Samantha Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 (edited) I hope Jay Lamsa doesn't mind me lifting his question out of another thread and giving it a thread of its own, but I think it deserves it. I also apologise to David Barnert who has already answered this question here. I found THE instrument at the Swaledale Squeeze in May of this year. It is a 31 button, Jeffries layout wooden ended C/G "Crabb/Jeffries" (no makers mark visible). The bone buttons are a little larger than metal ones, I love the sound, the way it plays, the way it smells (!). I shall never part with it. As to owning more than one, I also have a 31 button Bb/F Jeffries, metal ends which I don't play as much but I have a weakness for flat keys (I'm a brass player): and I've two more on order - a Dipper baritone (to sing with) and a Tedrow concertiny because it'll fit in my handbag, and the challenge of playing a one row appeals to me ... That's rather an embarrassingly self-indulgent list [blush], but then we don't do much in the way of holidays or new furniture in this house ... Samantha Edited December 16, 2005 by Samantha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 Finding THE instrument is still an on-going journey of discovery for me. I feel in love with my Norman metal-ended C/G Anglo when I found it (and still do). When I came across my wooden-ended Lachanel and heard it played over the phone, it became "The One". I'll be ordering a miniature next year from Anthony James which I'm very excited about, but I know that (hopefully) it won't be the last concertina I ever buy. I still dream of a saxophone friendly concertina in Eb/Ab or F/Bb, and I just adore the Dipper baritone... Let the maddness never end Morgana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_mchale Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 I don't think there is such a thing as the one single instrument. I think that some might find an instrument they prefer over others, but given time, I think everyone (if they can afford it) would like to have several instruments... sometimes you feel like hearing a certain instrument's given tone, in others, the light (or heavy) weight of another instrument might attract you.. or the buttons that respond just so.... That being said, a 38 button suttner I think would be very close to my one true instrument. Unfortunately 38/40 button instruments are in my head now the way concertinas in general were a few years ago.. and we know how that ended. There was a 40 button late model wheatstone that I lusted after at the Button Box for quite a few months back a year and a half ago.. I still regret not going for it. Oh well -- Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Read Posted December 17, 2005 Share Posted December 17, 2005 I have a 28-button G/D Jeffries that has 'the sound'. What I really like is that the accidental row on the right hand is set up so that there is no need to go to the left hand for the tune most of the time, leaving that hand completely free for chording (basically, the second button down is the reverse of the D/E top button of the middle (G) row). it has fat metal buttons that (I believe) have replaced the original bone buttons. The only improvement I could ask for would be an extra fold on the bellows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Timson Posted December 17, 2005 Share Posted December 17, 2005 I have a 28-button G/D Jeffries that has 'the sound'. What I really like is that the accidental row on the right hand is set up so that there is no need to go to the left hand for the tune most of the time, leaving that hand completely free for chording (basically, the second button down is the reverse of the D/E top button of the middle (G) row). it has fat metal buttons that (I believe) have replaced the original bone buttons. The only improvement I could ask for would be an extra fold on the bellows. Aye, those little Jeffries are nice boxes. I had a 26-button one once that, as is the way of all such things, I rather regret parting with. Having said that, as I have said elsewhere, I now do have my perfect set of instruments (so much so that I gave up my place in the Dipper queue because I could not comtemplate selling any of the core 4 instruments to pay for a new one). The only improvement I still want is, yes, a duplicate of the left hand D/E button on the right hand of my 38-button G/D Jeffries, for the same reason as you. Colin D has told me it is possible, but will require special reeds for the job. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animaterra Posted December 18, 2005 Share Posted December 18, 2005 My 31b c/g Jeffries is for now my ONLY instrument- it's priceless for personal as well as musical reasons. I had been looking for "my" instrument, and although I came to play the concertina through personal tragedy (the death of my fiance) it has become the musical joy of my life. So I guess the Jeffries is THE instrument! Even though I would love a baritone, I can't imagine acquiring a finer instrument than this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffwright Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 It's alright for you lot who want instruments in different keys - what about people who play multi-systems and MUST have more than one box? (Jeffries 39 C/G, Wheatstone 48 Treble and trying my best to steer clear of Duets - until I have more time on my hands) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimLucas Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 It's alright for you lot who want instruments in different keys - what about people who play multi-systems and MUST have more than one box? Y'mean like: anglos in 2 different keys, 4 duet systems (2 of them in more than one range), and Englishes in ranges from extended treble down to contrabass? Then there's the issue of different sounds, and not only metal vs. wood. But have I found the one instrument that I could be happy with if I could only have one? A couple of them... but each already belongs to somebody else, who feels the same way and won't part with it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Madge Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I don't think I shall ever find the perfect instrument until there is a very flexible Midi instrument with many subtly different voices. I even keep two Bb/F anglos because my wife tells me that their sounds are too different and suit different songs! Robin Madge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart estell Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 Both my Maccann and Jeffries duets are absolutely spot on for me in terms of the instruments' personalities, to the extent that I'd rather spend money on tweaking these particular boxes than try to find "better" ones. My Norman anglos are fine for what I use them for, so I don't really feel any need to upgrade them at the moment. But Geoff's right - I couldn't narrow myself down from C/G and G/D anglos and the two duet systems to say there was just one instrument that would be right for me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_mchale Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 It's alright for you lot who want instruments in different keys - what about people who play multi-systems and MUST have more than one box?(Jeffries 39 C/G, Wheatstone 48 Treble and trying my best to steer clear of Duets - until I have more time on my hands) Yes Geoff, I can feel your pain. So much so that I am going to make the supreme sacrifice and offer to help you. I will give you the opportunity to have more time to get into Duets; just give me that Nasty old Jefferies 39 C/G. Its really bad for you, you know. I will take the ill effects of such a cruel Mistress (Think it aint cruel? Listen to Tim Collins or Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh play one and then listen to me play... enough said) so you can devote more time to Duets . Sigh.. I am afraid I shall not be able to save you though.. such is the nature of such a cruel Mistress . -- Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon melville Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I'm happy with my 1912 Wheatstone 48 treble, metal ends and 6 folds. I do have a wish list - baritones, wooden ended Wheatstones, Aeolas, but it does 90% of what I want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Evans Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 (edited) I'm happy with my 1912 Wheatstone 48 treble, metal ends and 6 folds. I should think so! I've found my perfect instrument...just can't have it . Wheatstone Aeola, amboyna (sp?) raised ends, 56 note with amber buttons and a rich, buttery light brown set of bellows with still intact matching thumb straps. Perhaps if I'm very good, I get to play it one day. Edited December 22, 2005 by Mark Evans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Morse Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Jowaisas Posted December 23, 2005 Share Posted December 23, 2005 Upon some reflection I think I will have to enter this thread and declare my Carroll #2 as one of those instruments that I would not consider trading, upgrading or replacing. It is very easy and smooth to play. Responsive while toodling along and lots of volume and punch when necessary. It has a very clear sound. Most of these attributes are wasted on my inadequate (but ever improving!) playing. I know it is a special instrument. I got an idea of its real potential this past summer at Noel Hill camp. Noel tried the five Carroll concertinas that were in camp alternately comparing them, tune after tune with his Linota. All the instruments sounded great in the master's hands. At the end of twenty minutes Noel asked for a show of hands to indicate which of the Carrolls sounded most like his Linota. # 2 got the most hands. Perhaps mine had a slight edge in being the "oldest" Carroll present. I know I could hear and appreciate some differences in all the concertinas. But I was and remain truly humbled to be able to learn and practice on such a wonderful instrument. I hope I live long enough and practice dilligently enough to deserve this concertina. Thanks Wally! Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronf Posted December 23, 2005 Share Posted December 23, 2005 What a timely subject. Yesterday my brand new Geuns/Wakker arived, and I think I have found my true love. I havent put it down since. For the past ten years or so I have been having a good time with a couple of Stagi's and thought they were just fine. Last summer I got to play a friend's Wheatstone and realised there was somthing better. After looking at all the maker's website's a few hundred times, I settled on the Geuns/Wakker and in just three month's, it arrived. The craftsmanship and sound is unbeleivable. Now I have got to figure out what to do with the other eight that will be sitting on the shelf. Guess it's time to go to E-Bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Timson Posted December 23, 2005 Share Posted December 23, 2005 It's a lovely feeling, isn't it? Congratulations. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plamondon Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 I don't think I shall ever find the perfect instrument until there is a very flexible Midi instrument with many subtly different voices. Robin, you're in luck: see www.thummer.com. It's not shipping until late 2006. I would appreciate your posting your thoughts on it to Thumtronics' forums, too. Thanks! :-) --- Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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