If you are on the market for a concertina for sale, and unsure of what are the best value anglos out there, the list is endless and reading all the arguments can be quite tedious. Not to mention, some makers have a waiting g time of up to 4 years and the price is quite a lump sum as well. Here is a list of the top concertinas that not only radiate real craftsmanship and beauty but also have a price range that doesn’t require you to break the bank or retain amazing patience to get your hands on one.
5. The Wren Anglo Concertina at €399.00
This beginner concertina is a top value instrument for its price. Unlike cheap concertinas that can put off potential concertina players for life, this instrument provides a great opportunity for students to learn the instrument the best way possible. With Italian Cagnoni reeds this concertina has better volume, and a strong concertina sound. The medium size buttons allow for younger players to learn the instrument easily. Also the Wren concertina has a compact size unlike other bulky concertinas that are difficult to handle and stiff bellows on the draw and push. The Wren is good for over 10 years but if played regularly expect to be upgrading in less than 3.
4. Lachenal Concertinas – Starting at €1500 refurbished
A vintage concertina that is a complete package for beginners and advance players alike. An English concertina make, this sets it to the higher tier of concertinas. Although the available Lachenal Anglo concertinas are second-hand but the quality it possesses is almost timeless. The cost of reconditioning and improving this concertina varies widely but it’s value for the players is top notch. They are student grade concertinas are far lower than the big names like Wheatstone, Jeffries, etc. but the quality of construction, tone and action is still superior than most. 6 folded leather bellows with quality steel concertina reeds and bone buttons. The reed pan air chambers are radially arranged like the Wheatstone models. Lachenal made a lot of concertinas compared to other makers. Their cheapest model had mahogany ends and had 21 bone buttons including the air button and had 5 fold bellows. It is generally recommended that a 6 fold bellows is required to play Irish traditional music.
3. Marcus Music- Between €2000 & €2500 for a decent one
Marcus Concertinas are high quality instruments for their price. Their concertinas are made from quality materials that produce the typical Anglo concertina sound for traditional Irish music. You have the option to go for a stainless steel ends or the classic wooden ends with beautiful fretwork on both selections. The ends are sturdy and good for a few decades as well. The Italian steel reeds are hand tuned and it will maintain its accuracy for a good 50 years. The 7 fold leather bellows are made to be strong and airtight but at the same time flexible. All of their instruments are handmade and each a work of craftsmanship, a testament that their concertinas will keep you playing for a long time.
2. AC Norman Concertinas – between €2000 and €2500.
Direct buyers from AC Norman are given the option to customize their order. This quality concertina maker has been very busy providing for retailers and direct customers alike. Their instruments are one to be admired because of their high quality tone and beautiful craftsmanship. For their retailers, they make one concertina per week while it takes as long as 18-20 months for their direct orders. The steel reeds are mounted on a separate reed pan with leather valves, it is finished with stainless steel ends and the fully riveted action levers for easy playing.
1. McNeela Concertinas – Swallow Concertina MK 2 – €1,350.00
If you are a beginner and want to advance to the next step, this concertina is the ideal instrument for you. This concertina is made for intermediate players who have mastered the basic skills of the concertina and are looking to play more advance musical pieces. It comes with Italian Voci Armoniche double steel reeds, this gives it a bright and loud sound. The reeds are screwed to a newly made reed pan and it has Riveted action – The MK 2 Swallow concertina is the best concertina for its price because it has quality of sound and ease of action.