How Can I Tune It Up?

[svenwalper]

Recently I have bought an old concertina at Ebay. It was in quite bad condition, but after making some simple repairs, it has become a usable instrument. Nevertheless I am still unsatisfied because some of the reeds sound too low or too high, and I wonder how I can tune them up to make them sound at the right pitch. I don't want to let a professional accordion maker do it because he's far away from where I live, and I'd rather prefer to do it myself, it needn't be perfect. I'd be thankful for any tips.

[JimLucas]

What kind of concertina is it? Anglo, English, or duet system? Who's the maker?

 

If it's an English-made concertina, don't let an *accordion* maker touch the reeds, unless you know for sure that (s)he has a deep understanding of the differences in construction and in methods of tuning. There *are* differences, and damage can be done.

 

But you might try getting a copy of Dave Elliot's "Concertina Maintenance Manual", now in its improved second edition and highly recommended by many.

[Chris Timson]

I'll back up what Jim says about accordion repairers, and also Dave Elliott's excellent book. But a word of caution. More than half the value of a concertina is in the reeds, and it is surprisingly easy to ruin a reed. There is a list of reputable concertina makers and repairers in the Concertina FAQ at www.concertina.info. I should check that out and consider having the job done by an expert.

 

Chris

[bill_mchale]

i have nothing to add here.. but since everyone else was dragging up old topics, I didn't want to be left out .

 

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Bill