How to change range on EC ?

[Marmotin]

14 minutes ago, Phil Hague said:

I first bought a Jacki myself. I found it very hard to play. Soon bit the bullet and bought a Wheatstone English. It has the same button layout with 48 buttons. It is so much easier to play, lighter on the bellows and more responsive. I have been playing concertina for 11 months now and I am just beginning to get the lower notes (I call them the growlers). I would advise buying a good quality used instrument as I did.

For now I'm truly happy with the A 18. Very easy to play, and light for carrying anywhere. I'll just continue playing the Jack one sometimes, as the A18 button options don't allow some tunes (but constraints help creativity no ?)

Good quality used instrument will be the next step though. Thanks for your testimony.

[Marmotin]

27 minutes ago, SIMON GABRIELOW said:

You don't need a box made specially for your concertina. Any container can be padded up to fit.

Perhaps one of those cooler boxes which are sold for travelling ( food boxes ) could be adapted. A camera gadget type case with suitable space. Well padded with plenty of soft material to cushion instrument will be quite suitable for concertinas.

 

Indeed it will probably be the best option. I'll take measurements of the thing on a little paper to carry in my wallet and keep my eyes open when I see some boxes in second hand shops. Thank you!

[Tiposx]

Hi Marmotin

The button will be quite easy to fix. You will need to undo the six (or four in your photo) end screws, remove the end, then remove two very small screws that locate the inner mechanism board to the end. The mechanism board will then be free to pop away.

The mechanism itself is very flimsy and made mostly from low quality aluminium. You will be able to bend the lever slightly with light finger pressure to line it up side-to-side. Should you need to alter the button alignment up or down, then just slide it along the lever. The button is only held in place by the rubber tube.

I haven’t found a nice case for mine.

Edited January 11, 2025 by Tiposx
Fact checked

[Capitanya]

I had the same experience with the Jack. Nice sound, but SO slow - and the tight vinyl bellows were a struggle. I upgraded to an old Wheatstone ASAP (it was $1000 - which felt like a bonkers price for an instrument to someone who buys $100 ukuleles). It may be doable, but the EC is already hard. I didn't need that added layer of difficulty.

[wunks]

Don't be in a hurry to play fast.  

[Marmotin]

23 hours ago, Capitanya said:

I had the same experience with the Jack. Nice sound, but SO slow - and the tight vinyl bellows were a struggle. I upgraded to an old Wheatstone ASAP (it was $1000 - which felt like a bonkers price for an instrument to someone who buys $100 ukuleles). It may be doable, but the EC is already hard. I didn't need that added layer of difficulty.

I agree! I now play most of the time with the A18 Stagi, but I have to take back the jack for some tunes, and oh, it's a struggle every time haha. At least I think learning with a difficult instrument makes everything easier later. I was very surprised of my capabilities when I handle the Stagi for the first time, and I'm sure I'll be full of joy when I'll be able to buy a proper treble EC

[Marmotin]

22 hours ago, wunks said:

Don't be in a hurry to play fast.  

Never !

[Sean M]

Sounds like you're happy with the Stagi A18 but wanted to mention that the Concertina Connection instruments are well known for their trade in program. Usually trading up for a better quality instrument. If you're not financially ready for that now it might even be worth seeing if you could do a horizontal trade, Jack for Jackie.