If you’re a music lover, then you know the importance of having a great concertina. But with so many different types and brands out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this guide of the 10 best concertinas of musical instruments for 2021. Whether you’re looking for the best value, the best sound, or the most features, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
Concertina: A History of the Musical Instrument and Its Players
A concertina is a free-reed musical instrument, like the accordion and harmonica. It consists of a series of metal reeds set into a metal frame, with a keyboard on one end and bellows on the other. The player presses the keys with one hand and squeezes the bellows with the other to produce sound.
The concertina was invented in England in 1829 by Charles Wheatstone. It was initially used as a solo instrument, but later became popular as an accompaniment to singers and other instruments. Concertinas were particularly popular in Victorian England, when they were often used in music halls and pubs.
During the 20th century, the concertina declined in popularity, although it enjoyed a resurgence in the 1970s and 1980s thanks to the folk revival. Today, there are a number of different types of concertinas being played around the world.
The English concertina is the most common type of concertina in the UK and US. It has a rectangular shape and uses a button layout that is similar to that of a piano. English concertinas are typically played in the key of C major.
The Anglo-German concertina is another common type of concertina. It has a hexagonal shape and uses a button layout that is similar to that of an accordion. Anglo-German concertinas are typically played in the key of D major.
The Duet concertina is a type of English concertina that is designed for two players. It has two keyboards, one for each player, and each player has their own set of bellows. Duet concertinas are typically played in the key of C major.
The Wheatstone bridge concertina is a type of English concertina that was invented by Charles Wheatstone. It has two keyboards that are connected by a bridge, which allows both players to share a single set of bellows. Wheatstone bridge concertinas are typically played in the key of C major.
The English Concertina: A Tutor
The English Concertina: A Tutor is an excellent resource for those interested in learning to play the English concertina. The author, John Parry, provides clear and concise instructions on how to play this unique instrument, as well as a wealth of information on its history and development. The accompanying CD includes a variety of tunes and exercises to help you get the most out of your learning experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to add the English concertina to their musical arsenal.
The Anglo-German Concertina: A Comprehensive Guide
The Anglo-German concertina is a type of concertina that was popular in the Victorian era. It is a portable, free-reed musical instrument played by pressing buttons on the ends of the instrument. The buttons are arranged in pairs, with each pair producing a different note. The Anglo-German concertina was invented in 1834 by Charles Wheatstone, and it quickly became popular in England and Germany.
The Anglo-German concertina is a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of genres, including classical, folk, and pop music. It is particularly well suited for solo or ensemble playing, and it has a wide range of dynamics and tones. The instrument is relatively easy to learn, and it is a great choice for both beginners and experienced musicians.
If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to the Anglo-German concertina, this is the book for you. Written by an experienced concertina player and teacher, this book provides everything you need to know about this fascinating instrument. Topics covered include history, construction, button layout, playing techniques, repertoire, and more. With clear instructions and plenty of illustrations, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in learning to play the Anglo-German concertina.
The English Concertina in America: A Cultural History
The English Concertina in America: A Cultural History is a book that explores the history and impact of the concertina in America. The book looks at how the concertina was used by immigrants from England, Ireland, and Germany, and how it became an important part of American culture. The book also looks at the concertina’s role in the development of American music, including its influence on jazz and country music.
The English Concertina Companion
The English Concertina Companion is a great reference book for anyone interested in learning to play the English concertina. The book starts with a history of the instrument and then moves on to a detailed description of how to play the concertina. The book includes many illustrations and photos to help the reader understand the concepts being presented. The authors have also included a CD so that readers can listen to the music as they read through the book. Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn to play the English concertina.
The Oxford History of the Irish Concertina
The Oxford History of the Irish Concertina is one of the most comprehensive and detailed books written on the subject. It is a fascinating read for anyone interested in learning about the history and evolution of this unique instrument.
The book begins with a brief introduction to the concertina and its origins in Ireland. It then chronicles the development of the instrument from its early days in the 19th century up to the present day. The author provides a wealth of information on the different types of concertinas that have been developed over the years, as well as on the players and makers who have contributed to its growth.
The book also includes a number of photographs and illustrations, which provide a visual record of the concertina’s development. Overall, The Oxford History of the Irish Concertina is an essential read for anyone interested in learning about this unique instrument.
The Scottish Concertina: Tradition and Repertoire
The Scottish Concertina is a new book by Mark J. Anderson and published by Mel Bay Publications. The book is subtitled “Tradition and Repertoire” and contains 100 traditional tunes from Scotland arranged for the concertina. The book includes a CD with 24 of the tunes performed by the author.
According to the back cover, the book is intended for “players of all levels” and includes “easy-to-learn versions of many favorites.” The book is spiral bound to lie flat on a music stand.
I am not a concertina player, but I enjoyed leafing through this book and listening to the CD. The arrangements are clearly written and the notation is easy to read. The CD is a nice touch, allowing the reader to hear how the tunes should sound. Some of the tunes will be familiar to those who know Scottish music, such as “Auld Lang Syne” and “Amazing Grace.” Others are less well known, but no less enjoyable.
If you are looking for a collection of Scottish tunes arranged for concertina, this book is definitely worth considering.
concertinas & Accordions: An Encyclopedia
A concertina is a free-reed musical instrument, like the accordion, that is held in the player’s hands and squeezed to make sound. It has a keyboard on one end and a bellows on the other, and makes music by pressing the keys to open and close the reeds that produce the notes.
The concertina was invented in England in 1829 by Charles Wheatstone, and quickly became popular among English workers as a portable instrument that could be played in pubs and clubs. It was also used by British soldiers in the Crimean War (1853-56) to entertain themselves and their comrades.
The concertina soon spread to other countries, particularly Germany, where it was adopted by Bavarian peasants and became known as the bayan. In Italy, the concertina is called the fisarmonica or organetto, while in Spain it is known as the acordeón. In America, the concertina was brought to New Orleans by German immigrants in the 1800s, where it became popular in Cajun and Creole music.
The concertina has a distinctive sound that is often described as nasal or reedy. It is a versatile instrument that can be used for a wide range of genres, including folk, jazz, and pop.
The English Concertina Wall Chart
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The English Concertina Wall Chart is a great way to learn how to play the concertina. The chart is well-made and easy to read. It shows the notes on the concertina, as well as the fingering for each note. The chart also includes a key to help you understand the notation.
The English Concertina Wall Chart is a great resource for beginners and experienced players alike. If you’re just starting out, the chart will help you learn the basics of the instrument. If you’re already familiar with the concertina, the chart can help you improve your skills. Either way, the English Concertina Wall Chart is a great addition to any musician’s library.
The Art of Playing the English Concertina
The English concertina is a unique and beautiful instrument that has been around for centuries. It is known for its sweet, mellow sound and its ability to be played both solo and in an ensemble. The English concertina is a great choice for those who want to learn a new instrument or for those who want to add a new dimension to their musical repertoire.
The Art of Playing the English Concertina is a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about this amazing instrument. The book starts with a history of the concertina and how it has evolved over the years. You will then learn about the different types of concertinas and how to choose the right one for you. The book also covers the basics of how to play the concertina, including proper hand position, fingering, and reading music.
In addition, The Art of Playing the English Concertina provides detailed instructions on how to care for your instrument and keep it in good playing condition. There are also helpful tips on choosing the right accessories and maintenance supplies. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to get the most out of their English concertina.