Scarlatti Accordions SCE-30 Concertina Accordion

I really like this, though it isn't perfect. Some of the keys did stick at first, but it seems to be improving with use and it hasn't happened now for days. I wondered about exchanging it at first, but for all the hassle I might have ended up with one that was as bad or worse as sticky keys seem to be quite common with these cheap concertinas, and it is fixable if it doesn't go away. Bottom line is that is is about half the price of the next better one I could have bought, and there was no way I could have justified that before Christmas whereas now I will hopefully be playing simple carols round the Christmas tree!What I maybe would have considered if I had not bought this on impulse is buying the same thing from Hobgoblin - about £30 more but being a real music store I would be more confident that they would check for misaligned keys etc before sending it out. I'm rating it for what it is - a cheap but very usable concertina that I am really enjoying learning on. There are not a huge number of English concertinas out there to choose from. Could I have bought something better? Of course, but not for the price.Also wanted to add that it comes with a nice soft case, so there is no need to buy one separately - I nearly did as no case is mentioned in the description.Editing this to add - almost a month on, I have now completed 20 hours of practice (self taught) on this concertina (see my review for 'The First Twenty Hours' by Josh Kaufman to see why that number is significant!) I'm still very pleased with the purchase, though I will no doubt be looking around for a restored old concertina at some point, as they really 'don't make them like that any more' - or at least, they do, but then they have to charge 21st century prices for the labour involved, which could easily be 10-12 days on a handcrafted instrument. Playing the Scarlatti has given me a chance to convince myself that I really can do it, and that I want to continue, so I can justify spending more on one in the future. Without this beginners instrument, I wouldn't have started at all unless I could have found someone to lend me one. If you have a local concertina group this might be an option to explore. At least now, I have a lot more understanding of what I might be looking for in a more expensive instrument. Even if I don't sell this one when I eventually buy my next, I will consider that this has done the job I paid for in letting me experiment for little risk.I never had any more problem with sticking keys after the first few days; any that are obviously leaning can be gently encouraged to stand more upright by simply pushing them gently sideways. There are youtubes on how to take the end off for more significant adjustments but I didn't have to do that. Some notes at the bottom end flutter a bit occasionally when played too gently.I have small hands and my pinkie fingers got quite tired at first from the weight, so I have added a neck strap (as recommended on Pauline Snoo's website) which helps when playing standing and also sitting, as it helps to keep the bellows from rubbing on your knee and you don't need to prop one foot on a step. It also helps to keep your hands in a constant relationship to the keys when moving the bellows, so the fingering is easier. I also made a couple of new holes in the thumbstraps with a leather punch to fit my thumbs better and give a more secure hold.I also downloaded the Englitina app for iphone which is brilliant and let me continue practicing during a week away and on public transport or at night when family are asleep.

Wish I'd read all the reviews before I ordered. Like another reviewer, I found that many of the buttons jammed as they lean into the holes. Then one button went down and didn't come up again and finally another button popped out inside the bellows. The item was also rather dirty and the little finger rests were tarnished and dirty, although this was supposed to be a new item. All of this happened within 30 minutes of opening the box. I would suggest avoid at all costs. I went for a more expensive model from Amazon the Stagi, but that was just as bad. What a nightmare!

Excellent value for money. Probably doesn't have the tone quality of a more expensive one, but ideal to learn on. Perfect for someone wanting to get a feel for the instrument without spending a lot of money.A couple of keys stuck when first used but freed fairly easily and they haven't done it since.Also, it was delivered (on a Sunday!) less than 48 hours from placing the order.

The keys stick. The key arrangement seems unlike anything I can find on the web and I can't find any more info on the model. Looks nice, tho'.

Having read the reviews as part of my research I didn't buy my Scarlatti through Amazon but direct from hobgoblin;-just in case there were any issues (One of their shops is reasonably local to me). However I thought it might be useful for other customers to know that I haven't had any issues with my concertina. One key is a wee bit sticky but whether it is due to the key or to me being too heavy handed with the keys is a matter of debate. It is worth knowing that you don't have to depress the keys all the way in to get a decent sound. A chart showing what key is what note would be a useful addition. I'm a flute player so not totally illiterate re music but it took me a day to find suitable charts on line. I also bought The English Concertina Absolute Beginners from Amazon which is absolutely brilliant. It is worth knowing that it doesn't matter if the tutor is for a 30 key or a 48 key concertina. The 30 key concertina doesn't go as high as the 48 key;- not an issue for me as I'm not planning to go there any time soon.!!!All in all I'm well pleased. A decent entry level instrument. If I fall in love with concertinas then in a year or two I will spend two or three times what I spent on this one to buy a posh one. If I don't then I'm sure I will have had my moneys worth of fun out of it.It is now 25 of February so I've had enough time to get aquanted with my concertina. I'm now sure the sticky key issues are down to me being too heavy handed. In all cases the key can be flicked out easily. Really surprised by how soon I could play a simple tune. Love the tutor, but if you don't already read music its a lot to take in... Don't be discouraged just take it slowly.

Your system does not seem to allow me to report a problem with this item hence using this system. I bought it for my wife last year, but due to a family problem, has only just started to play it. However, one of the buttons almost immediately got stuck and there is simply no way to release it. Please advise how the item can be repaired or replaced or refunded. Thank you.

Excellent condition for used item, as new. I am almost absolute beginner on the concertina but have a love of folk music and will succeed in improving my performance.

Very disappointed. The note G sticks during my first play.