I suppose that after offering my opinion so freely on other matters I should also offer samples of what I'm doing with my concertinas (no warranty is expressed or implied). Nothing exotic was involved in making these, I played in front of my notebook computer and used the built-in microphone to capture the sound. The mp3 file quality of most files has been set to 32 Kbps to keep download times short for those using standard telephone modems. Unless otherwise indicated, these tunes were recorded in 2005.
One of my concertinas is in "Jeffries layout" and the rest are in "Wheatstone layout" so I've become reasonably proficient at both. It takes a few moments to adjust when I switch layouts, but in a minute or two the change is no longer on my mind and my fingering has settled into the new layout. There are other adjustments to factor in for reed responsiveness and button spacing/spring pressure, but I seem to settle in pretty quickly with whichever concertina I'm using.
Frank Edgley Concertinas
Both my C/G and A/E Edgley's look like they were made on a precision production line with every detail machine exact, and I mean this in the best possible way. They have baffled stainless steel ends that seem forever mirror-bright and distinctive voices capable of impressive volume. They can speak softly if asked though and the buttons respond to feather-light touches.
The following were played on a C/G Anglo concertina made by Frank Edgley
Old Man Dillon (32 kbps - 133k) - I think this is the first tune I heard Noel Hill play. It was my introduction to the concept of "Irish Concertina" and it really opened my eyes to a new world.
Gallagher's Frolics (32 kbps - 150k) - I learned this tune at a John Williams workshop, though I've since heard it done by Kitty Hayes and others. I really enjoy the difference in its character as interpreted by the various artists.
The following were played on a A/E Anglo concertina made by Frank Edgley
Shandon Bells (32 kbps - 149k) - My first exposure to this tune was Mary MacNamara's CD "The Blackberry Blossom." I liked it and felt compelled to learn it - fortunately it's a simple tune.
Dr. Gilbert's Reel (32 kbps - 169k) - Noel Hill often plays this one in his concerts and so it always reminds me of him. My version isn't directly based on his, rather it's lifted from a session book I had at hand.
Lament for Limerick (128 kbps - 2.4 Meg) - A favorite Air that seems to fit well on the A/E.
The Wild Geese (128 kbps - 2 Meg) - Another favorite Air.
The Drunken Sailor (128 kbps - 1.9 Meg) - This one has a bit of a nautical theme. While I was intrigued when I first heard it played on Noel's "Irish Concertina" CD, it took me a while to really warm to it but it's become a favorite now.
Bob Tedrow Concertina
In early 2005 I asked Bob Tedrow to make me a 30-button Anglo in a slightly reduced size. I'd purchased one of his full-sized concertinas two years before and liked it, so when I decided I'd like to have a smaller version of a full feature instrument I called him up. This one has reeds identical to those in a standard Tedrow and as with his other models, the hand crafting is top notch. Bob offers a variety of finishes and his instruments are always works of art. I really appreciated his willingness to make something out of the ordinary and he now offers this size concertina on his website.
The following was played on a Zephyr C/G Anglo concertina made by Bob Tedrow
The Galway Rambler (32 kbps - 183k) - I first heard this tune in Ballyvaughan, Ireland while attending a Noel Hill class. Situated on Galway Bay and with the city of Galway in view across the bay, it seemed well suited to the setting. I've heard both "rambling" and "driving" versions of this one, and my own leans closer to the latter than the former.
Colin Dipper Concertina
My Dipper County Clare is the only one I own that's made with true 'concertina' reeds and its sound is therefore unique in that regard. It's also the smallest one physically but its action is precise and fast. It will speak at a strong volume if encouraged and willingly responds to rapid ornamentation with certainty. I enjoy playing it and find that if I reach for a concertina without a specific intent in mind, I frequently select this one.
The following was played on a C/G County Clare (Anglo) made by Colin Dipper
The Battering Ram (32 kbps - 206k) - This tune relates back to times of famine in Ireland when landlords would use battering rams to knock down the stone houses of people that had been unable to pay their rent. Sadly, the houses were typically battered down with the residents still inside. As I play it I sometimes imagine that certain sequences suggest the stones tumbling in under the repeated application of the ram.
Why So Many Concertinas?
My wife often ponders this very question. When she brings the matter up with me I always try to change the subject immediately, often by suggesting we go out for dinner and asking her for suggestions as to the destination. As my concertina collection has grown I find we tend to eat dinners out quite often now. Back to the question, I didn't start out with the notion or intent to own multiple instruments, but I ended up here none the less. All I can say is that they called to me, each in their own voice, and that leads into the next topic.
If You Are Considering the Purchase of a New Concertina
In the last few years I've purchased two Anglos from Bob Tedrow and two from Frank Edgley. Clearly I like both maker's products and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either. Of course Colin Dipper's concertinas have an excellent and well-deserved reputation but with his considerable backlog of orders the wait for delivery seems typically something in the range of three to six years and his instruments command a premium price.
If you'd like to get a new instrument of good quality within just a few months, I suggest you talk to both Bob and Frank. Find out what they offer, consider your interests, review your budget and then select one of these friendly gentlemen to make an instrument to your specifications.
There are several other concertina makers in the world and some make very high quality instruments, but I don't have personal experience with them or their products so I can't address them on a personal basis. For further insight I suggest you visit www.concertina.net and review the "Buyer's Guide" section.
This page was last edited on June 4, 2007