Tiposx Posted March 15, 2019 Share Posted March 15, 2019 I didn't even know such a thing existed, but I played a friend's brand new Wheatstone the other evening. An ec with 48 buttons, raised wooden ends and aluminium reed shoes. It was remarkably light and had great dynamic range and a wonderful tone. The thing that really stood out for me though was the action. It was so light and instantaneous that it let all the tunes out so easily. Overall it was outstanding and I didn't want to give it back. However I won't be ordering one - my friend had to wait 10 years for it to be made and delivered. Is there anything else out there, traditional or hybrid that plays as fast and effortlessly? I have played a couple of good Lachenals, which were quite fast, Crabb and a couple of Wheatsones which were fast and responsive. I would think that the age of the instruments is a factor. I need something to aspire to! Discuss..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveS Posted March 15, 2019 Share Posted March 15, 2019 (edited) Try Wim Wakker http://www.wakker-concertinas.com/ Edited March 15, 2019 by SteveS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted March 15, 2019 Share Posted March 15, 2019 (edited) It all depends where you are coming from.... what you currently play will inform your opinion of any other concertina you try. It is very heartening to read that your friend's new Wheatstone is so inspiring. Wim Wakker's description of his Parnassus model would definately be one to look at too. I've always played EC's from the Classic period, mostly Wheatstones and the odd Lachenal, but always aspiring to find a cracker. Many of these older concertinas are in poor shape , in need of a sympathetic restoration and set up by a good player, but now and again something truly exceptional can be found. Long years of searching, buying and selling, leave me with the opinion that the " concertina for all reasons" is not a good thing to hope for... having two, or more, quite different models is an easier path. My 'fast and loud' , with great dynamic range, 48 Treble Wheatstone made just before 1900 is about as good a dance band / session concertina as I have ever tried. Edited March 15, 2019 by Geoff Wooff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Jowaisas Posted March 15, 2019 Share Posted March 15, 2019 (edited) Perhaps a pilgrimage south to Chris Algar's (aka Barleycorn Concertinas) is in order. My understanding is Chris' garden shed has the most concertinas in any one place on the planet and therefore a great place to compare many different concertinas. And, of course, Mr. Algar will always be ready to sell you one. In addition, Chris is very good in "placing" concertinas. If something comes in that fits the description of what you are looking for then he will be calling you. You could talk with him and get on his list. By all accounts Steve Dickenson's work is fantastic. But he is one man and single handed carrying on the Wheatstone banner. However he also does restoration and refurbishment. (Which could happen light years ahead of a new instrument) There are some wonderful vintage english concertinas out there just waiting for a skillful repairer's restoration, touch and set up to "wake up" make a remarkable instrument "sing" again. If you come across a concertina with great potential that might be an option. Greg Edited March 15, 2019 by Greg Jowaisas 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saguaro_squeezer Posted March 16, 2019 Share Posted March 16, 2019 +1 on Chris and I've visited that fabled shed. But on this side of the pond, Greg, you do a pretty fine job of placing concertinas yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now