BobBobsta Posted October 28 Share Posted October 28 I tried reaching out to McNeela but I’m not getting any reply’s. Does someone on here now how there trade in system works? I bought a Wren2 last year it’s still in good condition. But I’d like to go up to their Phoenix Anglo Concertina. any tips on the trade in? or should I sell and get something else? thanks in advance Markus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulDa321 Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 Once I get an initial reply from them, they continue being responsive after that, but sometimes I’ve had to try a couple times to get that. The Phoenix is made in China and has twins that are nearly identical, labeled as a Trinity College model and the ICC Raven I believe. I’ve heard somewhere the design was a little too heavily inspired by the Concertina Connection Minstrel. That being said, I’ve owned one for 3 weeks before and it feels quite nice to play. It’s extremely lightweight—even more so than a Morse Ceili, from what I can tell by memory-comparison. The sound seemed ok, but hadn’t had a chance to open up so I can’t judge it, but the buttons felt absolutely fantastic—just a really nice feel on the fingers, that I really loved. I also liked that it was nice and compact. However—they aren’t known to be reliable. Mine had air leaking from the corner in the middle of the bellows on a brand new model, which was quite disheartening. There were other quirks, but they were fixable. The overall finish seemed cheap as well and I just had this sense that I might have problems down the road. I ate the high shipping and sent it back. I ended up getting a 2017 ICC Clare for 2000 usd and felt that it was very much worth the extra cost. The quality of the instrument is much better overall and it feels like one I could play indefinitely without upgrade, though it’s technically a student model. That being said, the economics may lead you to a Phoenix. Lots of people have them and like them and I think if you don’t have to pay high shipping to Dublin, then it would be easier if there was a problem. You might want to look into a Concertina Connection Minstrel if you’re stuck on that price and see how it works out. I would imagine them to be more reliable. If you can swing an ICC Clare, Vintage, or Eiru, I think each is worth their price as they step up. I found AP James to be an intriguing option. If you’re in the US, it’s worth calling Bob Tedrow and having a chat. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBobsta Posted November 1 Author Share Posted November 1 Unfortunately I’m based in Germany and the makers for concertinas are almost non existent here. Also the eu seems very scarce in makers. I’ll have a look into all your suggestions though! would you say I’d be off good selling the wren individually? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulDa321 Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 Suttner is in Siegen, Germany (I’m pretty sure) and many people consider his concertinas to be the best being made right now (not trying to start a fight, it’s just an impression). It’s a long waiting list though, but it’s definitely a “final” concertina when you are ready for it. I believe 7mount is Ireland and ICC is Ireland. There’s probably others in the EU, but I’m not sure. If you want to go the Vintage route, then give Barleycorn a call in England—not EU, but not so far for postage. I’m not sure what you could get for the Wren. Most concertinas sell close to their new price because they are in short supply, but the Wren is always available, so that’s an exception—plus they often have sales that bring the price down even lower when new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBobsta Posted November 1 Author Share Posted November 1 Suttner is no longer making concertinas is what I found out last weeks. ill have to feel my feelings but the ICC recommendations have been good you got videos from your you could send me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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