Albion or Rose?

[jggunn]

If someone wanted to purchase an intermediate level English concertina, and I know someone who is thinking of such a purchase, on what basis would one choose between the Button Box Morse Albion and the Concertina Connection Rose? The price difference is not great and both have accordian reeds. The Rose has 45 buttons as opposed to 37. I am not sure about relative weight. Of course, one can probably actually try an Albion while the Rose is made to order. Any thoughts?

[apprenticeOF]

I haven't tried either. Depends on what you want to play. For example, with the Albion layout would be missing a note in "Fur Elise", but can't see anything missing for the more modern tunes I play.

 

It's a personal thing, but I like the metal keys on the Rose.