arti

As well as the better known Stradella Left Hand, accordions may come with Freebass or MIII keyboard which mimics the treble layout. The Russian Bayan tends to have low to high as per the piano . In the West the commonest layout is low to high = sky to floor and a mirror of the Right Hand buttons. (as with the ‘uni-directional’ approach.) I find this set-up means the most mobile fingers have the least to do. Eg: with Index finger on a root note you have just two fingers left to play/stretch with + a not very nimble ‘pinky.’ It also feels a bit odd that as the left hand moves away from the right, the pitch of the notes becomes closer.

And The first successful design for a Duet concertina was patented in 1884 by a young performer, “Professor” John Hill Maccann. see www.concertina.com/maccann-duet/

My understanding of the transition period is the same as by Rac above - no change up to Jan2021. That said, despite claims to the contrary here, many European commentators say a comprehensive agreement is not possible in the time available - an extension must be requested by July 2020 and our Prime Minister says he won't request one. This could mean leaving with no agreement in Feb 2021. For my part, I'll expect the worse given how things have gone to date. Make no plans based on optimism or statements from this side of the Channel. nb: The Withdrawal Agreement does not include anything about the future relationship with Europe. In fact the latest Bill excludes commitments to Standards and Rights previously included.

As you are comfortable with melodeon layout, it could be worth checking the French 'Mixte' accordion for the Accidentals layout. This was around between the diatonic and the modern button (cba). Basically a GC box with a third row, they have had a mini-comeback among revivalist Musette players. I don't know if the 3rd row was standardised but there is at least one maker who still does them: http://www.accorddeleon.com/vente-conception-fabrication-accordage-accordeon/ - see first example.

pas 'hanches' mais 'anches' = reeds. Bonne chance!

Wow -- I really enjoyed that! What a breath of fresh air - and lightness of touch.

You (appear) to have a fine model from a well-respected maker. Anglo concertinas are even more sought after in Ireland. As for me, I’d hang on to it – but you have to want to learn to play I guess. A search will a throw up a number of on/off line dealers/repairers. Here: http://www.concertina.co.uk/stock-selection/ may give you more idea but remember these are almost always refurbished instruments and priced accordingly. Getting a quote for work needed from a respected repairer is almost certainly worth it whether you decide to keep or sell. Most players of a certain age will have a story of finding a good instrument at a throw away price. It would be a shame to become part of somebody else’s anecdote. Good luck with it! Arti

This: https://thesession.org/ may be useful to help you on your way?

If it is any help, I've found this a good source of EC tunes - and no doubt even better for a Crane: J.S. Bach: First Lessons In Bach - 28 Pieces (Schirmer Performance Edition) (Hal Leonard Piano Library) see here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/J-S-Bach-Lessons-Schirmer-Performance/dp/1495007316/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=bach+piano+schirmer+first+lessons&qid=1553101115&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Kan-ha-diskan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSWwHQXt0d8 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTSAHnR77hQ ??

I'm sure Sue is 'still around' but very sadly, I believe John is not. In any event, North Dorset (England) would be quite a long way to send a case for repair.

You have found a number of respected dealers generally with decades of experience finding/pricing/refurbishing and maintaining instruments. They depend on their reputation to survive in a small world. Have your family buy you the best you can afford if possible from the widest available choice.

Some factors: - At least one of the dealers you found offers a trial - delivery costs at your expense in both directions. - A 'vintage' box can always be resold - true only for some hybrids. - An Anglo is probably easier to resell if you decide it's not for you but you could likely resell a Rochelle quite easily. - Going from a Handry 18 to a cheap hybrid/vintage will almost certainly be a huge disappointment. Concertinas are expensive - like diatonics only more so. Would you be happy with a used Corona II for example? - Brass reeds are usually a bad idea. - For 'Vintage' instruments, shops may be less reliable than small dealers. - With the current £ --> euro rate you have about a 20% advantage (linguistic note: faire acheter - have my family buy me, get my family to buy me, persuade my family to buy me. 'Make them buy' suggests constraint.) And to be really unhelpful, it's arguable you get more music per £ with an English as they are less popular than Anglos at present.

Now that really made me smile!

Google: Van Gogh la Berceuse