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.

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?

Here are some more pictures.

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.

Sorry, I hadn't picked up the previous post, just trying to be helpful. DDF is right offsetting the compound slide to half the thread angle will mean the tool only cuts on one face, plus if you do this, you can also put top rake on the tool to further help reduce the cutting pressure. Wishing you success. Shalom Timothy

How about the following solution? Tap out the screw plates to 6BA which is 0.110" dia X 47.85 TPI, just opening the threads up slightly. Then you can use a 6BA Die to cut your thumbscrew threads. Does involve the purchase of a tap and die, I know, but then you have them for any future jobs. Shalom Timothy

This Concertina has now been sold. Thanks to all, Geoff, Geoff, Joy & Ceemonster who gave comments and also to all those who contacted me directly.

I can afford to drop the asking price by £100 to £1,500 GB Pounds, if there is anyone out there interested. Otherwise, I will have to consider putting it on an online auction site, not really something I want to do, but needs must.

Note arrangement is standard 55 key. LH starts on the C, an octave below middle C and goes up 2 full octaves. RH starts on middle C and goes up 2 and a bit octaves to F. Details are in the Salvation Army tutor, a copy of which can be found on the internet. The Hayden is a Wakker WH1. Originally coming from the Anglo system, I have struggled trying to read music and transfer it from my brain to my fingers on the Crane/Triumph system. So now I am trying to play by ear, rather then by music and find the Hayden system much more intuitive, so that I don't have to think too hard. Still early days, but this seems the way forward for me.

Just a correction on the age of the concertina. I am reliably informed by Geoff Crabb that the instrument was made in April 1959. Apologies to all, my misreading of the serial numbers chart.

Thanks for all the interest, the Wheatstone is now sold. A donation will be sent to C net as soon as I sort the payment, postage and insurance out. The Crabb instrument listed by me, is still currently available, but there is interest being shown.

Getting on fairly well with the Hayden system, so here is another instrument for sale. Wheatstone 55 Key Crane/Triumph Duet Serial Number 32793. Made in May 1932. Sold as Model No 33, 20/4/1938. 7" A/F Hexagonal Shape. Flat Black Ebony Ends. 6 Fold Black Bellows. Steel Reeds in Brass Reed Frames. Re-Padded and Valved by Barlycorn Concertinas about 20 years ago. Weight of Concertina 3lbs/1.4Kg. An Ex-Salvation Army Instrument, with some signs of external wear to the wood work, see pictures. Never the less, a very good playing and sounding instrument from Wheatstone's top period. Price £1,800 GB Pounds (No offers please). Buyer to pay carriage and insurance costs. I Have tried to describe the instrument as honestly and accurately as I can, but will answer any further questions you may have.

Having made some progress with my Hayden Duet, it is time to put some instruments up for sale. I will do my best to describe them as accurately as possible and hopefully put up a couple of pictures. Should you be interested in purchasing, I can send you more pictures if you let me have your email address. Details of Concertina No 1: Crabb 55key Crane/Triumph System Duet. Serial Number 14075. Made in 1937/8 7.25" Hexagonal Shape. Flat Duralumin Ends. 6 Fold Black Bellows. Steel Reeds in Brass Reed Frames. Re-padded and valved by Barlycorn Concertinas 2006. Weight of Concertina 3.5lb/1.6Kg Price £1,600 GB Pounds. Buyer to pay carriage and insurance costs. Any Questions, please ask. I will make a donation to this site should the instrument sell.

Thank you to everyone who has posted. I have received much advice and assistance from the members of this community and it is greatly appreciated. I have managed to purchase a WH1 Wakker instrument and when it arrives, all I have to do is learn to play it! I may, in the near future, have a 55 key Crane Duet to sell, should things go to plan, watch this space.

Thank you Matthew most helpful, I must pay the "Music Room" Shop in Cleckheaton a visit, as they have some of the instruments you mention in stock. I much appreciate detailed posting and the time you have taken to reply.

Thanks for your advice Lukasz. I have only ever played proper concertina reeded instruments, so your comments on build quality and tone are much appreciated.

Hello fellow concertina enthusiasts. This is my first posting although I have been involved with concertinas for 40+ years! Having attempted to play most of the common systems with varying degrees of success, I am looking for a Hayden Duet instrument. I do realise that they are quite rare, but this website reaches almost everywhere, so I can be a little hopeful :-)