Mike Hulme

Thanks for the info. There are no internal markings on the pans, which were cleaned when the bellows were replaced. It is in remarkably good condition for a 140 year old instrument. Mike

Any idea when this Lachenal 30 key anglo was made please? Serial No: 50477 Rosewood ends, steel reeds, bone buttons. Thanks, Mike

Mathhag, If you are worried about the effects of heat on your instruments then turn your central heating down to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and put a bowl of water under your radiators. I keep a stock of stringed instruments awaiting repair/restoration out of their cases under these conditions and have never had problems. (Michael Darnton may want to comment on this?) Cheers, Mike

I've released bound in woodscrews by holding a soldering iron to the screw for a few seconds. It also helps to tighten the screw sharply before trying to unscrew it.

Hi Adrian, Chestnut, or no, its one of the pieces I played as a beginning guitarist 50 years ago, Lovely playing! When will the text be published, or are you waiting to record all the pieces therein before publication? Cheers, Mike

I could use a set of these and the taps. Please check your PMs Cheers, Mike

Thanks! I'd forgotten about the search function. On looking at the photos in the other threads my buttons are not too bad at all, but I will clean them anyway. Mike

I've just acquired a Dawkins badged 26 key Anglo with bone buttons which are heavily discoloured. What is the recommended method of cleaning them? Thanks, Mike

OCD, Not sure about the action yet - I haven't opened it to see but, whichever type it is, it works well. Theo, it only looks heavy, the aluminium frames must help quite a lot in that respect. The only difficulty is that it is somewhat awkward to play and reach the higher notes on both sides. A decent set of straps will help here, I am sure. Mike

This just arrived from South Africa; an 80 key Wheatstone Maccann Duet. Virtually unmarked condition, and good to go straight out of the case. It has the Chidley keyboard layout which needs a little getting used to, but sounds really good. The interior looks brand new, and the reeds are in perfect condition. It is in tune at modern concert pitch, and the action is fast and responsive, The lower end notes on the left hand end are very, very rich and the highr right hand notes are clear and sonorous. Aluminium reed frames with steel reeds. I am very pleased with this. Mike

Here you go: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jeffries-46-Key-Anglo-Concertina-in-C-G/253593581516?hash=item3b0b5af7cc:g:2D4AAOSwIM9a5u67 Mike

Sadly, Rose only has the 56 key Maccann left or sale. I'm buying other two! Ben, thanks for the info, I can't wait to get them. PM on its way. Mike

Just for interest, there is a stagi Hayden on ebay.uk at the moment. Not me by the way. Mike

Thanks for the advice gentlemen. It's only a "student" model, with brass reeds sharp of concert pitch, but plays nicely. Interestingly it still has both its' cloth baffles, with the serial number stamped on in ink and an undamaged label. Mike

Could someone date my Lachenal EC from its' serial number please? It is 52593. According to the formulae I found on here that would make it 1918, but given that that would be at the end of WW1 would that make sense with the country on a war footing? Thanks, Mike

Tony, Chris Algar told me about this company, https://www.larkinsurance.co.uk/ who will cover instruments in transit, and cover them properly. I send instruments all over the world, and they need full cover. Cheers, Mike

Is there anyone in the Liverpool area able to give lessons on the Anglo? if so, please get in touch. Thanks, Mike

Taking all things into consideration I decided to let someone more experienced do the necessary work, and Mark Adey will be sending my instrument back on Monday, retuned to concert pitch with new pads and valves. Then it will be a case of learning to play the thing. Are there any Anglo players around Liverpool (UK) able to put this through its' paces? Cheers, Mike

Thanks Ted, They have suitable blanks, so I'll get a few and experiment! Cheers, Mike

This place should be able to sort you out. Leather4Craft Limited Unit 1, Norton Road, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 0BZ www.leather4craft.co.uk And they do have 0.5mm leather in stock. We use it for Musette bellows Cheers, Mike

Thanks Howard. On a cursory examination it would appear to be a similar style; hollow shaft, etc. I'll make a mock up out of brass tube before drilling out a final version from brass rod. Cheers, Mike

Hi All, Does anyone have photos of the original key that came with a Wheatstone case? Mine is missing, along with the closing buckle, and I would like to make a replacement buckle and source a suitable key. Many thanks, Mike

Thank you for clarifying that Alex. Cheers, Mike

Thanks for the info David. This concertina has been in the hands of one family since new and has never been played around with. It is currently playing sharp of concert pitch, which Geoff Wooff says is a good sign of not being tampered with. I am a complete novice on this instrument but realise that my best chance of learning to play involves as good an instrument as I can get. Having opened it up I can see it needs some new valves which have curled, three on the small reeds are missing (if they were ever fitted) and there is some spotting and crud deposits on the steel reeds. I will be asking for advice on the making and repairing forum shortly! Cheers, Mike

Hello! I have just acquired a Wheatstone 32 key Linota Anglo instrument dating from 1920. From the Wheatstone Ledgers (SD01, 1919 - 1920, p. 140) I have found that 43 is written just before the Serial Number (28487). Both ends have this written internally, adjacent to the stamped matching Serial Numbers. I have attached a photo. I assume that the 43 is a production number, but having read about model numbers on the forum here I would like to determine how this instrument is designated. After searching through the ledgers am I correct in thinking that the 32 key model first appeared in 1919? - I cannot find any earlier references to a 32 key being sold. It needs some work; valves, grommets and attention to reeds, etc. but I think it will be nice once fettled. Any insights would be appreciated. Thanks, Mike [Moderator note: Mike posted a duplicate thread with the image, which I have merged in here - sorry they are out of order! - Ken]