Craig Wagner Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 John Connor 31 Button C/G Metal End Anglo Like me, you may have been one of the gazillion people interested in the County Clare Dipper recently given visibility on this site. Although Dipper-envy is a hard affliction to cure, you might be interested in a John Connor 31-button C/G for thousands less that has the similar advantages of new construction, authentic steel concertina reeds and a comfortable smaller size. The concertina is tuned to A=440 with a full touch-up tuning done in October ‘03. The buttons are configured in a Wheatstone format (RH 3rd row notes are Push/Pull: C#/D#, A/G, G#/Bb, C#/D#, HighA/F….) The reed pan is laid-out horizontally, like a Jeffries, for flexibility in sizing the reed chamber for optimum sound quality. The concertina has raised metal ends, metal buttons, concertina steel reeds (not accordian), and adjustable thick black leather hand straps. The ends are stainless steel, so they look pristine, unlike other metal ends that have a tendency to tarnish. It has a 6 fold black bellows that are absolutely air tight. There is left thumb drone (C on draw and push) that allows for some wonderful pedal-point work. The tone is bright allowing you to hold your own in sessions as well as providing clarity for recording. It is a comfortable size, 5 7/8” across the parallel sides which is 1/8” to 1/4" smaller than many concertinas. This very slight reduction in size allows a reduction in weight (weight is important for session-speed concertina playing) and also has all keys within easy reach. The concertina was made about 5-6 years ago, I believe, and I bought it about 3 years ago for session playing. Being just a titch smaller, it can be a great instrument if you have somewhat smaller hands though I've got big paws and get around the instrument without a feeling of being cramped. The concertina is in immaculate condition. The “Connor” name is stamped on the right end plate. It has a consistent and fast riveted action with bushed buttons. The end-bolts do not show a flaw. Trying to really search for some problem, there is the slightest cosmetic scuffing on the underside of the bellows. The concertina comes with a custom blocked case made by John Connor that is closable without key, but lockable with key (key included). There is some scuffing on the interior and exterior of the box, but it is fully serviceable. I live in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area. If you are in the area, please contact me and come by for a squeeze (just be forewarned, it can be habit forming!). Additionally, I see no hope in curing my concertina passion and will be buying concertinas, having them fixed-up and selling them for some time to come. If you buy a later concertina from me, I'll give a 100% trade-in on the previous one you bought from me (obviously, trade-ins need to be in comparable condition to when I sold it to you). The concertina is selling for $3200 USD. I would be happy to email photos out to you. Realizing that concertinas are a personal investment, I will allow you 5 days to play the instrument and, if for any reason it doesn’t suit your fancy, return it, I’ll refund your money (less shipping/insurance). Buyer pays for shipping and insurance (approximately $35 if in the US). Please let me know if I can answer any other questions for you. Also, feel free to call me at 248-486-7921 (day) or 248-437-6709 (eve) and I would be happy to play the concertina over the phone for you, answer questions, etc. – I’m in Eastern US time zone. Thanks, Craig Wagner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimLucas Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 This very slight reduction in size allows a reduction in weight... Connor instruments have a reputation for being heavy. What is the weight of this one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Day Posted January 9, 2004 Share Posted January 9, 2004 You may be interested to know that John Conner was at one time working for Crabb at Islington the current price new for this instrument is almost £4000 John has just made some new bellows for two of my concertinas and his work was excellent.I have played his concertinas and I found a few keys slightly out of tune but in general I would think this is a good buy, but I havn`t played it. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Wagner Posted January 10, 2004 Author Share Posted January 10, 2004 Jim, I'll see if I can head off to the post office today to get it weighed, then will post a reply... the best I could do from home is +/- 3 pounds from my bathroom scale (probably not to the precision you had in mind)! Alan, I had no idea they were going for so much new! Onward, Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimLucas Posted January 10, 2004 Share Posted January 10, 2004 (edited) ... the best I could do from home is +/- 3 pounds from my bathroom scale... Here are a few examples, just for comparison: 30-button wood-end C/G Morse - 2 lb (0.91 kg) 32-button wood-end C/G Jones - 2 lb 6 oz (1.08 kg) 30-button metal-end C/G Dipper County Clare (5-5/8") - 2 lb 12 oz (1.25 kg) 38-button metal-end G/D Jeffries - 3 lb 2 oz (1.42 kg) Added for reference: lb = pound (from Latin 'libra'?) oz = ounce 16 oz = 1 lb = 0.45 kg 3 lb = 1.36 kg Edited January 10, 2004 by JimLucas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old_Squeezer Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 For some more concertina weights, don't forget this page: http://www.concertina.net/guide_weights.html K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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