Start atthe very beginning Posted May 9, 2020 Share Posted May 9, 2020 From the above 30 button Anglo-concertinas, what would anyone recommend for an absolute beginner with a budge of £450-£700? Obviously in normal circumstances, I might go and try and “test” a couple! The big question for me is are more folds better for a beginner? All thoughts gratefully received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatthewVanitas Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 (edited) (Posted included the beginner options as tags, but didn't include them in the title; they mean the following:) beginner anglo swan stagi m5 jones 26 Swan Stagi M5 Jones 26 Edited May 10, 2020 by MatthewVanitas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikefule Posted May 11, 2020 Share Posted May 11, 2020 I would not choose on folds. The number of folds is only one consideration. (An instrument could have fewer deep folds or more shallow folds, etc.) I'd choose on sound and feel. Most good quality instruments have between 5 and 7 folds. Some cheaper shinier instruments have many more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJGray Posted May 11, 2020 Share Posted May 11, 2020 Not sure what you mean by "Jones 26", exactly, unless it's an antique Jones 26-button. That being said, of the choices you've listed, the Swan looks like by far the most reliable choice. The others could be OK, but without playing them in person, I'd be skeptical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Breve Posted May 11, 2020 Share Posted May 11, 2020 McNeela Swan concertinas are still on sale. As for what they sound like here's a nice tune: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatthewVanitas Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 Is the Jones 26b refurbished by a reputable maker, or is it just in original condition? If you have the chance to buy a refurbished antique for the same cost as a new modern hybrid, I think most people would encourage you to take the refurbished antique. I had a 20b Jones from the 1870s, and it was still quite affordable but played great. A new entry-level or even mid-level concertina will be made with modern accordion "hybrid" reeds, but a refurbished antique will have "True" concertina reeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d.elliott Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 I own a refurbed Jones 26 key Anglo and it is a very successful instrument Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lachenal74693 Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 50 minutes ago, d.elliott said: I own a refurbed Jones 26 key Anglo and it is a very successful instrument Moi aussi. A 26-Button A♭/E♭ Salvation Army Anglo in 'Old Phil' tuning (I think? it is A≅445 Hz). It is a lovely thing... If the OP has the opportunity to pick up a vintage instrument as an alternative to a modern 'hybrid', it seems sorta 'sensible' to go for the vintage instrument, if only on the grounds that the vintage is more likely to hold its value/price? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcoover Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 I'll throw in my vote for a 30-button hybrid over a 26-button vintage, simply due to the more likely standard button arrangement for the top row, and also for the low B,/A, on left hand button #6 which is sometimes different on older instruments. Of course, it depends on the type of music the OP is wanting to learn, but for music with sharps or flats I think it's more important to learn the standard 30-button layout. Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Morrison Posted April 25, 2022 Share Posted April 25, 2022 I agree with Gary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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