Rob Posted December 14, 2005 Posted December 14, 2005 Greetings, folks... So, I made the cardinal mistake -- I was looking to learn how to play a concertina and got your Chinese $80 model. *Horrible* horrible error, but it was a gift so I didn't pay for it; on the upside, it did have two sticky keys and bad action on one of the pads, so I actually opened it up and taught myself how to repair it. It's servicable, but there's still some air escape issues. So, now, I'm currently saving to invest in an inexpensive 30-key C/G Anglo Stagi -- I was thinking either the GR4703 or GR4704. If anyone is selling theirs or knows of any online resource to pick one up for about $400 USD or so, I'd appreciate a tap.
Chris Allert Posted December 14, 2005 Posted December 14, 2005 (edited) Greetings, folks... So, I made the cardinal mistake -- I was looking to learn how to play a concertina and got your Chinese $80 model. *Horrible* horrible error, but it was a gift so I didn't pay for it; on the upside, it did have two sticky keys and bad action on one of the pads, so I actually opened it up and taught myself how to repair it. It's servicable, but there's still some air escape issues. So, now, I'm currently saving to invest in an inexpensive 30-key C/G Anglo Stagi -- I was thinking either the GR4703 or GR4704. If anyone is selling theirs or knows of any online resource to pick one up for about $400 USD or so, I'd appreciate a tap. unless you find one used, you can't get a playable 30-button stagi for less than us$635. the button box is the only dealer i know of that gives these instruments the necessary overhaul before shipping them. my first 30-button was a gremlin from hobgoblin which arrived with sticky buttons. i forget how much more i had to spend having bob tedrow fix it for me, but i think it was at least $200 back in 2000. you may want to consider buying a better 20-button from the button box for $405 (Stagi c-1). this will certainly be an improvement over what you're playing now. i would be careful about buying a used stagi. unless it has been overhauled, it may very well have a lot of the same problems as new ones. make sure that you can return it to the seller if you are not satisfied with it. Edited December 14, 2005 by Chris Allert
Rob Posted December 14, 2005 Author Posted December 14, 2005 Greetings, folks... So, I made the cardinal mistake -- I was looking to learn how to play a concertina and got your Chinese $80 model. *Horrible* horrible error, but it was a gift so I didn't pay for it; on the upside, it did have two sticky keys and bad action on one of the pads, so I actually opened it up and taught myself how to repair it. It's servicable, but there's still some air escape issues. So, now, I'm currently saving to invest in an inexpensive 30-key C/G Anglo Stagi -- I was thinking either the GR4703 or GR4704. If anyone is selling theirs or knows of any online resource to pick one up for about $400 USD or so, I'd appreciate a tap. unless you find one used, you can't get a playable 30-button stagi for less than us$635. the button box is the only dealer i know of that gives these instruments the necessary overhaul before shipping them. my first 30-button was a gremlin from hobgoblin which arrived with sticky buttons. i forget how much more i had to spend having bob tedrow fix it for me, but i think it was at least $200 back in 2000. you may want to consider buying a better 20-button from the button box for $405 (Stagi c-1). this will certainly be an improvement over what you're playing now. i would be careful about buying a used stagi. unless it has been overhauled, it may very well have a lot of the same problems as new ones. make sure that you can return it to the seller if you are not satisfied with it. Hobgoblin has the metal end Stagi 30 buttons for about $485 USD -- I'll check out the C1, though. Thanks!
Chris Allert Posted December 14, 2005 Posted December 14, 2005 Hobgoblin has the metal end Stagi 30 buttons for about $485 USD -- I'll check out the C1, though. Thanks! this is similar to the model i ordered from them. i'd recommend against it or at least warn you to be prepared to spend extra money/effort making it playable
Daniel Hersh Posted December 15, 2005 Posted December 15, 2005 I started on a used Stagi (called Bastari back then) long ago, so I'd agree that's an option for you. I also agree that you're safest buying one that you can play first. And if you find one and the only problem is buttons that don't stand up straight (a common problem on these) that's a pretty easy fix. BUT...since you're saving up rather than necessarily buying right away, you might consider waiting until one or both of a couple of promising new low-priced concertinas become available: the Rochelle from Geuns-Wakker (see http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php...indpost&p=25155 ) and the Triskel from Stephen Chambers ( http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php...indpost&p=26579 ) Daniel Greetings, folks... So, I made the cardinal mistake -- I was looking to learn how to play a concertina and got your Chinese $80 model. *Horrible* horrible error, but it was a gift so I didn't pay for it; on the upside, it did have two sticky keys and bad action on one of the pads, so I actually opened it up and taught myself how to repair it. It's servicable, but there's still some air escape issues. So, now, I'm currently saving to invest in an inexpensive 30-key C/G Anglo Stagi -- I was thinking either the GR4703 or GR4704. If anyone is selling theirs or knows of any online resource to pick one up for about $400 USD or so, I'd appreciate a tap.
ronf Posted December 23, 2005 Posted December 23, 2005 I just bought a new Geuns/Wakker to replace my W15-Ln. I have been playing it regularly for the past 5 years or so and have been very pleased with it. Contrary to what you might hear, not all Stagi's are alike. Most of the models do have a problem with the key's falling over to one side and bellow's leak's and what not. The W15-ln does not have the hose pieces under the button's that get brittle and come apart as do all other models of Stagi. The only reason I bought the new Geuns/Wakker is because I had the occasion to play a Wheatstone this past summer and realized there were better concertinas, but not at a price I could afford. If you are sill interested, I would sell my Stagi for $450. It still play's as good as it did when it was new and it has never needed any repair's. If you are interested, call me at 402 527-5197.
aldee Posted January 9, 2006 Posted January 9, 2006 Greetings, folks... So, I made the cardinal mistake -- I was looking to learn how to play a concertina and got your Chinese $80 model. *Horrible* horrible error, but it was a gift so I didn't pay for it; on the upside, it did have two sticky keys and bad action on one of the pads, so I actually opened it up and taught myself how to repair it. It's servicable, but there's still some air escape issues. So, now, I'm currently saving to invest in an inexpensive 30-key C/G Anglo Stagi -- I was thinking either the GR4703 or GR4704. If anyone is selling theirs or knows of any online resource to pick one up for about $400 USD or so, I'd appreciate a tap. I HAVE A STAGI W15MS WHICH I BOUGHT NEW LAST YEAR AND HAVE PLAYED VERY LITTLE. IT MAY BE THE GR4703-4 MODEL. I ONLY KNOW IT AS THE W15MS AVAILABLE AT HOUSE OF MUSICAL TRADITIONS. I CAN SAY IT IS THE MOST CONCERTINA-SOUNDING LIKE STAGI I HAVE HEARD [ ACCORDION REEDS ], WITH QUICK AND QUIET ACTION. UNLIKE MY W15LN. GOOD LUCK, ALDEE
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