John Connor 55Key Crane Duet For Sale

[TJPearson]

Having purchased and played a Hayden System Duet for a few months now, it is time for my last and best Crane/Triumph system instrument to be sold.

 

Here is as much as I know of the Concertina's history.

I purchased the instrument in 1993 from a gentleman in Reading.

It was then sent back to John Connor for a full check and touch tune.

Sadly, since then it has only had about 25hrs of playing time whilst in my possession.

I cannot justify holding onto such a good instrument, it needs to go to someone who will play and enjoy it.

 

Having read some recent posts, I believe that John is no longer making Duet Concertinas, but concentrating on Anglos.

So here is an opportunity for someone looking for a nearly new instrument.

Yes, it is 28yrs old, but it has had very little use and may be as close as you can get to a new one.

 

Prospective buyers are welcome to come and see the instrument for themselves.

 

Concertina Details:-

 

John Connor 55 Key Crane System Duet.

 

Serial Number 53, made in 1987.

 

Octagonal Shape 73/4" (203mm) Across Flats.

 

Raised Stainless Steel Ends.

 

Stainless Steel Keys.

 

8 Fold Black, grained leather finish, Bellows

 

Riveted action.

 

Steel Reeds in Brass Frames.

 

Weight of Concertina 5lb (2.4Kg).

 

Weight of Concertina with case 8.5lb (3.8Kg).

 

Price £3500,00 GBP

 

The only fault I can see, is a small dent in the outside of the case.

 

I have tried to be as open and honest as possible in my description.

Please feel free to ask any questions.

I will try and post further photos if I can.

You are welcome to E mail and request them too.

[TJPearson]

Here are some more pictures.

[TJPearson]

I can appreciate that this is an expensive instrument, but I have had no interest shown at all.

Perhaps the right person isn't out there yet.

Any helpful comments?

[chas]

I can appreciate that this is an expensive instrument, but I have had no interest shown at all.

Perhaps the right person isn't out there yet.

Any helpful comments?

 

Comments made here over the last few months seem to suggest two things about John Connor's instruments:

They are very fine, whether using old Lachenal reeds or John's own.

They don't seem to command prices commensurate with their quality. I suppose he does not have as high a profile a some other modern makers.

I have a C/G anglo I bought from him for £2500 four years ago. Having finally decided to leave anglo well alone and concentrate on EC and Crane, I'd love to sell it but haven't even bothered offering it for sale as I see John's instruments going for a lot less (around £1800 recently, I recall) and I really don't want to lose on it.

While yours is clearly a very handsome instrument, I wonder whether someone with that kind of money to spend wouldn't be looking for a vintage instrument. It needs someone to try it and fall in love with it!

[RAc]

.

Edited March 4, 2016 by RAc

[Geoff Wooff]

I notice that vintage MacCann's of a similar size appear to sell for prices up to £2000. This looks to be a fine instrument and and I'm sure it is very desirable for a Crane player wishing to move up but perhaps lowering the price might attract more enquiries Timothy?

Edited September 16, 2015 by Geoff Wooff

[TJPearson]

Thank you, to you all, for your helpful comments.

I am in no rush to sell this instrument.

However, If anybody out there is genuinely interested, you are welcome to come and view and try the instrument for yourselves.

I am prepared to consider reasonable offers.

[TJPearson]

Four months or so from my initial posting of this instrument I am prepared to acknowledge that my initial estimate of this concertinas value was too high.

So the price is now £2,500-00. Buyer to pay shipping costs and insurance.

In response to one question I have been asked, the instrument has new reeds made by John Connor. (not second hand from a donor instrument.)

I am happy to answer any further questions