andersm Posted October 12, 2020 Share Posted October 12, 2020 (edited) Hello everyone! I've been lurking around the forums for some time as I'm an aspiring concertina player and I just want to say thanks for this brilliant resource! I'm an aspiring concertina player, this would be my first foray into folk/trad instruments but I have some musical background. I'm looking at a vintage Lachenal Anglo as my first concertina, it looks to be a mahogany/lightwood model, 30b, steel reeds with a five fold bellows. Its been fully restored and including shipping would cost me around €1100. I know the advice to beginners is often picking up a Wren 2 or similar (handy as McNeela's is Irish and relatively local) but I'd like an instrument that I can grow into, that I can't put down and that will hold some of its value. Nothing against the Wren but I don't think it meets these. I have a two questions though, firstly as to the quality of these concertinas, I know they are the lower end Lachenals. Secondly, will a five fold bellows be enough for playing Irish tunes and shanties? I've heard 6 fold is the standard and 5 might leave me gasping for air. I am open to alternative suggestions! Thanks in advance for any replies! Edited October 12, 2020 by andersm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Molkentin Posted October 12, 2020 Share Posted October 12, 2020 I strongly second your choice re starting with a Lachenal (for a moderate price apparently) which make the learning process and playing enjoyable in a way that modern starter models won't offer - and a 5-fold-bellows could very well be sufficient, given that the reeds are fairly responsive. If you're not able to try it, is there a return policy? best wishes - Wolf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Laban Posted October 12, 2020 Share Posted October 12, 2020 (edited) My son started out on a low end mahogany Lachenal and he did well with it for a while. At the time it was a deliberate choice and I still think it was a good one. He did move on before dropping out of playing as a teenager. (not the Lachenal in the pic) He still plays occasionally, when nobody is listening (I was told by his neighbour). Edited October 12, 2020 by Peter Laban Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andersm Posted October 13, 2020 Author Share Posted October 13, 2020 Well the update is that I took the plunge, have purchased it! Will hopefully have it early next week (Friday/Saturday if I'm really lucky). The excitement starts now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Molkentin Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 congrats - enjoy and keep us updated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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