Tough and cheap concertinas?

[jaycott]

Hello everyone! I don’t post very often but I though I’d ask for some advice. I’m looking to upgrade my “trail” concertina and I’d like a good recommendation for a tough and cheap concertina that I can take out on field sites with me. I live in a dry climate with up to 90 days of temperatures greater than 100F (38C) over the summer.

 

Right now I have a Hohner D40 I take out with me. Over the first summer I blew out the reeds when the heat made the wax too soft. I solved the issue by drilling them into the block and using rubber gaskets to seal the reeds (not an elegant solution but it got the job done). However I’ve been having some wood warp issues with it and thought about replacing it with another.

 

So… any recommendations? Otherwise I’ll probably pick up another D40 and take more care to toughen it up for outdoor use. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

Jason

 

Edited for typos

Edited February 12, 2009 by jaycott

[Jim Besser]

So… any recommendations? Otherwise I'll probably pick up another D40 and take more care to toughen it up for outdoor use. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

I suggest a Herrington hybrid, if you're willing to pay more than for a real cheapie. I keep mine as a bad weather instrument; its totally indestructible. It's been kicked, hit with sticks and rained on and it keeps on chugging.

 

Plus, it has "real" concertina action and decent, if somewhat accordionish, sound.

[Mayofiddler]

Heh! Heh! 38 degrees...we're lucky to get to 10 here in Ireland. However if you need recommendations for sub-aqua concertinas I might be able to help :-)

 

The Rochelle looks like you could drive over it with a tank but I have no idea how it would behave in hot weather.

Edited February 12, 2009 by Mayofiddler

[David S]

Dear Jason,

 

The Norman has accordian reeds which are held in places by screws rather than wax and the reedpan is MDF which will be pretty stable in heat and humidity. I've had one for years and use it as my busking instrument and the one that I take on canoe trips. Good traditional riveted action. All round excellent value. However, as in Ireland, we are more used to high humidity rather than high temperatures!

 

David

[jaycott]

Thank you all for the replies. The Herrington sounds like a nice option but is probably more than I want to spend on something that will most likely take some abuse. The Norman is probably similarly priced and being built in England's climate I'd be worried about possible wood shrink/warp.

 

Just to clarify, I'm not looking for something to play in places like this, I'm looking for something to play when I'm out in places like this which is the last place I want to take something expensive.

 

Maybe I should clarify a bit more... this site is a wonderful source of information on what constitutes a quality concertina, but I was hoping to hear a bit more info on the "El Cheapo" instruments. I know they're not as good as a nice hybrid or real concertina, but I was wondering if all use wax reeds, or if anyone has experienced cheap glue or wood warp issues or other such things.

 

The Rochelle looks like you could drive over it with a tank but I have no idea how it would behave in hot weather.

Hmm... I do have a Rochelle that I play when I'm at home. I guess I could just go ahead and buy a Herrington for home and switch out the Rochelle for field use. I don't think it's as tough as the D40 though and would require a lot more work to prep for trail use (4 reed blocks to drill and gasket per side, better grill cloth to keep out grit, straps to buckle it shut, etc.)

 

Hmm... I may have answered my own question. I still wouldn't mind feedback on the construction and reletive toughness of cheaper concertineas though. Thanks everyone!

 

Edited for typos (Thanks to concertina.net for the busker image)

Edited February 13, 2009 by jaycott

[Theo]

Just to clarify, I'm not looking for something to play in places like this, I'm looking for something to play when I'm out in places like this which is the last place I want to take something expensive.

 

You don't need anther concertina you just need another case to safeguard your good concertina, then you can safely take it anywhere.

Edited February 13, 2009 by Theo