SteveS

I looking to source some screws for attaching the wooden button hole board to the metal end (Wheatstone). I'm after 6 of these. Does anyone have a scrap concertina handy for donating some screws? Willing to pay for them, and postage to Italy.

A Lachenal New Model 48-key Treble English concertina, with steel reeds. Reconditioned with new pads, new valves, and tuned to concertina pitch (A=440Hz). This is a good example of a metal-ended New Model treble, plays well with a bright tone. The metal plating shows some sign of patina and finger wear acquired during the years, but this does not affect the playability of the instrument. One great feature is the provenance - having belonged to Owen McGohan, born in 1877 - and presumably had acquired new as a young man - around 1895 or so. This concertina would make an ideal upgrade from a tutor model - and will hold its own in a session. Includes the original case. €1950 Located in Alessandria province, Piemonte, Italy.

Thanks - I have wad punches for the pads in a variety of different sizes. My guess is for valves I'll have to have custom shapes made.

Given the difficulties in obtaining spare parts from the UK - essentially due to Brexit - I'm thinking to reconsider tooling up to make my own parts. I've got a lot of tools already, but what I'm missing are valve punches. Any recommendations for someone who can make me a set of punches for valves? Thanks

Thanks all for the replies. Another alternative is sandylaneman in Co.Kerry, Ireland. Does anyone have any contact details for him? He advertises on eBay, but I'd rather not use that site for comms.

Thanks Theo

I had a chat with CA Cornish - damned Brexit might make the prospect of sending to Italy prohibitively expensive and a load of paperwork is needed. Even they can't source some leathers for concertinas because of import requirements as a result of Brexit. There are no Brexit benefits.

Thanks Dave - sounds like just what I'm looking for. I'll send you a PM. One of the concertinas I have on my bench is a rather nice Wheatstone baritone with awesome non-ferrous reeds - it sounds like a harmonium.

I recall some time ago seeing sheets of gold stars printed onto white paper suitable for cut-it-yourself bellows papers. I don't recall where I saw them - may have been eBay or Concertina Spares. Does anyone have any intel on where I may be able to source such? I had loads of parts in stock, but now things are running low. I'm tooling up to make my own, but I've a 'tina I need to repair and I'm after valves, pads and bushing felt. Previously I'd sourced some parts from Concertina Spares, but now I'll have a chat with CA Cornish about the leather parts - including hides for bellows. I'm still after the bushing felt though. I'd appreciate tips re. suppliers for parts, and especially the bushing felt. Thanks

I have a brass-reeded Aeola TT which I use for song accompaniment. I used to use it for playing Nordic dance music but TBH the reeds quickly went out of tune. Now it awaits being retuned to 1/4 comma meantone.

I see that a 56-key ebony-ended Aeola TT (S/N 32619) sold yesterday at auction for a hammer price of £320. Someone got an amazing bargain. Although I was registered for the auction, I was unable to participate - so I missed out possibly.

Peaking in through the fretwork, I think I discern a Lachenal-style action. Another diagnostic - does the handrail have a reed symbol stamped onto it?

I always describe my concertina as a 'small accordion' - never using the word 'concertina' unless on the rare occasion the security person recognises it.

Take a photo with a newspaper, date/headlines clearly visible, in a clearly identifiable location.

Alex - I like the action arm origami 😂