Greg Jowaisas

Ed. Sounds like a "free reed for all" good time! Are your school concerts a full or part time (a)vocation? Back on topic: Keep me in mind if you run into another 18b Aeola! Just what i am looking for! BTW what is the layout? Regards, Greg

Jim, So I can practice, practice, practice! Until recently I was not aware that miniatures were made in other systems than english. Last summer Noel Hill used a miniature anglo in concert (Proving it is technique not size, guys!) and a recent Ebay miniature was a duet. I play some english and have been working very hard on anglo the past year. I feel I might have a fair chance wrestling with a McCaan system with 18 or less buttons. To seriously answer your question, I am not averse to the picollo sound and much of my performing is done for school assemblies. I believe including a miniature in the performance would not only delight my young audiences but cultivate some interest in concertinas. Regards, Greg

Wanted to buy: Wheatstone or Crabb Miniature I'm looking for a quality vintage miniature. I'd prefer more than 12 buttons. Any system acceptable. I'd like a good playing inststrument but... I would consider taking on a project if the price was appropriate. Thank you for your help. Greg

Hi Jerry, The Horniman Museum has a web site with Wheatstone ledgers that will describe your friend's concertina. The instrument should have a 5 digit serial # on one side for identification. The serial # or a picture would help the comments of the members of this forum. Condition of the instrument can be a significant factor in determining its value. But from your description of 8 sides and the approximate date of 1911 I'd venture that your friend has a quality instrument from one of the best production periods. I was delayed in putting up this post and I think Jim Lucas has asked or answered most of the above in the meantime. As Jim indicated there seems to be a "readjustment" of the duet market value right now. Keep us informed. Regards, Greg

Hi Shanty Man, Welcome to the wonderful world of concertinas and a great site! The advice you seek has been given many times before so while you are waiting for knowledgable replies you may want to go through the General Discussion topics. I think you'll find lots of "What should I buy?" and "Just getting started" and reading these posts will give you lots of viewpioints and opinions. The concertina.net Buyer's Guide will give you some ideas of what you can look forward to if you decide to stick with the concertina. It may help some folks respond with suggestions if they have an idea of your "concertina budget". I hope you enjoy your concertina adventure! Greg

What a gorgeous little box, Theo! How did you contain yourself from buying it right away!? I'd love to see a picture of the action mechanism. That could supply some important clues for Stephen and Paul. It would also be a treat to see the reed pans. Way to go! I'm glad it has found a good home. Regards, Greg

Dear Frank, Where is the nearest landfill to your house? Regards, Greg

Mike, For all of us that are forever working on technique to play reels up to speed, I say a hearty Amen! to your observations. It may be too late for some of us who are in love with the "Clare Co concertina sound" to rein in our pursuit of the "Irish dancing muse". But with your stated intrigue of melody with accompaniment you should pursue Alan Day's tutorial. Find one of Alan's postings and click on his name. That will take you to an information format where you can go to his home page. It is a wonderful site! I think the Levy book will take you in some directions of interest. You may find the recordings of John Kirkpatrick and John Roberts & Tony Barrand stimulating. Regards, Greg

Hi Mike, Welcome to the wonderful world of concertinas. Depending on what kind of music you'd like to play I'll recommend some of my favorite resources. If you want to concentrate on Irish music there is nothing like attending a Noel Hill camp. Great way to get a basic "system" from someone who has been playing and teaching for over 40 years. The Bramich "Irish Concertina" tutor comes with a cd and has lots of great tunes. Frank Edgely has a clear concise tutor that gives examples of ornamentation and has an accompanying cd. If you want to head in a more English/Morris tradition concertina.net's own Alan Day has a tutorial cd and sheet music for the songs. The Bertram Levy book is useful along these lines. If you find some favorite music on cd and you want help deciphering the tunes a computer download like "The Amazing Slow Downer" can slow the tunes up or down, change pitch, and give you a fighting chance at learning fast dance music. I'll add that all the books and tutorials won't help a bit unless you play and practice. A great motivation to do that is to find others that play the same kind of music that you wish to play. And if you can find a teacher or mentor who plays conccertina.... you will be miles ahead in having a guide on your way to playing a very fun and exciting instrument. Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress. Greg

Joe emailed me his intended post by mistake. With his permission I am posting it:

Hi Richard, I've been waiting for the experts to respond.... But I'll suggest that the Dave Elliott's excellent book has some basic advice on reed set and good a suggestion on using a wooden setting tool. Bob Tedrow's hmi.homewood.net has a few pics showing proper set. My limited experience tells me that setting reeds can be an artful skill. On a nice instrument it would pay to have an expert do the work. On a cheaper instrument you could *carefully* experiment. If expert advice isn't forthcoming and you feel you need to to reset some reeds I recommend you read the literature/book, visit the site and then take your time, being conservative in your adjustments and let the sound tell you if the small adjustments are eliciting the response that you want. Best of luck, Greg

Polly, Thanks for explaining how you came to your decision to "mortgage the farm". A wonderful sounding, easy to play, quality instrument that you have personally inspected is certainly "worth" what you are willing to pay for the pleasure it will bring. I'm sorry your bid was unsuccessful. I'm sure Wheatstone made some very fine instruments after they went to "bent over" action post 1933 (I have one I'm fond of ) Did you notice if the amboyna had rivetted or another action? Does anyone have a rivetted action Wheatstone made after 1933? I should add that a nicely set up Lachenal hook and lever or Wheatstone bent over can play very nicely and relatively quietly. In many cases they are suprior to a worn rivet action. I've played several New model Lachenals that were dreams to play. And on the other side of the coin all the right credentials do not necessarilly make a super instrument. Wim Wakker of the Concertina Connection reminded me to judge each instrument on its individual merits. He cited a gilt trimmed amboyna Aeola from the "Golden Era" that just did not sound good despite all his efforts. Any other similar good and bad instrument experiences to share? Regards, Greg

As one who has come recently and late to the vintage concertina arena I feel I have spent some "real" money to get a nice instrument or two this past year. But some of the current prices for certain concertinas are leaving even me scratching my head (and checking my wallet!). A 55b Wheatstone Crane made in 1942 went for $2,600. +. The amboyna hex Wheatstone circa 1938 (with a tenuous link to Stan Laurel) went for $4100.+ Ebay Item number: 3735905860 Now these were, by appearance, decently playable instruments. But I know the Crane duet had "bent over" action and I would expect the late thirties hex to have the same. Nice, servicable action but not as quiet or as smooth or as easy as Wheatstone's pre 1934 rivetted. I'm assuming the buyers did not have an opportunity to play or hear these boxes before bidding. Is there something I'm missing concerning why folks would spend that much on concertinas a number of years removed from the 1890-1930 "Golden Age"? Please "enlighten" me (not my wallet!) Regards, Greg

Martin responded saying "the reeds are made of steel and are rivetted". Greg

Martin has posted additional pictures of the mystery concertina's reed pan and mechanism. Ebay Item number: 3737113623 I have looked at the larger but less in focus picture he sent me of the reed pan. When he says the reeds are "rivetted to the mechanism" I'm not sure if he is referring to the actual reeds (whose clamps are attched to the shoes by either two screws or rivets, hard to tell) or the action arm and post which do appear rivetted. I've asked for clarification. With the additional pics, I would be very interested in observations (and conjecture) from the more experienced. Regards, Greg

Well Jim, since the Latonia harness racing track is within sight of Marydale where the camp is held, I suppose it depends on the exact route that you take from the airport that would make travel by horse practical or not! I wouldn't "bet" against it. Greg

I just received an update from Linda Mann who helps coordinate Noel Hill's concertina camps. Linda has informed me that you folks who have been dragging your feet in registering because part of your concertina quartet would be left behind no longer have an excuse. We have FOUR! openings as of right now. NHICS Midwest begins Monday, August 16 and ends Friday August 20th. Noel usually has novice, intermediate, and advanced groups. Your group meets with Noel twice a day and you practice like mad the rest of the time. In past years Noel has given an evening concert towards the end of the week. Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati Intntl Airport is 10 minutes away from camp. I'll even come pick you up (a quartet will be tight!). You can email Linda at: tmmann@snet.net Regards, Greg

Hi Theo, In case you haven't already checked here is the site of Neil Wayne's Wheatstone History: http://www.d-and-d.com/contributions/tina-history.html In scanning the article I saw some information about the reed pan labeling that may be of use to you. It is my understanding that Wheatstone used the hook and lever action until Lachenal left. My rosewood hex model #1073 has a very carefully done brass hook and lever action. Shoes are square. Reeds nickel silver. Best of luck, Greg

Martin, whom I believe is selling this concertina was nice enough to send pictures of the mystery concertina's interior. While I can hardly claim to be an expert I did notice that a number of action arms, reed shoe clamps and screws were not uniform. That is, there were often two different sizes of screws or what appears to be mostly brass action arms with perhaps an occasional galvanized or aluminum arm. The button pan sides appeared much thicker than normal and roughly finished on the inside. The fret work and buttons certainly look aluminum in these additional pictures. The action appears to be rivetted and reminescent of Crabb's. The reed pan has a pattern of rectangle chambers but not with the finess or sense of order of the Crabbs or Jeffries that i have seen. The only identifying mark is a # 1. And that might say it all. Were there any small, occassional makers of concertinas in the Galway area? I get the idea this may be a short run or one of a kind. Not possibly without considerable merit or potential I might add! I'd love to hear the opinions of those with more expertise. Regards, Greg

Hi Dan, For the present Wally is concentrating on 30button C/G anglos. I have a few pictures of mine but I do not have a photo or drawing program to reduce them to 120k for the c.net format. Suggestions welcome. I will remind Wally that folks would like to know more. If you are going to be in the Cincinnati, OH area you can email me to arrange getting together if you'd like try out the Carroll #2. Yes, I think it is a wonderful thing for concertina players to have lots of choices. That is why I want to support Wally Carroll in particular and thank the Colin and Rosalie Dippers, Juergen Suttner, Peter Hooft, Richard Evans, Hamish Bayne, Bob Tedrow, Frank Edgley, Rich Morse, Bob Herrington, A. C. Norman, Marcus Music, John Conner, Geuns-Wakker and Steve Dickinson for all the fine instruments that they are making. Apologies to anyone I overlooked. And while I'm cheering I'll add a round of applause for the wonderful repair people that keep the vintage boxes playing. Malcolm Clapp, Paul Groff and the Button Box are a few of my favorites. Regards, Greg

Andy, There is an interesting discussion about the "pin hole sound" and a couple of pictures under a Jan. 9, 2004 topic entitled, "Wheatstone No. 22002. Try the search feature. Regards, Greg

Hi Andy and all, I have been playing my Carroll 30b C/G anglo for a week and I am very impressed. Several years ago Wally Carroll decided to make a 30 button anglo. Inspired by the vintage Linota and Jeffries sound he has learned to make his own profiled steel reeds and every other part of a concertina. (Yes, he makes his own slotted end bolts.) Six months ago I heard Wally play his prototype. I was so impressed with #1 that I immediately placed an order for #2. I can honestly say that Wally has improved on what I thought was already a very nice, capable instrument and that #2 has exceeded my hopes and expectations. I live fairly close to Wally so I've had the privilage of watching the instrument be born the past four months. The result is an instrument with a radial layout. The reed shoes are dovetail fitted into the pan. The reeds are quick to respond and have, what I like to call, a very pure sound. The instrument is nearly as loud as my Linota. The action is rivetted and it is very smooth and quick. Bellows are six fold and seem just the right blend of stiffness and flexibility. One aspect of the sound that I immediately noted (no pun) was the great balance between the bass and treble/left and right sides. (We must get Alan Day to record on one of these Carrolls!) That is probably all I care to say right now. I know I have given a few hints that the Carroll will be at the NHICS Midwest camp. I wanted to pique some interest because I think this is very, very nice concertina and I think people will be interested in trying it out. Wally Carroll, the maker, is a fine player and he will be at Noel's camp too. I'll let Wally supply any additional details that he may want to give you, at his discretion. He is very busy in the workshop completing #3 which has already been sold. Please be patient. Regards, Greg

Hi Andy, I'd rather sell you #54991 but since you asked.... How about if I give you my impressions and a few facts in a new thread? I'll then call and ask Wally if he'd like to post under "Carroll concertina to debut at Noel Hill Midwest". But I'll caution that Wally has all but sworn off looking at his computer so he can spend more time in the workshop. Regards, Greg

If you've been following the Noel Hill threads elsewhere you may know that unfortunately Rhomylly and Ellen have had to cancel their reservations for Noel Hill Midwest beginning August 15. We hope to see them at the next Midwest (or in Ireland?!). In checking with Linda Mann's husband I've found that at least those two spots are open if someone would like to attend this year's camp. There may be another additional opening or two. Linda will be home this weekend. You can check with her through the NHICS site included in the concertina.net Links section on the home page. Camp is a lot of fun and a lot of hard work (if you consider spending some intense time playing your concertina "work"). Noel provides a world of inspiration; you provide the perspiration. I found last year's Midwest group supportive and friendly with some "interesting" behavior that you might expect from concertina afficionados. Lots of great instruments to see and folks who are willing to let you try theirs out. Wally Carroll's #2 will be there. I received his 30b C/G last week and it is one nice box! But why take my word for it? Grab one of the open slots and come give it a test ride yourself! Regards, Greg

I am selling my Wheatstone 30 button anglo #54991. It was purchased from The Button Box one year ago and has given me excellent, trouble free service since then. I have every reason to expect it will do the same for the next owner. (I have purchased several vintage anglos this past year and with the arrival of a wonderful 30b C/G made by Wally Carroll it is time to divest.) *Circa 1952 *Metal ends *Eight fold (South African?) replacement bellows with practically no wear *standard Wheatstone button layout *"bent over" action that is reasonably smooth and quick *A=440 and in good tune *fairly loud with a metal enders "cut". As with many of the Wheatstone anglos from this period the reed shoes are aluminum and screwed down to the reed pan rather than dovetailed. This concertina has steel reeds crimped to the shoes rather than secured with a two screw set. I had questioned Doug at The Button Box about this method and he said they had sold a number of this type and experienced no problems with the crimped reeds. This has also been my experience. Price: $2300. USD + shipping Pictures of the concertina including reed pan, action and a few minute dings available.