KerryFrank

Welcome to the family John! Our members are qualified in many fields, professional musicians, repairmen, manufacturers and retailers of concertinas and even a few concertina historians. Many have experience in selling on eBay and can steer you clear of the pitfalls there. (BEAUTIFUL instrument, BTW!) I hope your stay here will be long and very enjoyable! KerryF

WELCOME Jacqueline! To get even a rough evaluation you should include pics of the Anglo. You could also see if a Concertina.net member might be within driving distance of your location. Ask that member to come over and play the instrument and give you his/her opinion of condition, in-tune status and any minutae that might effect the value. (gold embossing on the leather or unusual features, for example) Wheatstones can be of 3 basic constructions, mahogany-ended, rosewood-ended or metal-ended. Values can depend on which construction, what kind of reeds it has, what key it's in and overall condition and tuning. There are a host of variables! "Long-distance" evaluations might not be possible.

Holy-moly Queej, Let me know if you get any takers! I bought a Stagi Hayden for much less, in near pristine condition! The only way I could tell mine wasn't brandy-new was the bellows were no longer stiff! (Actually the best of both worlds, new looking and no "muscle-building", breaking the new bellows in.) Being an old Anglo player, I found adding the Hayden to my repetiore MUCH easier than (re)learning the McCann system. I LOVE my Hayden! ~Happy-Hayden in Michigan~

Clog, The "next step up" would probably be a Lachenal. (I'm assuming you'll be wanting a good quality brand name, with quality reeds.) Unfortunately, I'm afraid you'll probably be paying 750-900GBPs for a Lachenal 30-button anglo, in good repair. (Wheatstones, Jefferies & Crabbs will cost even more!) Because of the steep cost jump, from my beginner (a 30-button Stagi) anglo to the next quality step up, I converted a 20-button Lachenal to Cmaj, with incedentals. I was able to buy a wrecked Lachenal English and cannibalized the incedentals from it and deleted all the original Gmaj reeds. Where the Gmaj row would be, I now have the Cmaj row. What was the Cmaj row is now the incidentals for Cmaj. I do some restoring of vintage concertinas, so I've torn quite a few concertinas apart. This conversion is NOT a job a novice would even CONSIDER attempting to do. It would be well worth your costs to have a professional do this work. I think I paid about $250-US for a decent 20-button anglo and another $250-$300-US for the wrecked Lachenal English. (about 5 years ago) Of course, it cost me nothing for the labor. (doing it myself) Another economical solution would be to take a lesser quality 30-button and have it rebuilt by a professional. I remember recently seeing a metal-ended, 30-button (high end) Stagi, rebuilt by the Button Box and selling on eBay. I think the winning bid was about $350-$400-US. This would be a step up in quality, while still keeping costs down. I publicly performed with this particular (altered) 20-button Lachenal for about 2 years, until I had saved up and located a 30-button Wheatstone. (It ran about $1250-US, which was a DEAL for a decent Wheatstone!) It remains in my collection and still gets played nearly as many hours as my Wheatstone does! Hopefully, I've given you a couple of leads as to how to step up in quality, without spending a lot of money. I'm sure many other members here could give you even more suggestions. I wish you my best and keep squeezin', Brother!

Fidjit, The idea sounds intriguing, but I really can't see any details in the T-shirts. (Magnfying the pic didn't help.) Could you post a couple of high resolution pics of the Ts? (I'm a Lachenal & Wheatstone player/collector of some years and would love a T!) Well here's the picture text is as above. It can been seen in use on this video too. There are other t-shirts around on this site. It can been seen in use on this video too. Thanx Fidjit!

Fidjit, The idea sounds intriguing, but I really can't see any details in the T-shirts. (Magnfying the pic didn't help.) Could you post a couple of high resolution pics of the Ts? (I'm a Lachenal & Wheatstone player/collector of some years and would love a T!)

Doodle, Although the site isn't completely comprehensive, (there are some missing years) many times you can find history about Wheatstones on the concertina.com site. It is an excellant resource for info (especially) on Wheatstone concertinas. They also have a quick look-up of the Horniman Museum's Wheatstone factory ledgers. The ledgers reveal when the instrument, with whichever serial number you're trying to find info on, was bought, loaned or leased. I've found sometimes, though, there will be no response in the quick reference, but I can find a specific serial number by manually searching through the ledgers. I would point out though, the factory ledgers only reveal when the instrument left the factory, rather than the date of manufacture. Unfortunately, not all the Wheatstone factory records survived. They basically cover from the 1840s thru the 1890s and the 1910s thru the 1970s, with some missing serial numbers in addition to the chronological gap. But I still find this site is a cornicopia of information on the subject of Wheatstone history! Good luck and good hunting! KerryF

What was the geographical location that the melodian disappeared from? Did the owner happen to have the serial number recorded? We all hope this incident can be suitably resolved and the instrument restored to it's rightful owner. KerryF

Dave, Last year I sold an English concertina to a lady "down-under". (I'm in the States) To my knowlege, there were no duties, nor tarriffs, involved. It was in near-new condition, but could legitimately be called a "used instrument". The shipping charge, (insured) thru DHL, was rather hefty though! (about $115US, if I recall) But the instrument arrived in pristine condition and within a reasonable timeframe. (I've shipped internationally, via DHL, often and recommend their services.) My friend was delighted with the transaction and the instrument. Hopefully she'll pick up on this subject and be able to give you more specific details. My best Brother, KerryF

Actually Shea, this is EXACTLY the sort of forum to contact about an instrument theft! We consider ourselves much like a big family, drawn together by a mutual interest in music. Thieves of musical intruments are the antithesis of our love of music. We are international in our membership and all would be happy to help anyone recover their rightful property. Many of us use the internet auction sites and would make it a point to notify those sites of any "hot" instruments. Some of us are also music professionals or owners of music stores. NONE of us wants to get involved with servicing or re-selling illegally gained property. I think I can speak for all of us that we're happy to spread the news of a stolen instrument and hope you'll regain it soon, safe & sound. Cordially, KerryF

Jeremy, No doubt this is an interesting instrument, but I see some "red flags". Firstly, the likelihood this is actually one of Marie Lachenal's personal instruments is slight. Secondly, the seller refers to the buttons as "steel buttons"*. And lastly, the seller says he will NOT accept a return of this instrument. This instrument has many features of a premium English Lachenal instrument. (extensive leather tooling & silver inlays and *SILVER BUTTONS) But the wood grain appearance is not "right". The premium models would have been of Rosewood or Amboina wood construction. The seller admits the bellows are in poor shape. (4 folds have leaks, or 4 leaks total; the description is sort of unclear to me) I'm more of the mind that this MIGHT be a "Marie Lachenal MODEL" English, rather than one of her personal instruments. A premium model English, very similar to the lady's performance instrument. It's altogether possible the Lachenal company might issue a model in honor of it's CEO's performing daughter. Concertina.com has several articles on Marie Lachenal and performers of that era, with pictures. I also seem to remember a site that can give rough estimates on Lachenal concertina ages, using the serial number. (I'm sorry, but I can't seem to locate the site address.) You could research this instrument, but I wouldn't assume this is a historically valuable instrument, nor base my bids on such an assumption. If at all possible, either examine the instrument personally, or have it examined by an expert, before bidding or buying it. I'm convinced it will need (at least) moderate repairs, before it would be playable. I wish you the very best in your research and bids for this interesting instrument! Cordially, KerryF

Heather, As Ben pointed out, an evaluation by a professional, such as Mr Wakker, would be best. If that wouldn't be possible, you could do a bit of research on it yourself, concertina.com is a good site for info on Wheatstone concertinas. It's linked to the Horniman Museum, in London, England, which has most (if not all) the surviving Wheatstone factory records. There is a section where you can determine the exact date the instrument first left the factory and sometimes even the person's name! (Wheatstone leased, rented and sold instruments from their factory) Unfortunately, there is a gap in the factory records, so you or may not find your instrument's specific serial number. As a seller, (and back me up on this Ben) you'll want to have good pics of the major features of your instrument; are both the ends complete and in good shape?, did you include a close-up of the trademark Wheatstone label?, what shape are the bellows in? (visually), did you include a close-up of the serial number?, does the case included have the Wheatstone label?, (this might indicate the instrument is in it's original case) what condition (visually) is the case in? In your ad text you might mention what it's overall condition is; do all the buttons (reeds) work, on the draw and push of the bellows?; can you detect any air leaks in the bellows?, are there any defects in the case that were not evident in the pics? and any other details the pics may not have illustrated. If there is a concertina player nearby, (or if you play) add an evaluation of the instrument. Is it loud or quiet, does it have a sweet sound or a "forceful voice", does it play with ease or does it feel stiff. And expect serious buyers to have questions. I wish you the very best in the sale of this wonderful instrument! Cordially, KerryF

My friends, While one must start out with zero sales and zero feedback, one must also be very cautious when dealing with an unknown seller. As was wisely pointed out, ALWAYS read a seller's feedback. It's really the only "window" one can use to judge what kind of "dealer" you're buying from. I might also hazard to point out that once one posts a payment to another country, rarely can one get it back, if it's a scam. Jurisdictional problems abound!

Could it be that the pads are glued and they have come loose? I apologize for my lack of knowledge of the insides but I'm not that handy with tools. If necessary, I can get someone to take a look at it for verification. River Daughter, Depending on the composition of the glue, (if it was water-soluable) that could be the problem. If the pad no longer lifts, then no air can get to the reed. Hence, no sound. Your description kind of threw me off, though. Have you checked with Bob Tedrow's shop, to see if they would look at it? They're very good about "standing behind their work" and might repair it for you. One can only ask..... TYVM for the compliment on my concertina collection! The one thing I lack is a QUALITY 30 or 40-button Anglo! And that's the free reed I play the most! I've even rebuilt a 20-button Lachenal to include incedentals, for lack of a proper 30-button instrument. But, it too has it's shortcomings. Cordially, KerryF

River Daughter, Could you be more specific about your comment:"A few keys on upper row, left hand need re-gluing....."? Normally, Lachenal buttons have a hole in the bottom, through which the linkage (that lifts the pads) connects to the buttons. Have you given up playing, bought another instrument or switching concertina types? (English, Duet or Chemnitzer style) If the latter, would you be interested in a trade for a Lachenal English (standard 48-button treble) or Duet? (39 or 46-button Duets, both with McCann fingering) I also have a Hayden Duet and a Silberhorn Chemnitzer, but I'm holding onto those. Cordially, KerryF

Paul, Good to see we're both members here. I contacted you thru eBay about this Wheatstone. I'm the guy with the PayPal problems. Cordially, KerryF

Frank, English or Anglo Baritone? And what is your asking price? Cordially, KerryF

Christine, Have you looked on the web-site concertina.com? It has a lot of articles on the history of concertinas. I've heard of 40-button concertinas before, but I'd have no idea of what it might be worth. Good luck in your search! KerryF

There's a LACHENAL, in the key of C#/G# on eBay right now. (item #200337369169) The person just re-listed it, (he found the only way to post a buy it now listing, on an existing item, was to re-list it) so it has 7 days on the auction. Starting bid is $700US and the BIN is $1200. It's in Ireland and the seller claims this 30-button, rosewood-ended, steel reeded, Anglo is in good playing shape. This price (even the BIN) is well below what a Wakker or Suttner would run you, so it might be worth a look. Cordially, KerryF Judging by the seller's name, I think he'd be buying from himself! LMBO!!! Boy, do I have egg on MY face! I was concentrating more on details that our friend could use to check this offer out. The seller's name went completely past me. OOPSIE!!! Oh well, pobody's nerfect!

There's a LACHENAL, in the key of C#/G# on eBay right now. (item #200337369169) The person just re-listed it, (he found the only way to post a buy it now listing, on an existing item, was to re-list it) so it has 7 days on the auction. Starting bid is $700US and the BIN is $1200. It's in Ireland and the seller claims this 30-button, rosewood-ended, steel reeded, Anglo is in good playing shape. This price (even the BIN) is well below what a Wakker or Suttner would run you, so it might be worth a look. Cordially, KerryF

I too have had good results with DHL, shipping from the US to Australia and the US to Japan. I usually double-box the cased concertina and add styroform "peanuts" or bubble-wrap, as a filler, in between boxes. The outer box is extensively taped, to assure it doesn't open, no matter the abuse in transit. I have yet to have a buyer report an open box or damaged instrument! (I've also RECEIVED several double-boxed concertinas safely.) Cordially, KerryF

Wally, I think this is an instrument you'll want to keep your eye on! From the pics shown, it looks to be in very good shape. There are no breaks or missing pieces in either of the ends, only some minor wear in the finish. Both leather thumb straps look to be in good condition. It's a rosewood ended model with non-standard finger rests. (all my English Lachenals have brass rests, (gold-colored) this one has silver-colored rests) The pic of the 5-fold bellows shows only a bit of discoloration, otherwise they appear in very good shape also. The case looks to be in VERY good shape, with the leather handle intact and even a KEY! (both rarities!) The ID button, (Douglas & Co, with address) on the case, is probably the retailer's customization. The slot, for the thumb strap's brass screws, indicates the case was specifically made for an English concertina. (The slot for an anglo or duet would be right at a corner of the case.) Depending on how high the bidding goes, this might be a real deal. Admittedly, the best way to evaluate a concertina is to handle and play it. Nothing beats a hands-on evaluation. By appearances, though, this looks to be a well kept instrument. It would surprise me if this instrument would need to have any substansive work done on it. Maybe a tuning, if anything. About a year ago, I bought a very similar Lachenal for about 450GBP. But I think this one might be in a bit better condition than that one and I would bid accordingly. (Not to worry, Wally, I have enough Englishes that I won't bid on this one! LOL) The best of luck Wally, this one is a real beauty! If at all possible, inspect this instument personally. I hope you can buy her for a reasonable price and she brings years of musical joy to your home. Cordially, KerryF

Fergus, I have to agree. In Nov. 2008 I bought a 48-button,Wheatstone, treble, English, from Surrey, England for about $735US. (I'm not sure what the conversion rate is now, but was about $1.21US to 1.00Euro then.) This Wheatstone looks in SLIGHTLY better shape, but certainly not worth 4x the price. KerryF