Looking for higher end Wicki/Hayden duet

[Albus P]

Hi,

 

So pretty much as title says. Preferably from within EU. I currently do own Stagi Hayden duet, which started being rather limiting, and would like to move towards a higher end instrument with a smoother action. I know I am really pressing my luck here, but maybe someone just went other direction and has a dusty Hayden duet which would go to the hands where it'd see quite a lot of action?

 

I am aware of a quite recent post featuring Peacock, but didn't get a response from the owner (yet) but it already has its new happy owner.

 

Thanks!

Edited August 13, 2023 by Albus P

[Kumatina]

can I ask you a review on the Stagi Hayden 46? was it one of the new models of Concertine Italia or an old model?

 

I wanted to upgrade from an Elise to the Stagi 46 but I would like to know your experience, thank you.

Edited August 13, 2023 by Kumatina

[Albus P]

Certainly.
 

I acquired this new model directly from the manufacturer around January '23, and it arrived in approximately two and a half months. As it was my inaugural experience with a concertina, I opted for a model with a broader range and what I perceived at the time to be superior aesthetics. Here are some notable observations:

• The build quality is average. The air button was installed at an angle, causing it to rub against the edge of its hole. Fortunately, I was able to rectify this issue on my own.
• The overall design gives off a somewhat plasticky impression. The outer pattern, reminiscent of wood, is purely decorative, and the metallic mesh on the sides is, in fact, plastic.
• I find the buttons somewhat disconcerting; in my opinion, they are larger than they ought to be. The action is also notably slow.
• The wrist straps never felt right to me. I believe this discomfort arises from the larger buttons, necessitating a broader left-to-right range and hence more extensive palm movements during play. Additionally, the force required to push/pull is significantly more than that of an Anglo concertina I once played. I've since opted to use custom-made thumb straps, which afford my palms more mobility. However, I'm still on the quest for a more natural feel and am exploring alternative solutions.
• I had to dismantle the instrument multiple times due to certain voices getting stuck. Upon inspection, I found accordion reeds housed in typical accordion reed boxes, contributing to the Stagi's bulkier ends and augmented weight.

In juxtaposition with other instruments I've played (excluding concertinas), this particular model strikes me as emblematic of basic, mass-produced craftsmanship. In hindsight, I'd undoubtedly have saved up for a Wakker instead.
 

Warm regards, Albus 

P.S. Before settling on Stagi, I came across the notion that newer Stagi models were of a significantly different quality compared to the older ones. However, this seems implausible; if the quality disparity were that vast, it would imply that the older Stagi models were virtually unplayable.

 

 

[Albus P]

Also, a brief update from my corner: as a European being a bit shortchanged in the concertina department, it seems options are a bit thin on the ground. Until some musical serendipity comes my way, I'm entertaining the notion of building a Hayden duet concertina from scratch. I'll be sharing this journey in a special section of the forum. But before I get too ambitious, I've got an old English concertina to restore, a recent find from a fellow concertina.net member. Here's hoping it offers a crash course on the ins and outs of these intricate instruments.
 

That said, I haven't taken my eyes off the prize: a quality Hayden/Wicki. If you ever think of parting with yours, or hear of someone who might, I'm all ears!

Edited August 13, 2023 by Albus P

[Kumatina]

thank you so much for your review Albus. It hurts to hear that people producing concertinas so close to me didn't do a good job. It would have been so easy to me to acquire one, but considering your evaluations I am going to think thrice before buying anything from Concertine Italia.

 

I'm not rich so I can't afford anything expensive like a CC Peacock or a rare Beaumont...I think I am going to burn that bridge once I cross it.

 

In the meantime, if you are looking for other Haydens I saw elsewhere that Edward Jay 3d printed some concertinas if you are interested: http://edwardjay.net/paragraphsView.aspx?siteid=61&headerid=107&siteHeader=Hayden

 

They are still outside my price range  so I don't think I am ever going to be able to afford one. But it's great to hear there are other options. Thanks again  

[Albus P]

Hi,

 

Apologies if that sounded too harsh. Overall, Stagi got me hyped on Hayden system, so considering all, it did perfect job at what it is intended as - a beginner's concertina. Also, Stagis are rather affordable and widely available, so, after all, I think, they are great at what they aim to.

 

I totally get you regarding price. To me paying several thousand euros for what is essentially one of my hobbies is quite some money. And that's why I encourage you to maybe consider building one yourself - It would be much fun having somebody to share things during the process. And I bet you can learn so much about the instrument in the process.

 

Best,

Albus

[Kumatina]

No need to apologize Albus, if a product has issues it's good to know them. I like the Hayden system too and was happy to have more options, but the 1150€ for an instrument is not a cheap start considering that in Italy that's the average range for a month salary in a white collar job, and some people in the service industry makes even less.

 

I don't want to bother you with details, I'm sure you can imagine them.

 

Thanks for the tip! there was a mate building his own crane duet and that was amazing. Cheers Albus, good luck on your concertina journey. I'll maybe try to find an used Hayden 46 and see how it goes