So what are modulations of English system layouts?
Can we make, or can anybody point at some side-by-side comparison of layouts?
Thanks.

My favorite English layout is a duet version called the "Yankee" system which was developed by Charles Cares about 15 years ago. Like the "standard" English it has 4 columns of buttons on each side... and is played by going back and forth between the sides - BUT - every few rows up the column would shift one place. The result is that the system is isomorphic! Absolutely brilliant!

We had one of his boxes for a while at the Button Box (a converted Lachenal), and if I can spend a bit of time at our files I may be able to dredge up the fingering pattern to post here.

Though perhaps you were expecting variations of the typical English? We've had several F Englishes (the most recent one sold a few months ago), and many people have had their lowest accidental replaced with F (and sometimes F and E depending on bellows direction).

-- Rich --

I'm not quite sure what you're looking for, as English concertina layouts are very standard, the only variation being the low F, or F/E, on the treble, as described by Rich Morse.

Though matters can start to become more complicated when different ranges, and band instruments, become involved. In which case, there is an old thread on The Different Types Of English that could be worth re-reading.


You seem to have it listed again:

Lachenal
35-key tenor, New Model. Serial #50576 (circa 1918). Hexagonal raised ebony ends, metal buttons, 6-fold bellows. Metal labels. With case.

Though this time the fact that is pitched in F isn't mentioned, like it was in the old listing:

Lachenal
"New Model" 35-key tenor #50576 (circa 1926). Restored by the Button Box. Raised ebony ends, silver-tipped buttons, steel reeds, 6-fold bellows. Measures 7-1/2", range Bb - f2. With new case. This is a transposing instrument originally made for band use. Played like a treble, the notes sound a fifth lower (key of F). Big, beautiful sound.

However, I wonder if that typical 35-key band range would be adequate for Misha's needs?

I didn't realize that it was back.... Looks like the customer returned it and we forgot to say that it's an F box... or we may have changed it to a standard arrangement. I'll go check it out on Monday.

-- Rich --