I didn’t buy the concertina to impress anyone. I bought it because I wanted to feel a little closer to where I came from. My grandfather came over from Cork in the 1930s. He brought stories. He brought songs. But by the time they got to me, they were faint echoes, softened by distance, by time, by the usual business of growing up American. Still, I always felt the pull. Something about the old tunes, especially when played on traditional instruments, stirred something in me I couldn’t quite explain. So when I saw a wooden concertina being played in a session video, I stopped scrolling. And then I bought one.
I Didn’t Know What to Expect. But I Didn’t Expect This.
I picked up the Wren Anglo Concertina thinking I’d just poke around with a few notes in the evenings. I never imagined it would lead to this moment.
Me, sitting in the living room, easing out a slow air I’d been practicing for a few weeks. And my grandson, seven years old, sitting across from me, wide-eyed and completely still. After a minute, he said quietly, “Grandpa… how do you do that?”
I smiled. And I think that’s when I really understood what this instrument could do.
Because there’s something about the sound of a concertina that feels magical. Not in a fairy-tale way. In a human way. It’s wood and will. It feels alive.
Why the Wren?
There are concertinas you can find online for half the price of the Wren. But I’ve learned the hard way that the wrong instrument can kill the music before it ever starts. The Wren Anglo Concertina is built differently. It’s made for beginners, but it is not a “beginner instrument” in the way cheap boxes are. It is responsive, reliable, and expressive. The kind of concertina that actually makes you want to keep playing.
Here’s why Irish music teachers and trad beginners alike keep recommending the Wren: – It is tuned in C/G, the standard for traditional Irish music – It has a 30-button Anglo layout, perfect for jigs, reels, and airs – The action is smooth and fast, making ornaments easier to learn and execute – The tone is clear, warm, and balanced, not the harsh, buzzy sound you get from mass-produced instruments – It is airtight and durable, which makes bellows control much easier for beginners – It comes with a hard case, so it is protected from the start It is a serious instrument, but approachable, forgiving, and beautifully made.
A Tradition You Can Hold
What I didn’t expect is how much the Wren would become part of my routine. A few tunes after dinner. A quiet air before bed. Sometimes even a full session’s worth of practice when the mood takes me. And now, it is not just for me. My grandson asks to hear “the wizard music” every time he visits. He wants to try. He wants to learn. And one day, I am going to pass this concertina on to him. Not because it is old, but because it means something. It is a tradition we are building together.
If You’ve Been Thinking About Picking Up an Instrument…
Or reconnecting with your Irish roots in a way that feels real and hands-on. Or simply making music that your grandkids will remember. Then the Wren Anglo Concertina is a beautiful place to start. You don’t need to be a musician. You just need a reason. And maybe a little bit of magic. Discover the Wren Concertina here » Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can pass on isn’t a story. It’s a sound.
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