I know there is a lot of workmanship that goes into free reed instruments, but I think the quality instruments are priced in the "astronomical" range. Not to mention most free reed players have more than one instrument, different systems that fit different tunes. From what I've seen you can't even touch a fairly decent concertina for less than $2000 USD, Boxes can be a little less; but even used items are still very highly priced. Has any company crusaded to make affordable learner instruments that aren't merely toys?
They are really expensive, but nice fiddles are also expensive, same as flutes, bazoukis, banjos etc - lets face it - being a musician is the biggest rip-off.
There's no way around it, good boxes take lots of time, expertise,and workmanship to make, and all that amounts to the same thing $$$$. Just take a look inside one and it may blow your mind. As far as concertinas go though, you may try Chris Algar's website, Barleycorn concertinas. I was given several quotes under $1000.00 USD for decent Lachenal 26-30 button anglos, all restored and in tune. Still a lot of dough, but less than $2000.00
I think the problem with concertinas is that they're a niche instrument. There isn't enough demand to mass-produce them as they were in the past, and they very expensive to do one by one.
I looked at that site earlier, not bad at all on the price side. the only concertinas I've ever seen for that cheap were those garish red & green things with cardboard bellows. They are a waste of time & money - however this site offers some great student instruments at a reasonable price. Yahoo! Thanks Boscadoir!!
Hi everyone. I have been lurking for a long time, enjoying all your tunes. I've learned to play a few of them! I live in rural Indiana, U.S.A., am an underemployed school teacher, do a folk radio show on weekends, and play...guess what? So someone asking about my instrument has finally drawn me out of the woodwork! (grin)
To be brief..._every_ newcomer to concertina gets the same "sticker shock" as you. Each also asks, "Can't these be made any more cheaply?" Believe me, I have seen some gifted musicians, tinkerers, and machinists knock their noggins on this issue for years now. Even fancy laser cutting machines for making reeds, etc. You'd be amazed. glauber is exactly right about economies of scale.
The cheapest boxes that will let you play Irish music at full speed (fast enough for a session, say) will run you US $1200-$1800. I didn't want to believe it at first, but now I have to concede that it is true. Many folks opt for Lachenals (cheaper), great for learning, but not fast enough for sessioning. And the cheapest are the Italian instruments, whose prices (US $200-700) mean most of us started with them in spite of their significant limitations. I went through both Lachenal and Italian phases myself. You can learn more than you'd ever want to know at www.concertina.net or at the concertina faq at www.concertina.info if I haven't overloaded you already!
Free Reeds $$$
Free Reeds $$$
I know there is a lot of workmanship that goes into free reed instruments, but I think the quality instruments are priced in the "astronomical" range. Not to mention most free reed players have more than one instrument, different systems that fit different tunes. From what I've seen you can't even touch a fairly decent concertina for less than $2000 USD, Boxes can be a little less; but even used items are still very highly priced. Has any company crusaded to make affordable learner instruments that aren't merely toys?
# Posted on June 26th 2002 by Mad Baloney
Re: Free Reeds $$$
When I figure the cost per hour of bliss in playing my concertina and box, I think they are a great bargain. Who says you can't buy happiness?
Cassie
# Posted on June 26th 2002 by woman of the house
Re: Free Reeds $$$
They are really expensive, but nice fiddles are also expensive, same as flutes, bazoukis, banjos etc - lets face it - being a musician is the biggest rip-off.
# Posted on June 27th 2002 by bb Cruella de vil
Re: Free Reeds $$$
There's no way around it, good boxes take lots of time, expertise,and workmanship to make, and all that amounts to the same thing $$$$. Just take a look inside one and it may blow your mind. As far as concertinas go though, you may try Chris Algar's website, Barleycorn concertinas. I was given several quotes under $1000.00 USD for decent Lachenal 26-30 button anglos, all restored and in tune. Still a lot of dough, but less than $2000.00
# Posted on June 27th 2002 by willy
Re: Free Reeds $$$
I think the problem with concertinas is that they're a niche instrument. There isn't enough demand to mass-produce them as they were in the past, and they very expensive to do one by one.
# Posted on June 27th 2002 by glauber
Re: Free Reeds $$$
I've seen Concertinas at Elderly Brothers for $275, $675, and up. Their web site is www.elderly.com
# Posted on June 27th 2002 by flyinfiddler
Re: Free Reeds $$$
Try this site prices start around £200 for 30 key anglos http://www.freezone.co.uk/oneillmusic/index1V.htm
# Posted on July 1st 2002 by An Boscadoír
Re: Free Reeds $$$
I looked at that site earlier, not bad at all on the price side. the only concertinas I've ever seen for that cheap were those garish red & green things with cardboard bellows. They are a waste of time & money - however this site offers some great student instruments at a reasonable price. Yahoo! Thanks Boscadoir!!
# Posted on July 1st 2002 by Mad Baloney
Re: Free Reeds $$$
Hi everyone. I have been lurking for a long time, enjoying all your tunes. I've learned to play a few of them! I live in rural Indiana, U.S.A., am an underemployed school teacher, do a folk radio show on weekends, and play...guess what? So someone asking about my instrument has finally drawn me out of the woodwork! (grin)
To be brief..._every_ newcomer to concertina gets the same "sticker shock" as you. Each also asks, "Can't these be made any more cheaply?" Believe me, I have seen some gifted musicians, tinkerers, and machinists knock their noggins on this issue for years now. Even fancy laser cutting machines for making reeds, etc. You'd be amazed. glauber is exactly right about economies of scale.
The cheapest boxes that will let you play Irish music at full speed (fast enough for a session, say) will run you US $1200-$1800. I didn't want to believe it at first, but now I have to concede that it is true. Many folks opt for Lachenals (cheaper), great for learning, but not fast enough for sessioning. And the cheapest are the Italian instruments, whose prices (US $200-700) mean most of us started with them in spite of their significant limitations. I went through both Lachenal and Italian phases myself. You can learn more than you'd ever want to know at www.concertina.net or at the concertina faq at www.concertina.info if I haven't overloaded you already!
# Posted on July 1st 2002 by KenC