CHEAP TRAVEL ANGLO 30

[Martin Essery]

I am thinking of travelling and not happy about taking one of my more precious instruments. So, if you wanted a cheap 30 button anglo that actually works and is not embarrassing to play in public, which model would you go for? I have had a Calleg Las, which was awful and a Rochelle-2 which was just about bearable. Which model do you have for such purposes, or would have if you were to have one? Obviously has to be a hybrid for the price.

I cannot see anything less that 500 quid being worthwhile, and would be reluctant to spend more than 1,000. Does anyone play a Swan? Is it worth the extra to get a Phoenix or a Minstrel?

Edited June 7 by Martin Essery

[David T]

You could try the Wheatstone Mayfair. Barlycorn has one at 675

[David Colpitts]

I (and others) have had pleasant experiences with older Bastari/Stagi instruments, that can be had often for $150-500.  They often have sweet tone, and are perhaps less facile for really fast stuff, but I prefer the feel to the Rochelle.  I have my first (95 dollars 12 years ago) and I know I could get a hundred....Just sayin'

 

I should specify I mean the ones with real leather bellows, and no glitzy marquetry/veneer work.  I have had a black one and a metal-ended mahogany, which actually sounds more "concertina-like." And, as a matter of fact, I can actually play it about as quickly as my Morse, which cost 20 times more (but has many other virtues)

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

I can understand the concern for looking after a concertina ( of any kind) for travelling round with.. you ( meaning all performers) put a lot of your soul and self into using them, at any price range. And although I have my one and only ( Hohner branded Italian made) Anglo, I am always reluctant to take it out of its comfy home surrounding, and padded box, which keeps it in good order for over 25 years of use.

So I and one of those people with  one of those 'older' metal ended, real leather bellows instruments and would not wish to part with it at any rate. (Until my own mortality demands it )!🌝😊

Edited June 7 by SIMON GABRIELOW

[rcr27]

I second the Wheatstone Mayfair (or as I prefer to call it, the Boosey & Hawkes concertina); it ticks all your boxes as it was made for those purposes. 
 

This video illustrates the Mayfair and other entry level anglo concertinas: https://youtu.be/pSy2czyV3Mk?si=rWSz2mBKLSy5CDk3 

 

Edited June 7 by rcr27

[Martin Essery]

Looks like I have made my decision. I have played cheap concertinas and hated it. I have played decent old concertinas and hated it. So, I decided to go for new, and definitely not Chinese, so came to the conclusion that the minimum I could accept was a Minstrel. I have an English I tried and confirmed I prefer anglo, so with that as a trade in, it should not cost that much 🙂 Apparently a couple of weeks wait yes, but will report here when I have it in my hands 🙂