Newbie with a faulty Anglo?

[Diss]

*Clueless newbie*

Hello All,

Im hoping someone can enlighten me - I've been playing a very cheap Anglo Concertina for a few months and then recently purchased The Swan Anglo by McNeela 
 

Its a beautiful instrument for its price and i'm pretty pleased with it overall, however, theres one thing that is nagging me about it.

The lowest notes/key (C3/G3) seems like it needs warming/waking up before playing.

The best way i can describe it is that i need the reed to be already vibrating before i get a note out of it.

so if i'm playing a tune that doesn't have a low C/G in it until halfway through, the first couple of times i "play" these notes nothing comes out, just an air sound until i get the reed going.

is this normal within a not so toy like concertinas? should i be seeking repair/replacement or is it something you learn to get around and control when learning the concertina?

I hope that makes sense and someone can shed some light on this for me

Thanks in advance all

Diss

 

 

Edited December 18, 2024 by Diss

[Tiposx]

The lowest notes can be slower than the others to start. But on the basis that they are excessively slow, I would guess that they could be improved by adjusting the reed gaps. (They probably need reducing) and checking that the valves are working correctly. It is a ten minute job for someone who has the relevant experience.

Edited December 18, 2024 by Tiposx
Typo

[Diss]

Thanks Topsx, for your fast and informative response.

 

Yes i fear these are "excessively slow" 

It would have been great to fix this issue without having to send it back to Ireland but as you say, it's a job for someone with relevant experience.
I spent a lot of time opening up and fixing the buttons on the cheap Hohner i started on and was hoping that buying a brand new instrument would have saved me from needing to open it up.
I did purchase on a black friday deal so i fear this may have been rushed out the door without the relevant QC

[Tiposx]

Agreed that you shouldn’t have to sort things out yourself. To be fair though there are an awful lot of parts in a concertina that have to work properly.

If you do decide to sort the problem out yourself, it sounds to me as if you have enough skill to do so. But that’s just an opinion. And then there is the warranty to consider, and the bank holiday! Perhaps you could discuss the issue with McNeela.

[Diss]

Yes, i have contacted them this morning - with no response yet
I'm about 17 days into the 30 day "Risk Free Return" period depending if they count from the day ordered or day received. 

 

Would be a shame to be without it over Christmas but its need to be right so will await their response. 

Thanks again Tiposx - its good to get an idea of the issue before being answered by the makers as they could tell me anything to save them having it returned

[Mike Acott]

i live north of Ipswich ,if you wish to visit and if the problem is the setting on the reed I should be able to sort the fault while you wait. Phone if you wish to visit, tje number is 01728 768128.

Mike

[Diss]

That would be fantastic Mike

I shall give you a call tomorrow.

[Parker135]

This seems to be a regular thing.  I really wish McNeela would do a better job of quality control on their beginner level instruments.   Yes, they probably don't make a lot at this price point and need to move them out the door, but they're doing a terrible disservice to folks just starting out.

[Diss]

I was struggling to find anything else new at a similar price. 

In my head, new and of a certain price, would mean less problematic - this however already is not the case 

The Sherwood range from Hobgoblin was looking good but i couldnt find anyone talking about them and then was taken in by the free lessons and "support" that was offered with the McNeela. 
I have not had a response to my email from them yet.

[Phil Hague]

Hope you get it sorted, but I would send it back for a refund. Then ring Barleycorn and get some idea of prices for a good used instrument,

[Diss]

Thanks Phil, 
Don't get me wrong if this lower key was fully working i'd very pleased with what i have got here.

I understand it's not a traditional concertina and read alot about how i will probably want to replace in the coming years with a high end used concertina, but I do think once this issue is resolved i'm going to love playing this instrument.

Compared to the Hohner i had originally, even with this dodgy reed, it feels such a pleasure to play so im far from completely out on it. 

I would love to not have to send it back across to Ireland for what sounds like a 12/20 minute job

[Theo]

6 hours ago, Diss said:

 

I would love to not have to send it back across to Ireland for what sounds like a 12/20 minute job

 

There are concertina repairers in England who can put this right, but it might be worth asking McNeela if they will pay the bill. If you send it to Ireland you will have import VAT to deal with in both directions which can get very expensive.

 

In you part of England there is David Robertson in Norwich, or if you don't mind sending it north to me in Gateshead I will be able to get it working.

[Diss]

Thanks Theo and everyone else who has offered help/services

I visited Mike yesterday morning and as you all said he had it open and shut in just 10 mins.

Nows time to have some fun