Ed:-)