Tiposx

On the ICC Vintage with the concertina style reeds it was very easy to swap the c#/d# reeds around on r/h buttons 1a and 2a. I doubt that helps this thread though.

Yes make sure that the tip (of the tang) as far as it will go, then pull both parts if the strap away from the hand rest take up the slack. That doesn't need to be a harsh movement, it just needs to firmly locate the tang in the hole. You will know when it feels right. The shiny side of the leather will be further in towards the chromed steel of the buckle, possibly touching. I don't think that there is any fault in the assembly, it just needs that tug to set the tang.

I worked on a 1950’s Wheatstone Mayfair recently that had very similar fittings to yours, and very thin straps. I found that to make the assembly work I had to pull the strap tail up firmly, to locate the tang fully past its widest part,and into the hole. Then I put pressure on the strap as if putting my hand into the playing position. This pulled the fitting into a secure position.

The reeds on the Regondi, the Swan, the Wren and all such models (known as “hybrids”) are accordion reeds. That is to say pairs of reed tongues riveted to an aluminium (or brass) plate. The plates are pinned, or screwed or waxed in position onto either: -the flat face of the sound board -or onto separate wooden blocks, which are themselves glued or waxed to the sound board. David Lay is guessing that your Regondi is the first method, as in the Swan, and most of the better quality hybrid concertinas. The Wren photo shows an example of the second (inferior) method of mounting the wooden blocks. Some sweeping generalisations there on my part.

That is interesting, I haven't seen one of those. Some players find 30 buttons limiting, but it depends on the music you want to play. My treble concertina collection includes 48,36 and 18 button instruments. I haven't needed more than 36 buttons since I started playing them 7 or 8 years ago. Until last week that is! The answer to your original question is that it depends on how your bellows were designed and built. If they are good then they will loosen up. The angle you should see between the folds of decent, well used bellows when extended, would be very aporoximately 90 to 100 degrees. So on a standard sized treble with 1" folds you should be able to fit your first two fingers in between the peaks. The extension you describe isn't very much at all. Perhaps they will improve with use.

Hi pinnman What make/model is your concertina?

It seems to share some similarities with the Sherwood Reynard. The buttons, finish and specification (riveted action, Czech reeds) look similar. The fretwork is more intricate on the Regondi, the Reynard has 7 fold bellows. The prices are quite different though.

Does the photo show that one of the valve limiting wires is lying against the valve? If so then that is the problem. The wire would need to be extracted. It is likely to be corroded where it is attached to the wood. It should be replaced, but the valve will work to some degree without it

The valve might be sticking. That would be the one on the bellows side of the fondo.

Thank you!

Hi Lappy that is very attractive. I seem to be gathering concertinas that don't have boxes. How is it jointed, how is the base attached, what is the cushioning layer made of, and how did you make/paint the logo? That is if you don't mind sharing! Cheers Tiposx

That is really good info, and fits in with what I see. This tina has had a very hard life (so far) thank you Wes.

This is Les Jessop's earlier thread, he states the sizes used.

Hi Wes I have a mystery 30b anglo with brass reeds and hook action. I have posted pictures of it on the "concertina history" section. I am not convinced that it is a Lachenal despite the Lachenal trade mark on one hand rest. The serial numbers are: Reed pans 67219 Bellows frames 56966 You might be able to help please. Cheers Tiposx

I have some serial numbers. Those on the reed pans differ from those on the bellows frames, so it looks like two instruments have contributed to the mystery. I will ask Wes.