If you have been looking for an anglo concertina for sale, you probably already know that these little "squeezeboxes" are both incredibly charming and slightly elusive. Unlike a standard acoustic guitar or a digital keyboard, you can't just walk into any neighborhood music shop and expect to see a row of concertinas sitting on the shelf. It takes a bit of digging, a little bit of patience, and a solid understanding of what you're actually looking at before you pull the trigger on a purchase.
Whether you are a seasoned folk musician or someone who just got inspired by a sea shanty video online, buying a concertina is a bit of an investment. These instruments are complex machines with hundreds of tiny moving parts. Because of that, finding the right one involves more than just looking for the lowest price. You want something that plays in tune, doesn't leak air like a rusty bellows, and feels comfortable in your hands.
Why the Anglo Style Specifically?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the market, it's worth a quick reminder of why people hunt for the Anglo specifically. Most people looking for an anglo concertina for sale are interested in Irish traditional music or Morris dancing. The Anglo is "bisonoric," which is just a fancy way of saying it plays a different note depending on whether you are pushing or pulling the bellows.
It's very rhythmic. It has a "bounce" to it that the English concertina (which plays the same note on push and pull) sometimes lacks. If you want that punchy, driving sound you hear in a pub session in Clare or Galway, the Anglo is almost certainly what you're after. It's a bit of a brain-bender at first, but once you get the hang of the push-pull logic, it's hard to go back.
Choosing the Right Number of Buttons
When you start browsing listings, you'll notice that the number of buttons varies wildly. This is usually the first thing that dictates the price.
The 20-Button Models You'll often see a 20-button anglo concertina for sale at a much lower price point. These are generally considered "starter" instruments. They usually have two rows of buttons, usually tuned to the keys of C and G. While you can play a lot of simple folk tunes on these, you'll eventually hit a wall. You won't have the accidentals (sharps and flats) needed for more complex music. They are great for seeing if you like the instrument, but most players outgrow them pretty fast.
The 30-Button Standard This is the "sweet spot." A 30-button Anglo adds a third row—the accidental row. This gives you the chromatic notes and, perhaps more importantly, alternative fingerings. Having those extra buttons allows you to play a note in a different direction (push vs. pull), which is essential for smooth phrasing in Irish music. If you're serious about learning, I'd always suggest skipping the 20-button and going straight for a 30-button if your budget allows.
36+ Buttons and Beyond You might occasionally see a professional-grade anglo concertina for sale with 36 or even 40 buttons. These are beautiful, complex instruments often used by virtuosos. For 95% of players, though, 30 buttons are more than enough.
New vs. Vintage: The Great Debate
This is where things get interesting (and a bit expensive). When you look for an anglo concertina for sale, you have to decide if you want a shiny new one or a piece of history.
The Vintage Classics Names like Wheatstone, Jeffries, and Lachenal are the "Holy Grail." These were made in London during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A high-end Jeffries can cost as much as a decent used car. They have "concertina reeds," which are individual tongues of metal set into brass or aluminum frames. The sound is sweet, harmonically rich, and incredibly responsive. However, buying vintage is risky. If the bellows are dry-rotted or the reeds are out of tune, you could be looking at hundreds of dollars in repairs.
Modern Makers Thankfully, we are in a bit of a concertina renaissance. Makers like Suttner, Carroll, and Dipper make instruments that rival the old classics. There are also great mid-range options from companies like McNeela or Morse. These often use accordion-style reeds rather than traditional concertina reeds. They sound a bit different—maybe a bit "breathier" or louder—but they are much more affordable and reliable for a beginner or intermediate player.
What to Watch Out For in a Listing
If you're looking at an anglo concertina for sale on a site like eBay, Reverb, or a dedicated forum, you have to be a bit of a detective. Sellers who don't play the instrument often use phrases like "I don't know much about this, but it makes a sound." That is a massive red flag.
Here is a quick checklist of what to ask or look for: 1. Air Leaks: Ask the seller to pull the bellows without pressing any buttons. If the bellows open easily, there's a leak. A good concertina should have a lot of resistance. 2. Tuning: Concertinas can be tuned to "Old Pitch" (High Pitch) or "Modern Pitch" (A=440Hz). If you buy an old one in High Pitch, you won't be able to play with other people without getting it retuned, which is a big job. 3. The Bellows: Look at the corners. If the leather is flaking or taped up, you're looking at a replacement soon. 4. The Action: Do the buttons sit level? Do they snap back quickly? Sticky buttons are a nightmare to play with.
Where to Actually Find an Anglo Concertina for Sale
So, where do you go? If you want security, buy from a specialist dealer. Places like The Button Box (in the US) or various shops in Ireland and the UK specialize in these. You'll pay a bit more, but they usually offer a warranty and ensure the instrument is set up correctly.
If you are looking for a deal, keep an eye on the Concertina.net forums. The community there is fantastic, and the "Buy & Sell" section is usually full of well-maintained instruments owned by people who actually know how to care for them. It's a much safer bet than a random pawn shop find on a generic auction site.
Final Thoughts on the Investment
I won't sugarcoat it: a good concertina isn't cheap. Even a decent starter model can run you a few hundred dollars, and a solid intermediate one is often over a thousand. But the cool thing about finding a quality anglo concertina for sale is that they hold their value incredibly well. Because they are relatively rare and in high demand among folk enthusiasts, you can usually sell a good instrument for almost exactly what you paid for it if you decide the hobby isn't for you.
It's a "buy once, cry once" kind of situation. It's much better to spend a little extra on an instrument that is easy to play and sounds good than to struggle with a cheap, leaky "concertina-shaped object" that just frustrates you.
Take your time, listen to sound samples if they're available, and don't be afraid to ask the seller a dozen questions. Once you find the right one and start squeezing out those first few tunes, you'll realize why people get so obsessed with these weird, wonderful little boxes. Happy hunting!