Metal Vs Wooden Ends (english)

[bradvs]

What differences in sound (and/or playability) will one find in English concertinas with metal and wooden ends? Also brass vs steel reeds. I know these are probably basic questions, but I'm relatively new to the instrument, and trying to make an informed decision for my first purchase. One other question... any difference other than looks between hexagonal and octagonal concertinas? Any info appreciated.

 

-Brad

 

bradvs@hotmail.com

[Robin Harrison]

Welcome to concertinas and to this forum, Brad.

All good questions you ask.My first suggestion would be to use the search function of this site and you will find much information there to answer your questions..........there is a wealth of information ,much of it by very knowledgeable people who are not as active on this site as they were.

Then come back and ask more.We all love playing (and talking about) concertinas.

Regards Robin

[Chris Timson]

You could also try the Concertina FAQ for a good amount of material on basic questions of this kind.

 

On the question of 6 v. 8 sides, there is no difference as such, but 8 or more sides (in particular in the Wheatstone Aeolas and Lachenal Edeophones) is normally a sign that you are looking at a maker's top of the range instrument, with all that implies in terms of quality of manufacture.

 

Chris

[Chris Ghent]

The quick and dirty answer to your first two questions are, wooden ends and brass reeds are both characteristics associated with less loud and more mellow sounds. Metal ends and steel reeds are both associated with brighter sounds and more volume. There is sufficient variation in individual instruments for other reasons, such as quality of manufacture and materials used, that some will defy these trends.

 

Hope this helps

 

Chris

[Chris Timson]

Also search this site or the keyword "baffles".

 

Chris