Mike Acott

I never use a liquid to clean reeds, light deposits can be scraped using a small watchmakers screwdriver(size appropriate for the reed in question.) As far as I know Steve Dickinson doesn't use any substances on reed cleaning. To remove light rust on steel reeds I use a number 2 cut triangular saw file, and have had no reason to change for the last40 years plus. Mike Acott

Psst,A couple of photos on page 11 What our concertinas look like. Happy New Year Mike

Here are some of the loveliest concertinas I have, all regularly played and in fine voice. If you're interested in knowing anything about any of them, please do feel free to get in touch. Seasons greetings to you all, Mike.

😊Just received from Steve, my Jeffries, this is a superb concetina and is for sale .If any one wishes to receive photos or visit and play the instrument they are welcome to contact me on 01728 768128, or by mail at mikeacottconcertinas@ hotmail.co.uk REgards. Mike

Hello Dave, I may be interested in the duet after this weekend , if it is not sold I will mail you again early next week. Regards. Mike

hello, I have a John Crabb 31 key C/G fully restored in concert pitch , Rosewood ends, bone buttons, new 7 fold best bellows. Irish accidentals. The concertina does not have a case. The date of this box is the late 1900's it is 6" across the flats and plays very well , tone is not quite as strident as a metal ended Jeffries but this box was made by the maker of a very large number of concertinas that bear the c jeffries makers stamps in the metal ends. the price is £3750. let me know your email address and i will send some photos, if you are near enough you are welcome to come and try the box. Best Regards. Mike

I have just received a metal ended 48 key treble, all sorted by tom Shakespeare and 30 key +air Crabb serial no 18168, this is receiving a thorough overhaul to check it is in top fettle. If any one is seeking a reasonably box please contact me for more information. Mike

Out of interest I have a 29000 serial tenor treble Aeola wich Steve D and I made new gold plated ends with amboyna trim, I also have a 68 key Tortoiseshell crane diet with gold buttons and fittings Mike

The most likely cause of your problem is the pads have become compressed over tome , so the right cure is to r.eplace all the pads with new ones made of the right materials.

Hello Robert, I tried to mail you a couple of days ago but it was returned undelivered. I have a very good 48 key Aeola which I am selling for a friend . The serial no is 25029 , it is fully restored , in concert pitch and has a level of volume (if needed).The lady owner prefers her Edeophone as it has a warmer tone than this box. The asking price is£3250 plus carriage. Cheers. Mike

Alex, My machine is a Chinese copy of a German one made by Fortuna . Mine was made by Wimsew I cannot locate any more info on the net. Mine came via e bay and I had to about 16 years ago and still runs very well. The machine was collected from the vendor in Shropshire. The copy is so accurate that parts are compatable with the much more expensive machine. Mike

Alex, to skive the edges of the trapeziums I use my leather skiving machine which has a circular blade and works very well (skive the full length before cutting the trapeziums. Mike

I have a 58 key Edeophone with radial mini f shaped fretwork, it has internal slides which reduces volume and alters the tone. It has a rivetted action and a Low F and F# 6 fold bellows. One of the original bowing valves is no longer fitted(on the left side) Mike acott

My 68 key Aeola crane duet serial no 31657 is a tortoiseshell with gold fittings it is three nos less than my baritone in the same materials. Mike