Brian McGee Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 So, I've been playing for a couple of years now, and really enjoying my 30 button Tedrow anglo. I can foresee, though, that I'm going to want to upgrade, and with the current lead times on all the high end manufacturers being 48 months or so, it seems like it's opportune to give it some thought. Obviously I'd like to stay with the Jeffries layout, but I'm thinking of a 38-40 key for the next one. Of course, who knows what I'll be thinking of in 4 years, but nevermind I found 3 makers who are doing those and are open to new orders -- Wakker, Wheatstone, and Suttner. Has anyone here played any of these and have an opinion? Thanks! Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SqueezeCat Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I found 3 makers who are doing those and are open to new orders -- Wakker, Wheatstone, and Suttner. Has anyone here played any of these and have an opinion? I have a new Wakker W-A4 and a Wakker rebuild of a Crabb in G/D. Both these instruments are responsive, expressive and play very well. I've been so impressed with Wakker's work that I'm having another instrument (W-W1) built for me. I've had the opportunity to try a few Suttners, and have been impressed with these--but have found the performance and craftsmanship of the Wakker instruments to be more to my liking. If you're in the UK, I'd suggest you be in touch with Chris Algar. He regularly has new and used instruments of the makes you're interested in on hand. This is where I tried out a number of Wakkers and Suttners. Among other things, Algar often has Wakker Phoenix instruments in stock. These are new Wakker instruments with classic reeds--with the benefits of both. Another reason for getting in touch with Algar, if you let him know what you're interested in (antique and modern/used instruments), he is usually able to source... whether at auctions or via trades. Before deciding, I would suggest trying out some instruments.... Good luck in your search! All these are great instruments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian McGee Posted January 27, 2012 Author Share Posted January 27, 2012 I found 3 makers who are doing those and are open to new orders -- Wakker, Wheatstone, and Suttner. Has anyone here played any of these and have an opinion? I have a new Wakker W-A4 and a Wakker rebuild of a Crabb in G/D. Both these instruments are responsive, expressive and play very well. I've been so impressed with Wakker's work that I'm having another instrument (W-W1) built for me. I've had the opportunity to try a few Suttners, and have been impressed with these--but have found the performance and craftsmanship of the Wakker instruments to be more to my liking. If you're in the UK, I'd suggest you be in touch with Chris Algar. He regularly has new and used instruments of the makes you're interested in on hand. This is where I tried out a number of Wakkers and Suttners. Among other things, Algar often has Wakker Phoenix instruments in stock. These are new Wakker instruments with classic reeds--with the benefits of both. Another reason for getting in touch with Algar, if you let him know what you're interested in (antique and modern/used instruments), he is usually able to source... whether at auctions or via trades. Before deciding, I would suggest trying out some instruments.... Good luck in your search! All these are great instruments. Unfortunately I couldn't be further from any of these manufacturers -- or stores I'm in Chicago, IL. I absolutely love the look of the Wakker A-5 I'm sorely tempted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Jowaisas Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Brian, Make sure you talk with Wally Carroll. Up to now he has concentrated on 30b instruments (and the results have been fantastic!) but I feel a stirring in the wind. I have to believe if Wally gets enough calls of interest for a 36b along the lines of the old Linotas.... And he's only 5-6 hours away from you. Certainly worth your phone call. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SqueezeCat Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Unfortunately I couldn't be further from any of these manufacturers -- or stores I'm in Chicago, IL. I absolutely love the look of the Wakker A-5 I'm sorely tempted! The W-A5 is gorgeous. If I were made of money.... It kinda sounds like you're after a 39/40 key instrument. These give lots of flexibility (i.e., bellows direction choices, key signature/chromaticism). I also have a 40+ key Jeffries--which is a good player... though for my Anglo playing have been focusing on the creative challenges of a 31 key instrument. Don't know if you've seen this instrument or not. If you're interested in a 30/31 key, could be a good choice. Wakker is happy to do touch-ups and adjustments (both technical and cosmetic)... so if you went for this, you could get a more or less 'new' instrument without the wait. (I had my W-A4 re-polished to sort out some inadvertent 'pub scratches'.) If I had the money (and could explain to the wife why I needed ANOTHER concertina!!), I'd go for it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex West Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Brian Or you could take a look at Chris Allert's Kensington for sale on the Buy and Sell forum. I know Washington State isn't close to Chicago but at least it's on the same continent! Has anyone got any experience of a Thomas (http://www.thomasconcertinas.com)? They look nicely made on his site Alex West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azalin Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Has anyone got any experience of a Thomas (http://www.thomasconcertinas.com)? They look nicely made on his site Alex West Thomas concertinas are amazing instruments and up there with Suttner, Dipper, Carroll etc in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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