Looking to Demo in New England

[MegaDan]

Hello All,

TL;DR : Does anyone in New England have an Eiru, Edgley, or Wakker that they would be kind enough to let me demo?

I've recently upgraded from a Phoenix to a wonderful Morse anglo (jeffries layout). It is a delight to play and a night and day difference from the Phoenix, though they actually look very similar! See attached pic.

BUT! Looking towards the future, I know I'll want to sell my Phoenix and still be a two concertina person, playing the Morse as well as a true concertina reeded box. I was just at Willie Clancy week this past year and played Jeffries, Wheatstone, Lachenal, Suttner, Carroll, 7Mount, ICC Vintage, and a few other less notables. Some amazing instruments here but each has some obstacle.

• A good Jeffries is out of budget, as is Carroll unless I can find a reasonably priced used.
• Wheatstone and Lachenal are different button layouts to what I'm used to (and I don't want to switch).
• Suttner is no longer taking orders, but could get lucky finding a second hand.
• The ICC Vintage was fine but really wanted to try an Eiru. Just couldn't find one around.
• Didn't get a good enough feel for the 7Mount and I've heard they aren't taking new orders either.

I'm interested in pursuing a ICC Eiru, Edgley Heritage or New Model, Wakker, or any other high level anglo not mentioned. The challenge is I would like to play one before deciding and committing to a waitlist.

So what I'm asking is if there is anyone out there that would let me demo yours? I'm located in Southern Vermont and am happy to travel almost anywhere in New England to demo your concertina. I PROMISE I will not solicit you to sell me yours!

Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Dan
 

[PaulDa321]

Hey Dan, I’ve got an ICC Vintage in Burlington, but I just re-read and it looks like you’ve tried one. The Vintage is really similar to the Eiru, but there is less distance from hand rest to keyboard. I’ve played them back to back and preferred the Eiru, but it’s not a world of difference. I have a video where I talk a bit about it 

 

Edited August 29, 2025 by PaulDa321