Peter Smith

Some similar 'home-made' concertinas were sold by the same auction house last year. If I remember rightly, they were made by someone local and all seemed to be individually designed with bellows similar to those shown. This may be one of those up for auction again. Peter

I like your arrangemnent of this lovely hymn. Peter

Thanks. I hope it has come to a good home! I value these old concertinas. Like you I play anglo and also duet (mostly Crane). I have restored a number of anglos and was looking for a more challenging restoration. I would like to experiment a bit with this MacCann by moving the reeds around a bit to give a Chidley layout (if that is fairly straightforward). Peter

Yes, I bought this through Ebay in January this year. The existing bushing is quite stiff but I would think its not original. Maybe some glue was used in with felt to strengthen where the felt meets the metal. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and advice. Peter

Thanks for pointing that out, Gary. I had not thought about the internal space available. Peter

Thanks for your comments. Yes, there are no holes for screws to hold a bushing board. The current bushes use felt round the inside of the hole then the inside end cut & glued to the end plate (see pictures below).Looks like a tedious job but maybe that’s what is needed. I cannot see any sign of a board having been glued to the metal end. Thanks. Peter

I recently acquired a metal-ended Lachenal MacCann concertina (number 816) for refurbishment. When I opened it, I was surprised there were no bushing boards (assuming that is the correct term) where the button go through the metal ends. The ends had been bushed by cutting felt and glueing it to the metal ends (see pictures). I would be grateful for some advice. Would I be best making some bushing boards? If so, what type of wood should I use and how thick should it be? My other option is to copy what’s there but I don’t think that is the best answer. Thanks, Peter

It's great to see the crane concertina site up & running again. Many thanks for your efforts. Peter

I would add my praise to Gary Coover's books. I found the "Anglo Concertina in the Harmonic Style" a revelation. I always tought it should be possible to play some good harmonies and this book showed me how. Hope you have a great time with it. Peter

It just happens that I own a 42 button Jones 'Perfect concertina' restored by Andrew Norman last year (& am thinking of selling it!). The concertina on Ebay measure 205mm across the face (flat to flat) according to the seller, whereas my Jones 42 button measures only 6.75 inches or 172mm across the flats. The fretwork is also quite different - see below. If the Ebay anglo is that large across the face, could it be a baritone or bass? Peter

It does look a bit like a Jones but somewhat different. I had a look in the concertina museum collection but couldn't find anything matching the concertina on Ebay. Looking at the fretwork pattern, it appears that a few buttons have been added to both ends, as you say. Looks like a 30 button Anglo with additions! From what I can see in the fretwork pictures, the levers in the main section of the ends are riveted action. That would suggest a better quality anglo but dreadfully abused! An interesting project for whoever wins it.

I would suggest contacting Chris Agar. He would give you the price you paid for the 48 button Crane towards a new intrument. You would probably get more for your existing Crane than selling it privately. I have a 48 button Wheastone Crane and it is really good. In my view, the extra few buttons on a 55 do not contribute a lot, though I am sure others will disagree and it depends on the type of music you are playing. If you found a 60+ button Crane, then you would get the benefit of some bass notes more than an octave below middle C. Peter

I have used one of the thin blades from a feeler gauge to push the glue into narrow gaps - a bit Heath Robinson but its worked for me. Peter

Glad it was of some help. Just a thought. I would suggest not separating the laminate totally as it could be difficult to get it back into the exact position again - especially when clamping it. The glue can cause the parts to slide. I used PVA, as its strong and gives a solid repair. For the valves & pads, I prefer to use hide glue, so its a bit more authentic. Peter

I had the same problem with a 20 button Lachenal rosewood ended concertina. The rosewood had delaminated in part on both ends & I successfully used Evostik wood adhesive to re-glue the laminate. I used some shaped & thick mdf (covered in cling film) & three G clamps to push the parts together. Without the G-clamps, you get a layer of glue & it was obvious the laminate had split. See pictures below. Hope this helps. Peter

Does your concertina have baffles? Sometimes they can resonate at certain frequencies causing a buzz. Peter

Could you add a picture of the whole of the side with 21 buttons and a picture of the open bellows? Many thanks Peter

I owned one for a few years until recently. I found the 18 button English easy and fun to play by ear. It was easier for me than a 48 button English concertina. My main concertinas are anglo and crane. I sold it as rarely play it. I would recommend the 18 button stagi though it is limited in its range.

Now sold. Peter

Still for sale. Also on Ebay (UK). Peter

I have Flutina with sticking keys - which I assume means they are rusted to the axle bar. Some keys move freely but others, when pressed, move two or three other keys. Any suggestions for solutions to this problem? If the axle bar needs removing, how is that best achieved? Thanks Peter

Could you post some pictures of your flutina? I have restored one Flutina & am preparing to restore another. I did not have to replace the bellows. Replacement valves - I would use accordion / melodeon valves. Replacement mother of pearl buttons - don't know - apart from parts from another flutina. If you send me your e-mail address, I can send you some pictures of what I did. Peter

Done

Yes, it is still available. Peter

When I first heard Moncks March, it reminded me of a hymn I sang in my youth in the UK (in Boys Brigade). The tune was called 'The Staff of Faith' and described as a 'Traditional Swiss Melody arranged by F B Westbrook'. The words of the hymn began 'My faith it is an oaken staff'. Does anyone else recognise this? A quick search did not come up with the Sydney Carter tune mentioned above - but he's most famous for Lord of the Dance (assuming its the same Sydney Carter) & adapting the tune 'Simple Gifts'.