A Reasonable Ambition?

[JimLucas]

Service for both the Rochelle and the Stagi has been excellent from Wim Wakker and The Button Box, respectively.

A very important consideration.

 

A Stagi from the Button Box isn't just a Stagi. Without the service support of the Button Box (or a very few other sources), which begins before they ship it to you, Stagi quality -- and thus satisfaction -- is widely reported to be a crap shoot.

[Tootler]

I have recently upgraded. I started with a Hohner which I bought on eBay and it served me well to get started but it began to show its deficiencies so I decided to upgrade sooner than I had originally intended. The mid price hybrids were what my budget would extend to - besides I was not ready to wait the years I would need to wait for a Dipper or similar.

 

I contacted the Music Room then went over there (about 2hrs drive for me). They had several in stock and I was able to try them out. Of the ones I tried - Morse, Marcus, Norman and a Connor with Lachenal concertina reeds, the Connor definitely had the best tone -most concertina like - but the reeds were slower speaking, especially at the bass end. The lowest C need a real shove of the bellows to make it speak, so I discarded that. Of the others, the tone quality and ease of playing was very similar, but the Morse was noticeably lighter than the others and just seemed to fit my hand better, so that is what I bought and I have had no regrets. It is an excellent instrument with a good tone which many people have commented on.

 

I really don't think there is a lot to choose in quality between the various mid price hybrids and they are all similar in price. It is really a matter of what suits you best. Which is most comfortable and which sounds best to you. For that reason it is very important you find some way of trying several out before you finally decide what to buy.

 

I would also like to add how helpful I found the people at the Music Room. Jill, their concertina specialist is a real enthusiast and left me to try out at my leisure and did not rush me in any way but was always willing to respond to my queries. She had "sussed" which I was going for before I did

[groeswenphil]

Although I don't have an insight into your financial circumstances, I think I'd advise you to pop down to the listening bank and borrow enough for a Morse or a Marcus.

 

Yes, there are no doubt better instruments available, but what sort of musician do you want to turn into? After all, somebody learning the violin wouldn't go out and buy a Stradivarius.

 

Once you've caught the concertina bug, I don't think it will ever go away. Also, I've a feeling that the constant mental angst of working out the best fingering to play a particular tune will stave off the senility for a few years.

 

I bought myself a Marcus a few months ago.

I only had to wait a month for it.

It suits my needs (I play for Cardiff Morris) perfectly. Nice and loud, gorgeous tone etc.

Hope that helps?

Phil Edwards

[Hilary]

I've got a Marcus G/D that took 3 months to get and cost £1200 3 or 4 years ago (delux model). The bellows have relaxed nicely and it seems pretty responsive although I have nothing much to compare it against. Others who have tried it liked the tone.

Getting the G/D then was like looking for the holy grail, they weren't available except as commissions - no demand - but you may have more luck now. Try Marcus, he may be able to point you to someone wanting to sell and it only takes about 3.5 hours to get to him from Cambridgeshire.

[Mikefule]

I had a lesson last night and by coincidence, the Marcus box was recommended to me. I've looked at the website and the deluxe model looks smart, with hand made reeds and all that. Does anyone have any advice on which tuning (Jefferies/Lachenall etc.) is most suitable for English music (Morris etc.)?

 

The advice I was given was pretty much "buy cheap, buy twice" or "you can spend a lot of money trying to save money". i.e. don't buy a £1000 used box and regret it. Buy one that will still be pleasant to own and play in a few years' time.

[Marcus]

After deliberating for quite some time I ended up purchasing a Morse Ceili. In a little under 16 weeks I had received my new box and I am very happy with it. I originally used a Stagi which was OK at first but soon became limiting due to it's slow response and action.

[Chris Timson]

I had a lesson last night and by coincidence, the Marcus box was recommended to me. I've looked at the website and the deluxe model looks smart, with hand made reeds and all that. Does anyone have any advice on which tuning (Jefferies/Lachenall etc.) is most suitable for English music (Morris etc.)?

Having played both I personally don't think that there's very much in it. As a result of historical accident I have ended up standardising on Jeffries for G/D and Wheatstone/Lachenal for C/G. If you're buying new and have a free choice, then maybe Jeffries, but as I say, for me it's not a big issue.

 

Chris

[groeswenphil]

If you are still learning, then I'd advise you to get the tuning that matches the tuning in the tutor that you're using......or the same as a nice friend who's willing to help you.

 

From my own point of view, it has taken me years to make much use of the third row, although I am making more use of it now.

 

Yes, I'd agree, buy cheap and you buy twice........but believe me, you'll get a great concertina for about £1200 and it will last a lifetime.

Oh, and by the way, if you go for a Marcus concertina, be warned.....he only takes money that folds.

Phil Edwards