Myrtle's cook

I think Ivan is probably right in terms of total Meccannics, I have seen at least a dozen Maccan players (some very accomplished musicians) amongst the concertina bands of the Liverpool Orange lodges. Perhaps the issue is that in the present economic conditions those of us who have a Maccan are sticking with it and resisting the temptation to buy another, and also that duets are not often regarded as an 'entry' level instruments for those coming to the concertina afresh - so there is little 'new blood' coming into the market for their first duet.

The metal buttons on my Excelsior (which is an early model) are flat topped and capped with German Silver - although with time and over a century of playing they have become a little rounded through wear. The relatively light springs make this no less comfortable to play than my Wheatstone which has rounded metal button tops. I have read or heard that glass buttons usually have rounded tops because flat topped ones are prone to chipping leaving a sharp edge that would render the key practically unplayable. Probably best to drop Chris and email via Ebay to double check if this matters to you.

I have an extended treble [upwards] version of this instrument, although steel/nickel keys, not glass. I would echo the comments of Blue Eyed Sailor above - a good responsive instrument with a rounded sweet tone. Works well for me to accompany my singing. I have had mine 17 years and it has given me no problems and have played it on a fairly regular basis. The action is perhaps ever so slightly slower than that of a comparable Wheatstone, but not noticeably so, and that would cost perhaps double the price of this instrument. Can't comment on its comparison with the Geordie, unfortunately.

Marien - this is very informative and interesting, thank you

Thanks for that information Daniel

What do people make of this strange beast listed on eBay? It has an almost DIY/prototype look about it. Whilst it follows the overall look of other early rectangular instruments, the arrangement of 5 keys on one side and 9+1 on the other is perhaps unusual. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Little-wooden-concertina-/190717060497?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Keyboard_RL&hash=item2c679f6591 J W Moffat is not listed in Wes Williams survey of less well known makers. Is this the name of a dealer, here applied to a locally produced/imported instrument?

He's also listing a rather nice early Lachenal crane duet, in need of some work, but a similar one I tried (very inexpertly) some time ago had a lovely mellow tone. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lachenal-48-Key-Crane-Duet-Concertina-No-10-/251133486047?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Keyboard_RL&hash=item3a78b8e3df Interesting to see what this sells for

I would agree with yankeeclipper - although alot of this may come down to personal learning style and perhaps even how our brains are hard wired (if that's the right term). I have always really liked the sound of the anglo and the idea of having the alternate push-pull notes/facility. I have, however, been quite unable to play one in practice, whilst the English system seems to come quite easily and flows relatively instinctively from printed noted to finger tip. No idea why this is, and can only put it down to the way my brain working in a resolutely chromatic way. As with Geoff I am learning Maccan duet at the moment. I haven't got to the stage where I can say it is particularly good for a specific styles of music yet, but it feels to have the versatility of an English concertina, and as Geoff says, the facility to play two parts opens up new worlds, although that may be more than is needed to join in a good Irish session. They do seem well suited to chordal accompaniment that would make them a good addition to a group scenario, or taking a step back in a session. Porbably no better solution to the question than trying a range of boxes - especially if you can find someone to rent/lend one for a few weeks. Incidently, David Cornell's arrangments at www.maccan-duet.com/cornell/ give some idea of what it is like to arrange/play the Maccan system duet.

Considerably more scarce - Ebay listings, although hardly an objective source, would suggest a ratio of c.8-10 Maccans:1 Crane. The rather more straightforward key layout of the Crane system might be considered easier to play, particularly for those used to the English layout. Demand for Cranes and their relative rarity would seem to drive a higher price when they do appear.

As Geoff says, a really good starter - and indeed intermediate - instrument. Being offered by Chris Algar so it will have been well checked over and will be 'ready to play'.

Here are some more images of the concertina in question (if not the receipt) from the auction house. For 'eye candy' if nothing else...

I was interested in this too, but the auction house were unable to send me an image of it. Particularly interesting to know if it was the original bill of sale or one for resale. At 5 guineas it reminds us how expensive these instruments were in their day. In the 1880s an agricultural labourer was paid around 13/- a week - so this concertina would have cost the equivalanet to eight week's wages. If we extrapolate forward, based on the UK national minimum wage of £6.08 and a 40 hour week, those eight weeks would earn £1945 (and never mind tax, NI etc!).

Aldi have these bags back in stock and on special offer - which have previously been discussed on this forum. http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/offers_week32Sunday12.htm I managed to get one last time they were offered and it has made a good functional carry case for my 55k Maccan with very little additional padding etc.

Adding my thanks, Geoff. Does anyone know who came up/patented this? I have always assumed the Jedcertina was a Lachenal invention - but this is in a different league. PS Lovely looking Crabb box in Geoff's post.

Something a little out of the ordinary just appeared on Ebay, unfortunately it has sustained significant damage. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Concertina-48-keys-/320957413700?pt=UK_MusicalInstr_Keyboard_RL&hash=item4aba8d7944

The instrument would still seem to be for sale (same serial number), offered through the Preloved website: http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/list/3566/keyboards-synthesizers-and-organs.html?keyword=concertinas%20musical%20instrument That pictured is indeed an English and a very nice looking box. I know that such websites are a prone to inadvertantly hosting scam adverts, although the location in Barnsley would tally with Galley Wench's location.

Or sweet-talking his wife/or sweet talking her husband! It's a truly beautiful box, but I'm not sure I'd get away with buying it unless I had a secret concertina fund unknown to my infinitely better half! Seriously, do hope the buyer comes forward promptly - otherwise it is most unfair (to put it mildly) on the seller and underbidder(s).

Indeed, a perfect match! That would accord well with the low serial number for such a maker. Many thanks

The following concertina is being offered by Bonhams auctioneers in a forthcoming sale. My initial thought on reading the description was that this was a dealers label applied to a Lachenal or Wheatstone - however the catalogue photo (see link below - my efforts at copying and pasting the image were unsuccessful) does not show the run of the mill such instruments. Does anyone recognise these ends? Perhaps it is by one of the smaller makers? The serial number quoted of 215 might support this. D'Almaine do crop us as sellers of their own/badged harmoniums and a host of woodwind instruments. http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19898/lot/160/?page_anchor=MR1_module_instance_reference%3D1%26MR1_lot_number%3D160%26MR1_list_grid_result%3Dlist Catalogue description is as follows: [Lot] 160Y Ceramics, Glass, Pictures and Works of Art An English forty eight button concertina With hexagonal, fretted mahogany endplates, ivory buttons, with the accidentals stained black and the C's stained red, with four-fold leather bellows with decorative papers, with label 'D'Almaine & Co, Manufacturers, 20, Soho Square, London', and with serial number 215 to the opposing end, 16cms diameter, in a lined, hexagonal mahogany case, together with auction catalogue where concertina was purchased in 1978 (2). Estimate: £200 - 300 US$ 310 - 470 €260 - 380

The Conservative CLub hosts both sing arounds and session, some programmed, others spontaneous. Also sells a range of excellent real ales and has a nice garden. One of my favourite festivals - very friendly and an excellent range of artists and events/happenings.

As I curse my way through putting a new presentation together using the most recent release later today (why do they move or hide the useful bits each time they 'upgrade??!!) - I will at least do so knowing that the original inventor had this most redeeming of interests!

My thanks also to Theo for the steer towards Storm cases. For custom cases (any shape!) Calton are worth considering http://www.caltoncases.co.uk/index.html, I have a custom one to protect a much loved guitar. Not cheap, but incredibly strong and hard wearing. I had been thinking about commissioning one for my EC.

I would agree with Andy that a good basic Lachenal EC might be a good place to start - it will hold its value and if it falls out of favour for a few years it is likely to remain fully playable if properly stored (not so sure same can be said of Stagis and similar). I would also think contacting the likes of Chris Algar Barleycorn concertinas) or Theo (of this forum) might bear fruit in matching your specification to things they might have in stock or be aware of through their networks - that way you'll be getting a fully playable instrument with some sort of warranty - as a child I was completely put off playing the violin by being given a poorly set up instrument to learn on.

I think Spindizzy has hit on an important consideration here - the strength of the springs. I have an early Lachenal Excelsior EC with flat topped metal buttons which is a pleasure to play - and whilst my Edeophone Maccan has rounded top buttons and is perhaps a little more comfortable - it doesn't seem to make that much difference to me. That said the Excelsior EC has had 100+ plus years of fairly continual play that has certainly taken any sharp edges and worn in the springs to a 'comfortable' but still effective strength!

Suzy Bogguss has recently recorded 'The American Songbook' which comes with an excellent song book with all the dots plus chords etc. Very concertina friendly. Lovely recordings too (at least to my ear!). This was a project triggered by her frustration and fear that a whole generation were growing up unaware of this great music. Content includes:Shady Grove Shenandoah Red River Valley Froggy Went A-Courtin' Wayfaring Stranger Banks Of The Ohio Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier Ol' Dan Tucker Rock Island Line Sweet Betsy From Pike Swing Low Sweet Chariot Careless Love All The Pretty Little Horses