Hi, I am upgrading from a starter concertina to next level. How does Morse compare against a Lachenal. The Morse is a little bit less expensive than Lachenal but is it worth it and would Morse hold it's value if I decided to trade up in a few years. Thanks for your help which is appreciated.
If the Lachenal has steel reeds in good condition, rosewood or metal ends, riveted action, a six- or seven-fold bellows in good condition, 30 or more buttons, and is tuned to C/G it possibly could be "worth it" because such a Lachenal is relatively uncommon and is also generally fast and loud enough to hold its own in a session. The concertina reeds also should give it a different sound than a Morse. If it's a Lachenal with brass reeds it's likely to sound quieter and lose pitch more easily than the Morse. With mahogany ends, it will be more likely to develop cracks in its end fretwork. With an unrestored bellows and a hook style action it will play more slowly than the Morse.
Morses are popular enough that there is usually a waiting list for them. That should indicate at least that their value won't decline too rapidly.
If it is a case of any old Morse versus any old Lachenal buy the Morse and don't hesitate. Lachenals are very variable, ranging from complete crap to almost useful. While such a thing might exist as an enhanced restoration I have not seen an anglo Lachenal with rivetted action, nor with 7 fold bellows. Very, very few Lachenals are capable of holding their own in a session of more than intermediate speed and they are relatively quiet. its sad because they are a lovely thing with lovely tone, good for playing at home but relatively useless in company. If you see one being played at a session observe closely and you will see the person is working furiously to generate enough volume and to keep up. They also suffer from decades of wear and neglect so every one needs to be assessed separately. Morses are a little faster and louder than a better than average Lachenal and will not frustrate you so quickly. Not as pretty and not as traditional sounding but good value.
I'm not familiar with the Morse concertinas, but the Lachenals can be good if all you really want them for is to accompany singing, or for slow numbers. cag's points are well made...
I know a quite advanced anglo player who plays a Morse as her only concertina, and she doesn't have any problems playing loads of speedy tunes in sessions on it. It certainly hold it's own in that situation, and sounds great as well, even though it's got accordion reeds. I started off on a basic mahogany Lachenal 30 key, and I can't imagine it being able to be used in the same way, so I'd say Morse would keep up with your developing playing longer that the Lachenal. Also bear in mind that the next step up is likely to be an expensive one!
Interesting... Having seen them and read what others have said, if I had to choose, my vote would be for supporting modern industry and going for the Morse...
I currently have a Rochelle and hope that the Morse will help me as I try to pick up a little speed. I plan to go for the Morse but in terms of key layout have you any thoughts on wheatsone versus jefferies.
My rochelle is wheatstone but someone told me that jefferies with the extra c# key would be more useful - what do you think?
as you can see I am not an expert and this website is great for getting some feedback on putting my spec together before I order as this is an expensive instrument for me at this time ( and some say it is mid range!).
I am getting dizzy at looking at so many models and I think the Morse will be the one for me.
Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
Hi, I am upgrading from a starter concertina to next level. How does Morse compare against a Lachenal. The Morse is a little bit less expensive than Lachenal but is it worth it and would Morse hold it's value if I decided to trade up in a few years. Thanks for your help which is appreciated.
# Posted on November 30th 2009 by GAZEBO
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
What type? ~ keys? ~ model? ~ reeds? Do you have a link to the specific instruments you're considering?
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by ceolachan
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
If the Lachenal has steel reeds in good condition, rosewood or metal ends, riveted action, a six- or seven-fold bellows in good condition, 30 or more buttons, and is tuned to C/G it possibly could be "worth it" because such a Lachenal is relatively uncommon and is also generally fast and loud enough to hold its own in a session. The concertina reeds also should give it a different sound than a Morse. If it's a Lachenal with brass reeds it's likely to sound quieter and lose pitch more easily than the Morse. With mahogany ends, it will be more likely to develop cracks in its end fretwork. With an unrestored bellows and a hook style action it will play more slowly than the Morse.
Morses are popular enough that there is usually a waiting list for them. That should indicate at least that their value won't decline too rapidly.
Take your question over to Concertina.net discussion forums<http://www.concertina.net/forums/>; for more experienced observations.
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by ʎɹoʇısuɐɹʇ
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
http://www.concertina.net/forums/
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by ʎɹoʇısuɐɹʇ
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
Nice one Joe. I hesitated...
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by ceolachan
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
If it is a case of any old Morse versus any old Lachenal buy the Morse and don't hesitate. Lachenals are very variable, ranging from complete crap to almost useful. While such a thing might exist as an enhanced restoration I have not seen an anglo Lachenal with rivetted action, nor with 7 fold bellows. Very, very few Lachenals are capable of holding their own in a session of more than intermediate speed and they are relatively quiet. its sad because they are a lovely thing with lovely tone, good for playing at home but relatively useless in company. If you see one being played at a session observe closely and you will see the person is working furiously to generate enough volume and to keep up. They also suffer from decades of wear and neglect so every one needs to be assessed separately. Morses are a little faster and louder than a better than average Lachenal and will not frustrate you so quickly. Not as pretty and not as traditional sounding but good value.
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by cag
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
I'm not familiar with the Morse concertinas, but the Lachenals can be good if all you really want them for is to accompany singing, or for slow numbers. cag's points are well made...
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by ceolachan
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
I know a quite advanced anglo player who plays a Morse as her only concertina, and she doesn't have any problems playing loads of speedy tunes in sessions on it. It certainly hold it's own in that situation, and sounds great as well, even though it's got accordion reeds. I started off on a basic mahogany Lachenal 30 key, and I can't imagine it being able to be used in the same way, so I'd say Morse would keep up with your developing playing longer that the Lachenal. Also bear in mind that the next step up is likely to be an expensive one!
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by Mike C
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
http://www.buttonbox.com/morse-concertinas.html
Interesting... Having seen them and read what others have said, if I had to choose, my vote would be for supporting modern industry and going for the Morse...
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by ceolachan
Disccussion: Concertina Question G/D vs. C/G
# Posted on January 31st 2006 by Jrex58
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display.php/9076
It gets mention in this past relevant discussion...
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by ceolachan
Obit: Richard Morse, concertina maker 3-2-09
With a very close friend, family, with melanoma, I was sad to read that this maker is no longer with us...
http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=119103&messages=6
Has anyone taken on the task of continuing to build Morse concertinas?
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by ceolachan
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
The Morse is a fine instrument. You won't regret it.
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by Ashkettle
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
test
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by GAZEBO
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
Thanks for feedback Folks,
The concertina is Ceile Anglo C/G and the Morse web link is
http://www.buttonbox.com/morse-concertinas.html
I currently have a Rochelle and hope that the Morse will help me as I try to pick up a little speed. I plan to go for the Morse but in terms of key layout have you any thoughts on wheatsone versus jefferies.
My rochelle is wheatstone but someone told me that jefferies with the extra c# key would be more useful - what do you think?
as you can see I am not an expert and this website is great for getting some feedback on putting my spec together before I order as this is an expensive instrument for me at this time ( and some say it is mid range!).
I am getting dizzy at looking at so many models and I think the Morse will be the one for me.
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by GAZEBO
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
My first Morse had Wheatstone for a layout. It worked fine and dandy. I sold it when feeding my family was more pressing than owning an instrument.
I currently have one with a Jeffries layout. I chose it specifically for the extra C#. Honestly, both are fine.
They are good people at The Button Box. They won't do you wrong.
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by Ashkettle
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
Morse Concertinas continue to be made at the workshop in Sunderland, Massachusetts, USA.
# Posted on December 1st 2009 by ʎɹoʇısuɐɹʇ
Re: Concertina Morse versus Lachenal
Get two C#s..!
# Posted on December 2nd 2009 by cag