Concertina FAQ

Types of Concertinas

All concertinas share the same principal design which is is folding bellows with buttons at each end with anything from 6 to 12 sides across. However, they vary in the layout and function of the keys. Variation in key functions and layout is such that concertinas have been classified into different types of music instruments. This means that player of one type will most probably not be able to pick up a concertina of a different system and play it without having to go through a learning curve.

Concertinas come in various sizes and shapes and which determines the range of notes they can play. Most commonly found are treble concertinas. A standard 48 Key English concertina ranges from G below middle C to C 3 octaves above middle C. Baritone concertinas play one full octave below the treble, and the bass concertina plays one octave lower below that. Also common are tenor-treble concertinas which cross the range of the treble and baritone concertina. The Piccolo concertina which plays one octave above the treble.

The main types of concertina are the English, the Anglo and the various systems of Duet concertina.