Concertina roundup
Concertina: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a concertina requires more care than most instruments — the right type and reed quality matter enormously, and the difference between price points is dramatic.
Buying a concertina is not quite like buying any other instrument. The market is fragmented, the terminology confusing, and the difference in quality between a £100 instrument and a £500 one is often so dramatic that players who start cheap sometimes spend years undoing the habits bad equipment forces on them. This guide is written to spare you that particular frustration — and to help you find something genuinely worthwhile from the very first note.
Decide on the Type Before Anything Else
The most important decision is not price or brand — it's which type of concertina you want. This shapes everything else.
- Anglo concertina — bisonoric (different notes on push and pull), usually 20 or 30 buttons, standard C/G tuning. The instrument of Irish traditional music and much English folk. More physically demanding to learn but deeply expressive. If you want to play sessions or jigs and reels, this is almost certainly your path.
- English concertina — unisonoric (same note push or pull), fully chromatic, 48 buttons standard. A lighter, more even tone, historically associated with Victorian parlour music, classical repertoire and English folk song. More logical note layout, but different technique demands.
- Duet concertina — unisonoric, with bass on the left and treble on the right, allowing self-accompaniment. Less common; best approached if you specifically want to accompany yourself or play harmonic music. The Hayden system is generally recommended for new players.
If you're drawn to Irish trad, folk sessions or English dance: choose the Anglo. If you're interested in English folk song, classical arrangements, or want a chromatic instrument: the English concertina. If you want to accompany yourself with chords: explore the duet.
The Reed Quality Question
One of the most important — and least-discussed — variables in a concertina purchase is reed quality. There are two fundamentally different types:
- Traditional concertina reeds — hand-fitted individual metal reeds, the standard in quality instruments. Responsive, expressive, and capable of great dynamic range. These are what serious players use.
- Accordion-type reeds — mass-produced reed plates, faster to assemble and significantly cheaper. Many beginner concertinas use these. They work, but respond less sensitively to bellows pressure and can limit dynamic expression at higher playing levels.
Budget instruments almost always use accordion-type reeds. Mid-range and professional instruments use traditional concertina reeds. This distinction matters more than brand name.
Budget Tiers
| Price Range | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under £150 | Chinese-made, accordion reeds, functional but stiff. Often played by beginners who want to test the instrument. | Absolute beginners, uncertain commitment |
| £150–£400 | Improved Chinese instruments (e.g. Rochelle, Stagi) with better action. Still accordion reeds. | Beginners serious enough to commit six months |
| £400–£900 | Entry-level traditional-reed instruments from smaller makers. A genuine step up in feel and responsiveness. | Committed beginners, intermediate players |
| £900–£3,000 | Quality new concertinas from established makers (Marcus, Morse), or good vintage Lachenals and Wheatstones. | Serious players, folk session regulars |
| £3,000+ | High-end new instruments (Dipper, Edgley) or premium vintage. Instruments that last a lifetime. | Professional players, collectors |
Buying New vs. Buying Vintage
The second-hand market for concertinas is vibrant and often offers better value than buying new in the mid-price range. Victorian-era instruments by Lachenal and Wheatstone — the two dominant makers of the 19th century — remain playable and often excellent when properly serviced. A Lachenal 30-button Anglo in good condition, bought through the concertina community or a specialist dealer, can represent outstanding value in the £600–£1,200 range.
The key word is "serviced". An old concertina that has sat in an attic for decades will likely have dried-out leatherwork, failing pads, and reeds that have shifted. Budget for a service from a specialist repairer if buying vintage, and factor that into the total cost.
Where to Buy
Specialist dealers — rather than general music shops — are the right starting point. Dealers like Concertina Connection (Netherlands, ships internationally) and established UK sellers who stock or restore vintage instruments understand what you need in ways that a generalist shop simply doesn't. Online forums, particularly the Concertina.net community, are invaluable for second-hand listings and peer advice.
What to Check Before Buying
- Action — buttons should press smoothly and return crisply. Stiff or sticky buttons suggest leatherwork problems.
- Even response across all buttons — play every button on both push and draw. Any reeds that speak late, thin, or not at all need attention.
- Bellows integrity — hold the bellows slightly open and check for air leaks. A concertina with leaky bellows loses volume and responsiveness dramatically.
For an overview of how concertinas work and the different types in detail, read our Concertina Explained guide. New to the instrument? The beginner's concertina guide covers the first steps. And for specific recommendations at different price points, see our best concertinas for the money.
The Bottom Line
Buy the best concertina your budget honestly allows — especially if you're serious. The upgrade from an entry-level to a mid-range instrument with traditional reeds is transformative, and it typically costs less than the time you'd spend fighting a mediocre instrument. Know your type before you buy, and don't underestimate the second-hand market.
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