What best suits my needs: English or Anglo

[aquatopia]

So, I've made the decision to purchase a concertina and to learn how to play it. I love the instruments sound and feel. I've done some research already into the different types of concertinas but want some experienced players to give me their opinion.

 

Here's what I'm hoping to do with the instrument. I'd like to have a portable concertina that I can play a wide variety of music styles with, sing along with, and have the option to accompany a range of other instruments with. My price range limits me to either a basic 20 key anglo or a basic 30 key english (the duet looks versatile but its pricy and a on the larger side).

 

My own research seems to point me in the direction of the English, but I would still appreciate any input.

 

Also, are there size and weight differences between these two? I haven't been able to find these measurements for the basic models.

[Geoff Wooff]

It sounds as if you have decided on an English and I think it will be a good choice for you given your useage suggestions.One Concertina for all purposes. Many Anglo players end up with several instruments in different keys.

 

Of course the 30 key English that you wish to purchase will only be a starter instrument and might not be Chromatic throughout its range and you might quickly wish to up- grade... perhaps it would be cheaper in the long run to buy a 48 key, either modern Hybrid or an old one.

 

Good luck with your music,

Geoff.

[Steve Mansfield]

It sounds as if you have decided on an English and I think it will be a good choice for you given your useage suggestions.One Concertina for all purposes. Many Anglo players end up with several instruments in different keys.

 

Of course the 30 key English that you wish to purchase will only be a starter instrument and might not be Chromatic throughout its range and you might quickly wish to up- grade... perhaps it would be cheaper in the long run to buy a 48 key, either modern Hybrid or an old one.

 

Good luck with your music,

Geoff.

 

Fully agree with all of the above. If you're looking at the Concertina Connection starter English (the Jackie) and their starter anglo (the Rochelle), there's little difference in size or weight between them.

 

I got started on a Jackie, then after about 6 months made the very expensive mistake of playing a friend's Wheatstone and bought my own not long after - but in that six months the Jackie was plenty good enough for me to learn that the EC and I suited each other, and that EC was an instrument I wanted to commit to, whereas I might never have started at all if I'd had to pay out for the Wheatstone straight away.

[yankeeclipper]

I got started on a Jackie, then after about 6 months made the very expensive mistake of playing a friend's Wheatstone and bought my own not long after...

 

That's the problem with starting low. It's like learning to swim in a bathtub - you very quickly reach the limits.

[David Barnert]

My usual answer to this kind of question is to find out what kind of concertina was being played when it first occurred to you that you might want to get one. Then get one just like it.

[aquatopia]

Thank you very much for the input, all great advice. The type that made me want to play in the first place was an English, and it makes sense to jump to a 48 key right off and save myself the trouble of upgrading in the future. Thank you again!