"Sitting down with one end on your knee may help, too."

Certainly does. Some people can play an Anglo holding it up in the air front of them, but not me. John Kirkpatrick manages OK, even playing the most amazing stuff - I don't know how he does it.

If it is a really cheap concertina, a good one will be easier to play. See if you can get to try out a Jeffries, Crabb, Wheatstone or Dipper box in good working order. Or even a good Lachenal.

Anahata