Snowbeast Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 So I have a Rochelle and would like to upgrade. What do you recommend as a step up? My budget is around $1,500. Should I wait until I find a good deal or is there something in that area worth getting new? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimR Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 If you got your new Rochelle from Concertina Connection or The Button Box, you could trade up to the next (or higher) lever concertina from CC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff W. Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Yes, I would recommend the Minstrel or Clover as a solid upgrade if you are able to turn your Rochelle back in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimR Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 If you didn't get your Rochelle new, the answers are similar, the Clover from ConcertinaConnection, the Ceili from the ButtonBox, or a vintage 'tina. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Hersh Posted March 12, 2021 Share Posted March 12, 2021 Concertina Connection will take your Rochelle as a trade-in even if you didn't buy it there. One other thing to consider: your budget is probably just enough to get a restored Lachenal or Jones if you want an instrument with traditional concertina-type reeds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowbeast Posted March 13, 2021 Author Share Posted March 13, 2021 So I actually have the Rochelle 2, would a minstrel be a significant step up? Would it be something I could possibly play for a few year or should I wait(a year or so to save up) and get a clover or ceili when I can? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_s Posted March 13, 2021 Share Posted March 13, 2021 18 hours ago, Snowbeast said: So I actually have the Rochelle 2, would a minstrel be a significant step up? Would it be something I could possibly play for a few year or should I wait(a year or so to save up) and get a clover or ceili when I can? Personally, from what I've read in addition to having briefly played a Minstrel, I would save up for a Clover, Ceilli, or even an Edgley. You could always buy used too. The Minstrel is a good step up from a Rochelle, but you would see a big difference with the other listed ones and wouldn't feel the need to step up again for quite some time. That's my $.02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff W. Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 I went from a Minstrel (with the nice bellows upgrade) to a Clover. I think it has marginal improvements in sound quality and playability, but a large portion of the money comes in a nicer fit and finish, which I appreciate. The buttons feel better and it overall just seems like a higher quality instrument. I think if you got a Minstrel without the nice bellows, it wouldn't be as big of an upgrade as a Clover or similar quality "nice" hybrid. Anything is a huge upgrade from the Rochelle 1, but I'm not familiar with the 2. but hey - you're the first person I've seen with a Rochelle 2! I think we'd all love to see some pictures, hear what you think of it, maybe even a video It's a very interesting development in starter concertinas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikefule Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 My step up from a Rochelle was to a Marcus. I have since stepped up further to a Dipper, but the Marcus was an impressive box and I sometimes regret selling it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lachenal74693 Posted March 14, 2021 Share Posted March 14, 2021 6 hours ago, Mikefule said: My step up from a Rochelle was to a Marcus. I have since stepped up further to a Dipper, but the Marcus was an impressive box and I sometimes regret selling it. My step-up from a 20-button was to a 30-button - the very Marcus Mikefule is referring to. It is indeed an impressive instrument. It's sitting beside me right now. (Pause while I play 'Back to the Army Again' for 30 seconds or so...😎). It is my first-choice instrument when I play for t'Morris, or with the Beech Band (when we're allowed to, of course). If the post was intended to recommend a Marcus as a good second instrument, I would heartily endorse that recommendation... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Morrison Posted March 16, 2021 Share Posted March 16, 2021 The best concertina now would’ve The Minstrel from Concertina Connection or Red Cow Music. A superb concertina that will last you a lifetime. steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papawemba Posted March 16, 2021 Share Posted March 16, 2021 Check also concertina by Hamon (model Herrington classic). I just got one and I am super happy ! I'll probably write a small review in about a week or so. The maker (Seth Hamon) is a member here and I was happy with everything including service. For a long time I have hesitated between many in this "price range" including Marcus, Phoenix, Minstrel, The Clare,... Not sure why at first but my heart went for Hamon's maker concertina. I just can't put it down (the concertina, not the maker 😉 ) Nicolas 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Hersh Posted March 16, 2021 Share Posted March 16, 2021 5 hours ago, Steve Morrison said: The best concertina now would’ve The Minstrel from Concertina Connection or Red Cow Music. A superb concertina that will last you a lifetime. steve Is Red Cow Music your own business? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiposx Posted March 17, 2021 Share Posted March 17, 2021 Steve usually declares in his posts that he is a proprietor of Red Cow. He must have forgotten to say on this occasion. 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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