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Hi folks,

 

This may sound a little crazy, but I need some help purchasing a concertina. I am an hammered dulcimer player, playing mostly Irish. I have been playing seriously for 4 years. Anyway, I have a new job on the horizon that involves a lot of international travel with weeks away from home base. Traveling with a huge dulcimer is out of the question, even if I bought a new travel size, they are really too big to drag along. I never go more than 2 days without playing for several hours, so the thought of going without an instrument for weeks at a time is making me crazy. Whistle doesn't really interest me and it does limit singing!

 

Anyway, I have decided to purchase a concertina to keep me company on my travels. I don't have a lot of time to investigate or shop and none of the folks in my irish sessions play concertina. So, I was hoping folks here might share some options.

 

I want a good instrument, that would travel well through lots of climates. My budget is about $2000.00.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Joanna

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Your budget's about right for an intermediate/hybrid Anglo such as an Edgley, Morse or Tedrow or Concertina Connection's new Clover. (I mention these North American makers because you're in the US.) Of these, I believe that Edgley in particular tries to design an instrument that's well-suited for Irish music, but Morse and Tedrow make good instruments too. I expect that the Clover will also be good based on Concertina Connection's track record, and it will be a bit less expensive than the others.

 

C/G Anglo is the standard concertina for Irish music, though it's possible to play it on other systems too.

 

Hi folks,

 

This may sound a little crazy, but I need some help purchasing a concertina. I am an hammered dulcimer player, playing mostly Irish. I have been playing seriously for 4 years. Anyway, I have a new job on the horizon that involves a lot of international travel with weeks away from home base. Traveling with a huge dulcimer is out of the question, even if I bought a new travel size, they are really too big to drag along. I never go more than 2 days without playing for several hours, so the thought of going without an instrument for weeks at a time is making me crazy. Whistle doesn't really interest me and it does limit singing!

 

Anyway, I have decided to purchase a concertina to keep me company on my travels. I don't have a lot of time to investigate or shop and none of the folks in my irish sessions play concertina. So, I was hoping folks here might share some options.

 

I want a good instrument, that would travel well through lots of climates. My budget is about $2000.00.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Joanna

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Hi folks,

 

I want a good instrument, that would travel well through lots of climates. My budget is about $2000.00.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Joanna

 

I can put in a personal recommendation for the Morse Ceili. It's a very nice instrument to play, and mine has done a lot of travelling in planes, trains, and automobiles (not to mention canoes and on the back of my bike through 2 Canadian winters) with no ill effects. I've had no trouble flying, aside from some additional time spent in the security line while they check it out (and had to play it once for a curious security official in Newfoundland). The case it comes in is very good, and small enough to be taken on board as a personal carry on item. A friend who is an award winning ITM player owns, and is very happy with, a metal ended Edgley, and it appears to be constructed in a pretty "bomb-proof" manner as well. Both in your price range if you are buying in North America.

 

Bill

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Nice choice, Joanna. I'm also a hammered dulcimer player, but rarely take my HD out of the house. I once had a soprano HD which was very portable, but didn't like its sound. I learned my HD repertoire on concertina. And now I'm learning them on flute. I also play them on fiddle and mandolins. No, none of these equal the HD, but traveling and performing with them sure is easier! :rolleyes:

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Security often take a look, but I've had no probs travelling with concertinas in hand luggage. At least they're within the cabin baggage limits, saving all the anxiety and problems fiddle and mandolin players suffer!

 

I guess the worst would be a very zealous security asking for an end to be taken off! Anyone had that?

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Hi Joanna,

 

I'm also an HD player and travel every week for business. I have several travel instruments that I bring with me, depending upon where I'm going and how long I'll be staying.

 

I have to be aware of the type of aircraft and the size of the overhead bins when I make my reservations. I also need to know if bags will be checked and picked up planeside or if they have

to be checked ahead of time. I also determine if there are going to be any Irish sessions at my destination. Based on this info, I decide what instruments to bring.

 

I've got a travel mandolin that fits into my checked baggage. If it's a smaller plane, I use a small roller suitcase that holds my concertina in a gig bag, and my Weltmeister button accordion (melodeon). This can go in the bins or possibly under the seat in front of me. If it is a larger plane I've got a rolling dufflebag which holds the concertina, accordion and a TK Obrien Backpacker HD. It's a tiny 9/8 that doesn't have the best sound but is perfect for hammering practice.

 

I've never had any trouble bringing the instruments through security. Allow for extra time because they usually want to open and look at everything. I was asked to play my concertina only once (it was late at night and security was bored) so I gave them a quick rendition of Fanny Power.

 

Alan

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Thanks for all the help! I don't anticipate much trouble from security, but I won't always know what type of plane/train/automobile I will be escorted it. Some will be military transport. Most of the travel will be the Middle East, Africa and Asia. I will be stationed abroad and then travel extensively from my home base, usually being away for 3 to 4 weeks. This is a wonderful job opportunity, I just need to figure out how to play tunes!

 

Joanna

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Hi folks,

 

This may sound a little crazy, but I need some help purchasing a concertina. I am an hammered dulcimer player, playing mostly Irish. I have been playing seriously for 4 years. Anyway, I have a new job on the horizon that involves a lot of international travel with weeks away from home base. Traveling with a huge dulcimer is out of the question, even if I bought a new travel size, they are really too big to drag along. I never go more than 2 days without playing for several hours, so the thought of going without an instrument for weeks at a time is making me crazy. Whistle doesn't really interest me and it does limit singing!

 

Anyway, I have decided to purchase a concertina to keep me company on my travels. I don't have a lot of time to investigate or shop and none of the folks in my irish sessions play concertina. So, I was hoping folks here might share some options.

 

I want a good instrument, that would travel well through lots of climates. My budget is about $2000.00.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

 

Joanna

 

There seems to be an assumption that an anglo is the instrument for you. Given your familiarity with the hammered dulcimer I suggest you also consider the English system. You may find it more logical.

 

(Lights blue touch paper and retires....!!!)

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I just need to figure out how to play tunes!

 

Yep! I gig frequently with contrabass or a full drum kit, in addition to my penchant for HD. This is one reason why I was compelled by concertinas and "little instruments." I'm now practicing my first grade school instrument--woodwinds. I travel with a double case with fiddle/mandolin, along with a concertina.

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You may also want to listen to a few instruments before you buy. The hybrids generally all play well and are well constructed but some people have a problem with the sound compared to traditional concertinas. Of course, a good restored traditional instrument would probably cost more. The concertina normally used for Irish session music is the 30-button C/G. However, you did mention singing and the English does have a lot of merit for acompaniment. I take my concertina with me on aeroplanes all the time with no problem (but not since the last scare).

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Can anyone give me an easy lesson in the difference between the English and Anglo system?

 

 

Joanna

 

There seems to be an assumption that an anglo is the instrument for you. Given your familiarity with the hammered dulcimer I suggest you also consider the English system. You may find it more logical.

 

(Lights blue touch paper and retires....!!!)

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Security often take a look, but I've had no probs travelling with concertinas in hand luggage. At least they're within the cabin baggage limits, saving all the anxiety and problems fiddle and mandolin players suffer!

 

I guess the worst would be a very zealous security asking for an end to be taken off! Anyone had that?

 

No never. I had to get it out of its box once, to show an interested accordion playing customs officer. If you think about it, if they're doing it 'properly', once they are suspicious they shouldn't let you touch it in case you set your bomb off then and there rather than be discovered. But what Tom says here is my experience too. It is, as you thought, a good portable instrument, you can carry it with you as hand luggage(gives you something to do when changing flights, if anyone ever sees a duet being played in a quiet corner of a far eastern airport that'll be me).

 

Anglos have a different note on the push and pull, (mouth organ style) so half the mechanism and very small and light indeed, but they are pricey because they are seen as 'the thing; for Irish music at the moment. English have one note per button. You can get a better instrument, and pay less money for it too. They're a bit heavier but still not much.

 

Can I suggest you think about buying one of the Rochelle/Jackie/Elise starter instruments and see how you go. They seem very good value and a good way to give it a try.

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Can anyone give me an easy lesson in the difference between the English and Anglo system?

 

 

Joanna

 

There seems to be an assumption that an anglo is the instrument for you. Given your familiarity with the hammered dulcimer I suggest you also consider the English system. You may find it more logical.

 

(Lights blue touch paper and retires....!!!)

 

Joanna.

 

Have a look at Chris Timpson's useful outline of the different systems here:

 

http://www.concertina.info/tina.faq/conc-typ.htm

 

The next step would be to look at and handle some examples. I'm not sure where you are located, but there may be a music shop nearby, or you could ask if there are other members in your locality.

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Hey Joanna,

 

With John's suggestion, I looked at your bio page to see where you're located. I'm in Missoula, and you're welcome to come over and try both anglo and english...I have both. I can tell you that there are no music stores in Montana that carry concertinas! :lol: But, I believe that Wim Wakker is in Spokane, unless he's moved locations.

 

I'll be around Helena next weekend.

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You may also want to listen to a few instruments before you buy. The hybrids generally all play well and are well constructed but some people have a problem with the sound compared to traditional concertinas. Of course, a good restored traditional instrument would probably cost more. The concertina normally used for Irish session music is the 30-button C/G. However, you did mention singing and the English does have a lot of merit for acompaniment. I take my concertina with me on aeroplanes all the time with no problem (but not since the last scare).

 

 

i disagree about bringing a restored instrument across the world while travelling. a hybrid is a wonderful instrument, but it is definitely replaceable. it is not a good idea to be jumping across the world into the middle east and beyond with a one of a kind instrument. there are so many things that could happen--bring an instrument you cherish and value, not one that you cannot replace if something unfortunate happens.

 

for this situation, a hybrid is basically the only solution. the only valid reason to bring an irreplaceable instrument back and forth across the globe would be if your main purpose for the trip was musical, or if you had a great need for that particular instrument on the trip. for example: a music concert, a workshop, a competition, if you are selling the instrument, or purchasing it. if you are going to be flitting around the globe for business, i would not bring an irreplaceable instrument.

 

a valuable instrument--yes, i would bring one of those. the $2,000 price point may be less than my most valuable concertina, but i consider my (backup) hybrid to be both valuable and replaceable. i would recommend to buy a nice, hand-made hybrid (they are all great) and get it insured, and treat it with the respect it deserves.

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hey joanna--i think that this is a great idea. concertinas can be really fun, and are perfect travelling instruments. they are small and light, and easy to whip out at a moments notice while waiting for a cab or between flights, though not all are as brave as me to do that :-). i would recommend carrying your instrument as a carry on. i have never had a problem doing this, but international flights might be different.

 

i am going to give a short list of makers i recommend. all make anglos on this list, and some will make english as well.

 

list:

http://www.buttonbox.com/morse-concertinas.html

http://hmi.homewood.net/

http://www.concertinas.ca/

http://www.concertinaconnection.com/clover%20anglo.htm (the clover is the only one by this maker that is in your price point. soon there will be a model called peacock, which will be an english in your price point)

http://www.concertinas.com/

 

they are given in no particular order. the morse are probably the lightest of all the instruments on the list. bob tedrow does great work with a lot of customization if you want it. i have an edgley myself, but they can be heavier (i actually prefer this). i have not played a clover yet, but wim at concertina connection is one of the top makers of traditional instruments, and i definitely trust anything he puts his name on. the last link is for herrington concertinas. i don't think i have ever played one, but they have a good reputation.

 

please note this is in no way intended to be a full review, but a helpful, succinct reference point for you. happy squeezing!

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Wow... Isn't that a coincidence! Would you mind emailing me at oldglass.1@gmail.com and maybe we can figure out a time to get together? I won't be leaving till September, so I have some time, but I didn't want to wait to the last minute to order something.

 

Joanna

 

 

Hey Joanna,

 

 

 

 

 

 

With John's suggestion, I looked at your bio page to see where you're located. I'm in Missoula, and you're welcome to come over and try both anglo and english...I have both. I can tell you that there are no music stores in Montana that carry concertinas! :lol: But, I believe that Wim Wakker is in Spokane, unless he's moved locations.

 

I'll be around Helena next weekend.

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