English Concertina For The Curious

[Diche]

Hi

 

Sorry if you are all bored to tears with this type of question.

 

I have an urge to have a go at playing the concertina, but I am not in a position to splash out on an expensive instrument. I am therefore looking at the models right at the bottom of the price range.

 

I can read music and currently play the flute, with a taste for English folk and Irish Folk music. I was at a pub session last night and someone had an english concertina that took my fancy. I like the way it played the same note on push and pull and seemed to play notes in a way that I thought I could get to grips with.

 

I have done a bit of research this afternoon and come across the 'Jackie' which advertises itself as a good starter instrument with a key structure that would allow you to upgrade if you found you were getting on with the instrument. What I would really like to know is is it telling the truth, or are there better instruments out there in this sort of price bracket?

 

If it helps I am in the UK

[Wolf Molkentin]

Hi Diche -

 

no, there are no better newly-built instruments in the same price-range, and you could benefit from the upgrade-program too.

 

However you might instead prefer a vintage instrument, which would be a so-called "tutor" model Lachenal then. Try out both options if you'll get the chance to do so, or at least play a Jackie in order to learn whether its tone pleases you or not.

 

Best wishes for your "English" journey, it's such a great and versatile little instrument - Wolf

Edited August 12, 2015 by blue eyed sailor

[Tradewinds Ted]

I don't play the English system concertina, - the comparable anglo version from concertina connection is the 'Rochelle' and it is generally regarded as a decent starter instrument for the money. Personally I tried one in a shop briefly when I was just starting to look, and found it a bit bulky and therefore not that appealing, although I guess it worked fine - I didn't yet play so difficult to judge. I chose a very nice vintage Lachenal instead, and am delighted with it, although I have since tried other vintage instruments that I haven't liked as well.

 

The short answer seems to be that the 'Jackie' is better than anything else you are likely to find at the same price, but do try one out and compare with what a bit more money might get you.

 

You mention upgrading if you do get on with it - to be clear the advantage of the 'Jackie' toward an upgrade isn't just the key structure. - Some shops will also allow you to apply the purchase price of the Jackie toward an upgrade to the Concertina connection 'Rose' when you are ready, or possibly toward a Morse 'Albion' or 'Geordie' hybrid.

 

Since you indicate you are in Yorkshire, hopefully you can get to the Music Room in Cleckheaton. www.themusicroom-online.co.uk I used to visit there when I lived in Lancashire.

Their website indicates that they have both a 'Jackie'(treble version) and a 'Jack' (baritone version) available which you could try - same price for either. They also carry the Morse hybrid instruments to compare it with, and to tempt you! I don't know if they participate in the upgrade program, but you could ask.

The website also indicates they have a Lachenal for only twice the money of the Jackie, but with 48 buttons instead of 30 - which I imagine would be more satisfying than the 30 buttons on the Jackie, depending on the condition. Of course there are several more expensive instruments on offer as well which you could try for comparison.

 

Theo Gibb is in Gateshead which might not be too far depending where in Yorkshire you are, and he often has a variety of instruments available. His website doesn't indicate any English system instruments at the moment, but he may have some that haven't been posted, if you inquire. He is very pleasant to do business with - I very nearly bought an instrument from him once, but needed to keep my money for car repairs at the last moment.

www.theboxplace.co.uk

 

Chris Algar of Barleycorn Concertinas is well known and highly respected, and likely has quite a variety of vintage instruments in stock. His website doesn't usually show what is in stock, perhaps it changes too often, but he will gladly reply to a query by phone. He is in Staffordshire.

www.concertina.co.uk

[Diche]

Cleckheaton isn't exactly around the corner, but it is close enough for a trip out, so that is really helpful, thank you I think I might have a plan for my day off

[Bob Michel]

As an Anglo player I've only once handled a Jackie briefly in a shop, but I've had a chance to play several Rochelles belonging to my students. I like them very much. You wouldn't mistake them for good vintage concertinas (and yes, they're bulky), but the action is good and the sound is quite pleasant. They're worlds better as entry-level instruments than the more expensive Stagi boxes.

 

If I were in your shoes and could stretch the budget to afford (say) a well set-up Lachenal, that's what I'd get. But if you can't make that sort of investment just now, or prefer not to, then buy a Jackie with confidence. If it comes with the trade-up option you can think of it as a down payment on the concertina you'll eventually want.

 

Bob Michel

Near Philly

[cobby]

I started on a Jackie and still use it as a change to my up grade lachenal. It's an excellent first concertina and the tutor book with it explains all the basics of the instrument. May I say welcome to the world of free reed music.

[linrose]

I played a ‘Jackie’ for 6 months – begin last January. It is a great starter instrument and I’m glad I went that route. You get a basic instrument to try out plus while you’re teaching your fingers where the keys are you have time to think about what you want in an upgrade(I recently upgraded to a sweet little used Albion – lots of overtime hours $$ ). Everyone has their own goals and learning preferences so try out a bunch of different tutors. I’m using the Frank Butler tutor, a few of the ‘harder, more challenging’ exercise pages from the Salvation Army tutor plus a scattering of tunes pulled off the web (works for me). The first 3-4 months was a real slog but it gets better .

Have fun!

[Mike Franch]

All the advice above is good. I bought a Jackie and was thrilled to have it. I watched its progress on the UPS website as it made its was from the Button Box to Baltimore. I really loved it, and was so proud to have my own instrument.

 

I probably should have kept at it for longer than I did, but I became frustrated not have a Bb for a tune I wanted to play. So I bought a 48 button brass-reeded concertina (a Jones?), with only a four-fold bellows. It, too, soon became inadequate for my needs, but I loved (and still do) the little thing, although have moved far (and expensively) beyond it.

 

The paradox of the Jackie is that a good player can play it very nicely, but a new learner learns better and faster on a better instrument. But many of us have started on Jackies, and I've known people who've done gigs with them.

 

You might do well to look around for a used one. Aside from being cheaper, the bellows would already be broken in!

Edited August 13, 2015 by Mike Franch

[Diche]

I managed to get to Cleckheaton last week, and had a try on both the Jackie, the Jack and a Lachenal Tutor model. The difference in size and aesthetics really did make the Lachenal stand out, but I really can't justify spending that much on my first instrument, so I am now in the market for a secondhand Jackie as suggested by Mike Franch

 

Thank you for all your help

[Diche]

Oops, I just bought a Lachenal

[Wolf Molkentin]

Great! Now looking forward to learning about your progressions with the instrument - enjoy your journey!

 

Best wishes - Wolf