kenneads

I forget where I saw a chalkboard sign outside a restaurant which said " take a picture of your food for instagram and receive a free concussion". I observed a table of six at the local pub; all with their eyes on their phones and absolutely no discussion for the duration of their meal. Sad.

Same for Australia.

"Someone on melodeon.net has pointed out that the same concertina is apparently being offered on Gumtree by "Gillian". The seller's name on Gumtree comes up as "Henrietta" when I click on the link above. Very strange.

I have noticed on a few occasions that private messages appear under the 'Activity' tab. I find this strange as I presumed private messages were exactly that; private - and used where members didn't want the information shared. I wonder if other members have any thoughts on this? UPDATE: I have been enlightened by some members that there are public and private messages. My mistake.

Thanks Dave. I'll keep my eye out. Cheers, Dave

Thanks Stephen, most of the parts I need are pads, valves and mainly bellows. Cheers.

I came across this Rock Chidley EC for sale several months ago. http://www.musicswopshop.com.au/stock?cat=Violins%2c+Cellos%2c+Mandolins%2c+Banjos+%26+Accordions&sub=Accordions&displayItemCount=20&moreItems=20&sort=SORTLATEST The price has been lowered quite a bit since I first saw it. Conversion rate: AUD$750 = US$527, GBP£419,Euro€467. I have no financial interest in this at all. Cheers, Dave

Does anyone know when Concertina Spares will be operating again or, if indeed, they will ever be operating again? I am keen to buy some spares for a Maccann restoration but may have to buy spares elsewhere. Cheers

Stephen, I have a copy of this book in unmarked, good condition which I no longer need. You can have the book for the cost of postage; which would be around AUD $22, HKD $120 or US $15.30, from Australia to Hong Kong. Send me a PM if you are interested. Cheers, Dave

Unfortunately for me, this is not available in Australia.

Hi Stephen. Something to consider would be Engravers Wax. Engravers use it to infill lines engraved on metal, mother of pearl, abalone and wood. You can buy it here: https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Inlay_and_Pearl_Cutting/Laskins_Engraving_Filler.html or just google it. Cheers

Oops! I stand corrected on the pronunciation of Aiobheann.

I don't know where you are in Melbourne but there is a great accordion repairer in West Heidelberg. He goes under the name "Captain Accordion" http://members.optusnet.com.au/~capt.accordion/ He is a really easy bloke to deal with and very helpful. Cheers, David

Aiobheann = Yvonne

Hello All, I have a mystery Maccann without an identity. I previously posted this concertina under "general discussion" but with only a couple of photos. I did not own the instrument at the time and was a bit reluctant to open it up too much. Now it is mine and so the restoration begins. I have attached some photos which may give some clues to its maker. The only identifying marks are R and L on each end followed by the number 65. These numbers are consistent throughout the instrument; on the underside of the fretwork, the reed pans and the action board. There is some handwriting in pencil as well but this only denotes which end the part belongs to. The lever arms are riveted and are a round profile. I believe it is in old high pitch A=452 (or close to) according to my electronic tuner, but certainly needs tuning. I have included pics of the case as well although this may not be the original case. I am in Australia and only know a small part of its provenance. It came to me via the widow of its owner. It had previously been owned by her husband's father who may have brought it to Australia from New Zealand. Any help would be really appreciated.