Geraghty Posted May 10, 2022 Share Posted May 10, 2022 I have a 7 year old and a 10 year old. Both are showing very mild interest in the concertina (they don't want to 'learn to play' anything yet but enjoy playing with the buttons and seeing how it works) but are nervous handling an expensive instrument. I am considering getting either a Wren or a Rochelle 2 for them to use - something that I won't be heartbroken if they drop/break it. Does anyone have experience with young children/small hands and budget concertinas? Are there models that work better for them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIMON GABRIELOW Posted May 10, 2022 Share Posted May 10, 2022 I do not know if my suggestion is best; but how about one of those robust GDR made 20 key Concertina types? ( Kligenthal made)..It is not Rochelle, but they seem quite tough enough, as a basic introduction to a concertina, or reedy instrument; for curious young hands! Then if interest has not faded can move onto something else later. Sometimes they turn up on eBay, and quite cheaply, yet will probably still be working, and useable. Then you can keep your own special ones for your own uses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geraghty Posted May 10, 2022 Author Share Posted May 10, 2022 (edited) That's a thought too. There's a music shop in town that *might* sell that level of concertina, and it'd be a chance to see if their hands were strong enough to work those models. I don't want to get something that is so frustrating/difficult to use that they don't want to try anymore. Edit - yes, that was a good thought. The local shop sells the Trinity College brand and has one of the red plastic Chinese ones too. We could hypothetically go along and see what they think of them, and how they sound. Edited May 10, 2022 by Geraghty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIMON GABRIELOW Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 Safest bet; I would say.. In a funny way my first concertina was one of those [GDR 20 button Anglo] types myself.. it was well made actually; nice wooden case, bigger buttons, and strong tone. I used it for over 11 years and it was still working.. only that Curiosity made me open it up to see how it worked; and inside was quite robust also! [no hidden treasure inside though!]. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Long Les Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 I wouldn’t suggest a Rochelle for a child of any age. I have one as a spare and it’s much too big and stiff for young hands and arms. Sorry!😟 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geraghty Posted May 11, 2022 Author Share Posted May 11, 2022 I gave a rochelle 1 to a kid I used to mentor, he was probably 12 or so at the time. He did learn to play a few things! Yes, it was big and stiff and I don't think I'd get one for the younger kids, but I'd heard the rochelle 2 was better. Maybe not so much as I'd hoped? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jillser Nic Amhlaoibh Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 Have you seen this thread? It compares the original Rochelle and the Rochelle 2, might be helpful. The 2 is definitely not quite as cumbersome size wise as the original Rochelle going by the photos. https://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?/topic/24371-comparison-standard-rochelle-and-rochelle-2/#comment-216235 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Essery Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 I will second that the Rochelle 2 is quite stiff. at least when new. After a short while of playing my finger tips are dented and feeling quite bruised. As an adult, I am prepared to go through that and build up toughness, but probably not best for tender young fingers. I too started on a very cheap 20 button with big buttons that stood me in good stead for many years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Hare Posted May 14, 2022 Share Posted May 14, 2022 (edited) Have you considered buying them a 'toy melodeon' as an alternative - an example here. That's in the UK, but I'm sure you'll find similar in North America. It'll be cheaper, and there are all the buttons etc. to play with. Get them one each, so they can play duets - get two different colours to avoid fights... I seem to remember reading a story about someone who got a fettler to 'hot-rod' one of these things, which was subsequently used with great success as a 'novelty' at Morris dance outs... There are many threads on melodeon.net dealing with these things, eg: here. Do an 'Advanced Search' on the phrase "toy melodeon" to see more... There's any number of videos on YouTube. This is a favourite... Edited May 15, 2022 by lachenal74693 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIMON GABRIELOW Posted May 15, 2022 Share Posted May 15, 2022 At last; I believe the answer to your topic ( which instrument for young ones) ..it's already on this site. And will solve all your worries over cost, or damage to worthy, or even budget concertina for children.. Where is it? It was featured under topic 'going to need some help with this one".. put on by pistachio dreamer; it was made of confectionary. Yes a cake made in form of concertina! Now that will put pay to bother with concerns over musical devices.. and tasty too! It will keep them quiet! I have image here ( screenshot) which I hope is ok from pistachio dreamer copy for you to see.. It fooled me ( because I thought it was real myself!).. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anglo-Irishman Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 FWIW, I gave my youngest grandson, aged 6, a harmonica for Christmas, and he's taken quite a liking to it. He even reads the tablature for it. Now, I'd say a harmonica is to an anglo concertina what a practice chanter is to a full set of bagpipes. So when my grandson's hands are big enough for a normal Anglo, his musical instinct will help him to get off to a flying start. At least, that's what happened to me, two generations ago! Cheers, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squeezebox Of Delights Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 I don't have any experience with the Rochelle, but I will say that the action on my Wren is pretty stiff, so it might not be too comfortable for small hands. You get used to it after a while, but it doesn't get any more comfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIMON GABRIELOW Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 (edited) Perhaps, if action of instrument is still stiff, there is need for 'grownup' adult person to free the instrument for a while by playing or adjusting it as much as possible, before then handing over to younger ones; in this way everything will be easier to use later on. Thought; then they can watch and learn from a 'master' or great performer how to play as well!!! As you use it! 😁😁😁 Edited May 18, 2022 by SIMON GABRIELOW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geraghty Posted May 18, 2022 Author Share Posted May 18, 2022 Thanks all! After more thought I have decided to get on the list for a Flying Ducks Duckling, 24 button with a drone (because I've never had a drone and it sounds fun). It'll be a little over a year before it is ready but should be robust enough for kids and double as a travel instrument, and I've seen very good reviews about using them with kids. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassconcertina.net Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 I started on a Chinese 20 button model and it worked well for me and I was 10 im pretty sure. 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