Hi all--

Interesting to see this old thread again. Lots of good advice here!

I did buy an English, and have been very glad I did. One of the reasons I like it is because I actually understand the notes and layout--it "makes sense" to me.

One of the things I don't like about stringed instruments (and I've attempted to learn several) is that they DO NOT make sense to me. I don't know if I just can't wrap my head around how the fretboard works, or if I'm just determined that I can't, but either way I get too frustrated with it to learn anything. Even though my Dearling and his son are both excellent players and good teachers. And please don't bother with instructions, I don't want any!

Back to concertinas: I got mine from the Buttonbox, here in the states. It's a Stagi, one of the less-expensive brands, but I am very happy with it.

Thanks again for all the good words. Captain, I'll have to see if I can find a duet around here anywhere and take a look at it. Squeezeboxes are a lot rarer in this part of the US than they are in other parts of the world...

Lin