How good is Mcneela Regondi model?

[pinnman]

I see a lot of criticism of Mcneela and also their Regondi model, but I would be interested to know more about their innards. Has anyone opened one up? 

[Robby]

Not sure abut the insides, but any prospective buyers must know that is does not have enough range to play Regondi's music.

[Tiposx]

It seems to share some similarities with the Sherwood Reynard. The buttons, finish and specification (riveted action, Czech reeds) look similar. The fretwork is more intricate on the Regondi, the Reynard has 7 fold bellows.
The prices are quite different though.

Edited January 31 by Tiposx

[pinnman]

Very true. It isn't alone in that, of course, but the name does not seem to be an ideal match.

[David Lay]

I think you can guess from the cost that is like the Swan.  Assuming the guess is correct, it has accordion type reeds waxed onto a reed pan rather than in reed blocks.  Made in China.  There are reviews you can search to find that are for the Swan.

[pinnman]

Thanks, David.

 

However, can you advise, please.

 

The Mcneela web page for the Swan has images of what look to me to be rivetted reeds in reed blocks. (You will need to run the first YouTube video for this.)

 

This seems to run entirely contrary to your comments, so your further thoughts will be welcome.

[David Lay]

When I use the term "block", I use it as it is used for accordions where reeds are waxed onto wooden blocks such as is done in the Wren.   In the Swan, the reed shoes are each mounted on a flat surface.  Only the least costly concertinas have reed blocks.  Examples include the Rochelle, Tina, Kirklees, and Stagi.  The Sparrow will have reed blocks.  By mounting the reeds in blocks and parallel rows as the photo shows, the action is greatly simplified saving cost.

Edited February 3 by David Lay

[pinnman]

Thank you, but it does not really help. The question relates to concertinas, not accordions, and specifica lly the Swan, not the Wren.

If you can resolve the conflicting statements, please do.

[Tiposx]

The reeds on the Regondi, the Swan, the Wren and all such models (known as “hybrids”) are accordion reeds. That is to say pairs of reed tongues riveted to an aluminium (or brass) plate.

The plates are pinned, or screwed or waxed in position onto either:

 

-the flat face of the sound board

-or onto separate wooden blocks, which are themselves glued or waxed to the sound board.

 

David Lay is guessing that your Regondi is the first method, as in the Swan, and most of the better quality hybrid concertinas.

 

The Wren photo shows an example of the second (inferior) method of mounting the wooden blocks.

 

Some sweeping generalisations there on my part.