holdyourponies Posted October 23 Posted October 23 I’ve been taking my time with this decision since I’ve been enjoying reading up on the concertina. One of the topics that is extremely useful on here are the current makers of concertinas. While I’ve reached out to some (50/50 you hear back) I’ve come to see that there is quite a long wait. So my question is whether I should start on something like a McNeela Phoenix. The problem is I would rather just put the $1500 into a ~$5,000 box and be done with it. I was looking at Edgley and Marcus. Noticed a few others that aren’t building them any longer due to various reasons. Was considering going used but I’m not sure I’d make a good decision. Doubt I’d know if something was wrong with it. Anyone know of any makers with a relatively low wait time? Looking for an Anglo C/G Wheatstone. Interested in veterans insight.
Geoff Wooff Posted October 23 Posted October 23 Go Vintage , if the wait times are too long for you. Have a look at the selection from Barleycorn Concertinas. www.concertina.co.uk I've played old Wheatstones and Lachenals for 50 years and happy with them. 2
Daniel Hersh Posted October 23 Posted October 23 2 hours ago, Holdyourponies said: I’ve been taking my time with this decision since I’ve been enjoying reading up on the concertina. One of the topics that is extremely useful on here are the current makers of concertinas. While I’ve reached out to some (50/50 you hear back) I’ve come to see that there is quite a long wait. So my question is whether I should start on something like a McNeela Phoenix. The problem is I would rather just put the $1500 into a ~$5,000 box and be done with it. I was looking at Edgley and Marcus. Noticed a few others that aren’t building them any longer due to various reasons. Was considering going used but I’m not sure I’d make a good decision. Doubt I’d know if something was wrong with it. Anyone know of any makers with a relatively low wait time? Looking for an Anglo C/G Wheatstone. Interested in veterans insight. Geoff's advice is reasonable, but you might also try Thomas, Edgley or Irish Concertina Company.
Richard Mellish Posted October 23 Posted October 23 It seems also worth reiterating the usual advice; if you buy a concertina that's available immediately, you can re-sell it when something better (or more to your liking) becomes available without losing much cash, provided that the first one is of reasonable or better quality.
holdyourponies Posted October 23 Author Posted October 23 6 hours ago, Daniel Hersh said: Geoff's advice is reasonable, but you might also try Thomas, Edgley or Irish Concertina Company. I am looking into Thomas but I’ve only been able to find one review from years ago. What’s your opinion on them? Edgley, I’m still waiting to hear back but that was another that interests me. I’m in the USA so maybe it’s better to go with Thomas.
seanc Posted October 23 Posted October 23 If you are coming into this with 0 experience. It is really hard to judge the quality of the instrument. even if you have it in hand. Yes, you can see all of the notes work, the bellows is tight, and it is generally in tune. But, after that it is really hard to say this is an OK one, that is a Good one, and that one is fantastic. That is a matter of learning, experience, and then taste. You also have to contend with that, even though you don't go into it with the expectation. You don;t know if down the road a year from now you will stick with it. Or, it's for you. Or, once you have some knowledge and experience if you will find you'd be better off with an English, or a Duet. ( I started on Anglo, struggled. And then came to realize my mind is wired for unisonic/ English and is definitely NOT BI-sonic). My suggestion would be establish the budget. Research. And then buy the "best" available NOW. Better to be a newbie playing something right now than a potential newbie waiting forever trying to decide (within reason). I would absolutely encourage used, as long as it was bought from a reputable source or dealer. And one that would give you a reasonable window for inspection and return. Most times you'll get far more for your money. And, in general, you are likely to get all/ most of your investment back if you sell or trade. 1
gcoover Posted October 23 Posted October 23 Excellent advice from all. I'd stay away from the very bottom grade cheap instruments, but definitely agree with getting something right now that you can get started on. It's easy enough to move up later and sell the first one for close to what you paid for it. Or keep it around as a spare or traveling instrument. Where are you in the US? There might be players nearby or maybe even a concertina event like the Old Pal Concertina Weekend where you can try a variety of different instruments new and old. All concertinas feel and play differently, so try as many as possible until you find the one that speaks to you the most. My current favorite is a 25-year-old Marcus, just a joy to play. Most of the current makers have several month waiting periods, but Barleycorn can be a good source for vintage instruments. The mid-range hybrids have improved greatly over the years, I recently tried a Phoenix, Sherwood, and Marion and they won't hold you back like the cheaper Wren or Stagi or Trinity College or Rochelle. The next step up would be Edgley, Marcus, etc. Gary
seanc Posted October 23 Posted October 23 6 minutes ago, gcoover said: "The mid-range hybrids have improved greatly over the years, I recently tried a Phoenix, Sherwood, and Marion and they won't hold you back like the cheaper Wren or Stagi or Trinity College or Rochelle. The next step up would be Edgley, Marcus, etc." I am no longer an anglo player.. But I was for a time. I would also add AC Norman and Morse to the list of very capable mid tier hybrids. That can be found used and would be fantastic instruments that are extremely fast and capable. And could take you very far.
Parker135 Posted October 23 Posted October 23 5 hours ago, Holdyourponies said: I am looking into Thomas but I’ve only been able to find one review from years ago. What’s your opinion on them? Edgley, I’m still waiting to hear back but that was another that interests me. I’m in the USA so maybe it’s better to go with Thomas. The fact that Edgley is in Ontario shouldn't be an issue. I bought one of his Heritage instruments used. It was part of an estate sale, previously owned by an American, but in Canada with Frank at the time, so he brought the instrument over to Detroit for me to avoid confusion at the border. Point is, he's not that far away and very used to selling into the US. It's a fantastic concertina, by the way.
SIMON GABRIELOW Posted October 23 Posted October 23 And whichever you eventually choose.. it depends upon you the musician, to get the best you can from whatever you have at hand.
holdyourponies Posted October 23 Author Posted October 23 2 hours ago, gcoover said: Excellent advice from all. I'd stay away from the very bottom grade cheap instruments, but definitely agree with getting something right now that you can get started on. It's easy enough to move up later and sell the first one for close to what you paid for it. Or keep it around as a spare or traveling instrument. Where are you in the US? There might be players nearby or maybe even a concertina event like the Old Pal Concertina Weekend where you can try a variety of different instruments new and old. All concertinas feel and play differently, so try as many as possible until you find the one that speaks to you the most. My current favorite is a 25-year-old Marcus, just a joy to play. Most of the current makers have several month waiting periods, but Barleycorn can be a good source for vintage instruments. The mid-range hybrids have improved greatly over the years, I recently tried a Phoenix, Sherwood, and Marion and they won't hold you back like the cheaper Wren or Stagi or Trinity College or Rochelle. The next step up would be Edgley, Marcus, etc. Gary I’m in Denver. I’ve not seen anything online about events out here. Actually you brought a question to my mind. Is the concertina popular in any particular part of the U.S.? I’ve grown up mostly in the southwest and I’ve never actually seen one in person.
seanc Posted October 23 Posted October 23 13 minutes ago, Holdyourponies said: I’m in Denver. I’ve not seen anything online about events out here. Actually you brought a question to my mind. Is the concertina popular in any particular part of the U.S.? I’ve grown up mostly in the southwest and I’ve never actually seen one in person. Not near as popular here as the UK. the experience I have had visiting a “typical” music store that has a concertina on the shelf have been dismal. I pity the the person that bought any of those. a great source may be to contact Greg Jowasis or Bob Tedrow to see what they might have. Both 100% great reputable concertina people. I would absolutely trust both. and keep an eye on Facebook concertina in us for sale and Craig’s for used. 1
holdyourponies Posted October 24 Author Posted October 24 2 hours ago, seanc said: Not near as popular here as the UK. the experience I have had visiting a “typical” music store that has a concertina on the shelf have been dismal. I pity the the person that bought any of those. a great source may be to contact Greg Jowasis or Bob Tedrow to see what they might have. Both 100% great reputable concertina people. I would absolutely trust both. and keep an eye on Facebook concertina in us for sale and Craig’s for used. Funny enough I found a concertina at a guitar center, which is our cookie cutter corporate music store, for $250. I think I’ll pass. I’ll reach out to those you suggested, thanks.
Daniel Hersh Posted October 24 Posted October 24 10 hours ago, Holdyourponies said: I am looking into Thomas but I’ve only been able to find one review from years ago. What’s your opinion on them? Edgley, I’m still waiting to hear back but that was another that interests me. I’m in the USA so maybe it’s better to go with Thomas. I have played one Thomas concertina, which belongs to the fine Irish-style player Autumn Rhodes. I like it.
Daniel Hersh Posted October 24 Posted October 24 3 hours ago, Holdyourponies said: I’m in Denver. I’ve not seen anything online about events out here. Actually you brought a question to my mind. Is the concertina popular in any particular part of the U.S.? I’ve grown up mostly in the southwest and I’ve never actually seen one in person. I'm the San Francisco Bay Area. The concertina is (relatively speaking) fairly popular here. We just had ten players at a local players gathering and there are quite a few more players who I know about.
gcoover Posted October 24 Posted October 24 Willie Crook makes high-end concertinas in Denver, would be worth checking in with him since he might have some suggestions, maybe even some trade-ins or other instruments for sale. You might want to also drop in on some of the Irish sessions in Denver and Boulder where there might be some concertina players. (It's been a few years since I've been to Denver, but unless things have changed I would highly suggest avoiding the Scruffy Murphy's session - absolutely legendary rude behavior!) Gary
holdyourponies Posted October 24 Author Posted October 24 27 minutes ago, gcoover said: Willie Crook makes high-end concertinas in Denver, would be worth checking in with him since he might have some suggestions, maybe even some trade-ins or other instruments for sale. You might want to also drop in on some of the Irish sessions in Denver and Boulder where there might be some concertina players. (It's been a few years since I've been to Denver, but unless things have changed I would highly suggest avoiding the Scruffy Murphy's session - absolutely legendary rude behavior!) Gary Ah unfortunately he’s at a 36 month wait. Very sad to hear since it would have been perfect but good on him. Ah great idea. I’ll do that.
Phil Hague Posted October 24 Posted October 24 Don,t buy a cheap end ( still not so cheap ) 'beginners' instrument. I made that mistake and found it very difficult to play. I soon bought a Wheatstone (English) which is absolutely great and plays so much more easily, it was made in 1928 so don't let age put you off.
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