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Rochelle 2 vs Wren 2 vs Vintage Lachenal 20b?


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Hi all. I’ve been on-and-off interested in getting a concertina for a few years now, and I am now more seriously considering diving in. I’ve done a fair bit of research around the best option for beginners on a budget (£600~) and have come up with the 3 options but am struggling to decide which I should go with.

 

Within my price range for new concertinas are the Rochelle 2 and Wren 2. I’ve seen some info around the Wren being somewhat inferior to the Rochelle due to sticky buttons, but I’m not sure how prevalent that is? Plus as far as I’m aware, it would be easier to ship a Wren here than a Rochelle.

 

The other option I’ve found is some specialist dealers in the UK have some 20b Lachenals available within my price range. Whilst I understand that these should be superior instruments due to their use of proper concertina reeds, there’s a fair few pieces of music I really want to play that can only be played on a 30b. The dealer does offer 100% refund upgrades however, so I could progress to a good vintage 30b at a later date, funds allowing.

 

I mainly want to play folk/sea shanties, with some examples of these being the books by Gary Coover, or A Garden of Dainty Delights by Adrian Brown, as well as possibly expanding into Irish tunes further down the line.

 

I was just wondering what you guys think is the best option? Buy new, and if so, which one? Or go for the 20b, and then upgrade to a 30b at a later date, even if it means I can’t play some of the tunes I like currently?

 

Many thanks in advance, and sorry if I’ve made any mistakes anywhere, first time posting on the forum.

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There is another thread on this very topic here. Good luck. The upgrade option is a good one; and "riding a bicycle before you get your first car" isn't all bad. While a 20-vintage may limit what you can play, a Rochelle or Wren will too, in another way. I didn't find missing a few notes on my Italian 20b the first two years was a handicap; there were plenty of other things to master anyway. And while you can't do every melody, you can do partial chords (D, A, B, etc.) on a C/G 20b - I have songs I still accompany that way, and that was good early training for me also.

 

Ken

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13 minutes ago, Alan Day said:

If you go for the vintage Lachenal check to make sure it is in current pitch. The more modern instruments will be.

Al

The dealer I’m looking at lists all the instruments as having been ‘fitted with new pad, valves and straps,’ as well as having ‘been tuned to concert pitch (A=440hz).’

 

To add on, they have two Anglos in my price range, both Lachenal 20b and both the same price. One has brass reeds and is in fairly good cosmetic condition, the other has steel reeds but its wooden ends are quite messy. Is it worth to have a worse cosmetic condition for better reeds?

 

Jack

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6 hours ago, Ken_Coles said:

There is another thread on this very topic here. Good luck. The upgrade option is a good one; and "riding a bicycle before you get your first car" isn't all bad. While a 20-vintage may limit what you can play, a Rochelle or Wren will too, in another way. I didn't find missing a few notes on my Italian 20b the first two years was a handicap; there were plenty of other things to master anyway. And while you can't do every melody, you can do partial chords (D, A, B, etc.) on a C/G 20b - I have songs I still accompany that way, and that was good early training for me also.

 

Ken

The issue is, even though there are a lot of tunes that are fine for 20b, the tune that has really inspired me to want to pickup concertina can only be played on a 30b, which is why even though the 20b would be a superior instrument, I’ll forever want to be playing that specific piece.

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Hello, can your favorite tunes be played on a 26b ? Maybe a 26b vintages can fit your need...yes a bit more expensive but it will solve your problem :-) There is a 26b for sale in your.price range (+200) but in BF#...why not if you play ok your own 

best

Edited by papawemba
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14 hours ago, Jack Gravez said:

To add on, they have two Anglos in my price range, both Lachenal 20b and both the same price. One has brass reeds and is in fairly good cosmetic condition, the other has steel reeds but its wooden ends are quite messy.

Just FYI, Theo now lists 24b Jones with brass reeds in your price range. If brass reeds are OK for you It might be an option.

https://theboxplace.co.uk/product/jones-24/

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Whatever instrument you choose, I would say 30 button variety will open up a world of choice, as far as key range available ( virtually everything).. because of the additional accidentals ( flats or sharps) on the compass range of instrument. It may seem daunting at first, with extra buttons, but in time I think you will be glad to have an even more chromatic range of notes at your disposal. Don't be discouraged if progress is slow as you learn, but keep up the practice, as some enjoyment is needed in learning a new skill.

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1 hour ago, Diamond Squeezer said:

If the dealers you're looking at for the Lachenals are the ones I think they are, it would be worth asking them about your particular requirements. They say on their website that they can only show a small percentage of their stock.

Barleycorn? I have contacted them but due to the holidays I think I’ll have to wait. That was an application to see other 20b, but I might call them more generally in the new year and talk about my options.

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8 hours ago, SIMON GABRIELOW said:

Whatever instrument you choose, I would say 30 button variety will open up a world of choice, as far as key range available ( virtually everything).. because of the additional accidentals ( flats or sharps) on the compass range of instrument. It may seem daunting at first, with extra buttons, but in time I think you will be glad to have an even more chromatic range of notes at your disposal. Don't be discouraged if progress is slow as you learn, but keep up the practice, as some enjoyment is needed in learning a new skill.

Yep, which is why I’m tempted to go with a 30b. I’m going to have to be self-taught with the concertina, as there are literally no lessons where live, but I’m hoping that it’s doable.

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4 minutes ago, Jack Gravez said:

Yep, which is why I’m tempted to go with a 30b. I’m going to have to be self-taught with the concertina, as there are literally no lessons where live, but I’m hoping that it’s doable.

Several people offer on-line one to one lessons. I'm having some from John Kirkpartick, via zoom, and they work better that I thought they would.

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As someone whom has had to teach themselves (namely myself!).. from the beginning, when I got my first 20 button Anglo,( back in 1988)!.. I know the first feelings of excited anticipation at going ahead with something new, and maybe fairly unknown, and a good book, or teacher will encourage learning and should make the process of acquiring new skills worthwhile.  And if you do get stuck.. you have lots of people on this concertina net. Community who I am confident will help you along on your way. But do not be put off, by the daunting beginnings, or too many technical worries.. find your way at a pace that best suits YOU personally.. and I am sure you will 'blosdom' as a musician.🌝🌝🌝

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Concertina Connection has an original “pre-owned” Rochelle in stock now for USD395.

Though it is bulky, it is a good starter instrument for its price.

 

I own a Rochelle-2. It is a descent starter instrument, but eventually you may wish to upgrade to a higher grade instrument. My main concertina is Minstrel with bellows upgrade. 

 

Totani

 

https://www.concertinaconnection.com/pre owned.htm

Edited by gtotani
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It is definitely worth telling Chris at Barleycorn what you are looking for, and your budget. They are buying and selling lots of concertinas every week, so the website is always incomplete.

 

Brass vs steel reeds? I'd go with a tatty steel reed instrument rather than a pretty brass reed one as I prefer the sound of them, and looks are a secondary consideration when budgets are limited.

 

 

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