A Stierische Harmonica - first heard in my hotel room in the Stiermark Region of Austria. I raced downstairs to see where that incredible sound was coming from. It not only sounded wonderful, it looked wonderful too. For those who don't know, the Stierische is not a harmonica of the blown variety but looks rather like a largish melodeon. I already played Anglo Concertina and Melodeon, but was bowled over by this instrument that I'd never seen in Britain. A few years, and an inheritance later my dear husband bought me one in Innsbruck - the only one available was in brass band tuning. On the rare occasions when I take it 'out' session players tend to reach for their instruments when I start playing a well known tune. The look of puzzlement on their faces when they try to join in with what looks like a melodeon is WICKED!

Polly