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Posted

Hi concertinists,

Tell me your opinions about Anthony P James's concertinas.

I plan to place an order in the next few months.

For me, that would be perfect as a second instrument. I have been playing mainly diatonic accordion for over 30 years for dance in Quebec. Possessing 4 of the best Messervier accordions.

Posted

Hello! I've never played one but heard them being played on YouTube. I also watched a video of him making one on YouTube as well. 
The handmade aspect was really inspiring, so I reached out and ordered one. I put a deposit down in late April and the wait time is 9-10 mos. In the meantime I scored on a minstrel that I've been playing.cant wait to get mine and would also like to hear anyone's opinion on them since there's not a lot on this forum

Posted
On 6/13/2025 at 11:39 PM, Goldhand said:

Hello! I've never played one but heard them being played on YouTube. I also watched a video of him making one on YouTube as well. 
The handmade aspect was really inspiring, so I reached out and ordered one. I put a deposit down in late April and the wait time is 9-10 mos. In the meantime I scored on a minstrel that I've been playing.cant wait to get mine and would also like to hear anyone's opinion on them since there's not a lot on this forum

Please post an honest review of them both, especially since a Minstrel would be a very close equivalent. I find most of these instruments have pros and cons at all levels. Are you liking the Minstrel?

Posted

This minstrel has a really nice fast action and has the Wakker bellows upgrade which I was told by Wim that they stopped doing due to cost. Like others have said on other posts on this forum it seems like it's made for people with smaller hands. I had to make new, longer hand straps  because the straps that came with it were waaay too tight, even on the last hole,this has really helped. I always thought I had average sized hands haha. I'm assuming the upgraded bellows are better than the stock bellows. I had never played a hybrid before and found that the lower notes on the left side seemed flappy or buzzy to me compared to my 20 button lachenal. It took a week or two to get used to the different sound. It's definitely louder and brighter than my lachenal. It's my go to now because of the fast action and seems to sound notes with less work on the bellows. It's really sensitive which I really like. 
I'm certainly no expert and have been playing here and there over the years but have recently been on an up swing and trying to learn as much as I can. I'll definitely let you know how the APJ concertina is working out once I get it.  all and all I really like the minstrel and think it's a really well made concertina. 

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Posted
10 hours ago, PaulDa321 said:

Please post an honest review of them both, especially since a Minstrel would be a very close equivalent. I find most of these instruments have pros and cons at all levels. Are you liking the Minstrel?

Forgot to add your quote here

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Posted
On 16/06/2025 at 11:26, Goldhand said:

J'ai oublié d'ajouter votre citation ici

I found a Wheatstone English 48 Notes Model 22 in excellent condition.

 

So I give up the Anglo.

Posted

Good luck with the English concertina! You will find it entirely different to a diatonic instrument, and in particular on most ECs the cramped button arrangement.

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