Feature
Scholer Concertinas
Dec
We found one of these Scholer concertinas recently and was pleasantly surprised to find it played well, even though the construction and decor looked pretty basic. With that said, we delved in to it a little more to find out its history…
Scholer Concertinas are a type of free-reed instrument, often associated with affordable and beginner-level concertinas. They were produced in East Germany (GDR) during the mid-20th century by the Scholer company, which became known for manufacturing budget-friendly musical instruments.
Key Features of Scholer Concertinas
Design and Build: Most Scholer concertinas were designed as 20-button Anglo-German concertinas, tuned to diatonic scales, making them suitable for folk and traditional music.
The construction often involved wood, metal, or plastic materials, with a focus on cost-efficiency rather than premium craftsmanship.
Tone: Scholer concertinas have a bright, cheerful tone, suitable for folk tunes, but they lack the nuanced tonal quality of higher-end concertinas.
Playability: They are relatively simple to play, making them popular among beginners or those looking for an inexpensive entry point into concertina playing.
Durability: While durable enough for casual use, they are not as robust or high-quality as instruments from premium concertina makers. Issues like air leaks or inconsistent reed response can sometimes arise in older models.
Affordability: Scholer concertinas were priced to be accessible to amateur musicians, and they remain a reasonably economical choice in the secondhand market.
Schaler concertinas are not typically favoured by professional players, who often prefer more refined concertinas like those made by Lachenal, Wheatstone, or Jeffries.
Vintage Scholer concertinas are becoming more collectible, particularly for enthusiasts of East German musical history.
Scholer concertinas suitability
Beginners: Scholer concertinas are ideal for those new to the instrument who want an inexpensive way to experiment.
Casual Players: Their affordability and cheerful sound make them a fun option for informal music-making.
Collectors: Some may appreciate Scholer concertinas as a piece of historical memorabilia from East Germany.
While they may not match the quality of premium concertinas, Scholer instruments serve as an accessible gateway into the world of free-reed instruments.
