Dieppe
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Posts posted by Dieppe
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Just out of curiosity I weighed my Wheatstone Baritone at the post office. It comes in at 3 lbs. 10.3 oz. Which is 1652.8 grams. It does seem heavy now and then.
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Patrick
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Okay, so I only acquired a vintage instrument - six-sided, metal-ended Wheatstone English - a few weeks ago, after many problem-free months with a cheap accordion-reeded one, but today I encountered my first maintenance task: one of the reeds wasn't sounding. Having read about how simple an operation this is to deal with, I unscrewed the left end and stuck a piece of paper under the relevant reed.
This all seemed fine. However, when I screwed the end back on - each screw required varying amounts of effort - it did not fit back entirely evenly. There is a visible gap, at least a millimetre wide, on the bottom side, between the outer and inner pieces of wood comprising the end, suggesting that the wood has warped. There are several possible reasons for this: the warping occurred in the ten minutes or so that the end was unscrewed (unlikely?); it had something to do with the pressure of how I removed or replaced the screws (used a small jeweller's screwdriver); it had already occurred before I removed the end, due to climatic or other conditions, and I just hadn't noticed.
Anyway, is this something to be concerned about? I'm not even entirely sure if the instrument sounds the same as before, or if it now sounds leakier (that could be a paranoid psychological perception). Have I inadvertently damaged the instrument, or is this a common occurrence?
Thanks, etc.
I'm not an instrument repairer, but I'll ask the obvious technical question that one could ask... Are you 100% certain you have it aligned correctly, and not turned a turn one way or the other from the bellows to the main part? Also, do you have exactly the same screws in the same holes (if the screws aren't identical).
That's all I can think of. Good luck!
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Patrick
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Hi,
My father's concertina wore out after the many years he'd had it. I have no idea what kind it was but it wound up donated to an antique store. So now he's got a bit of the bug again to play one so I'm wondering what brand or make is out there that is budget based but not a cheap toy piece of garbage. He mentioned he likes a "Mexican sound" although I'm not sure what this means with respect to makes or models. My own completely ignorant perspective tells me that one will sound much like another, but I expect that's probably not true. Any suggestions? I'd be looking to spend somewhere between $200 and $1,000 I think. Thanks very much.
Are you sure it was a concertina he had and not a button accordion? Do you have any pictures? The music you describe is not usually played on concertina I think.
oh geeze.. upon further discussion with my father, he is in fact looking for a button accordian. Although he did play the concertina as well years ago, I think he's looking for a decent 3 row button according. Not sure if this is the right forum for this. Apologies.
If you live in a place where there's a "Sam Ash Music Store", they'll often have button accordions in stock. At the very least you could both go, and he could hold one and see if it's what he remembers!
Best of luck!
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Patrick
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Hello everytone,
Ok, my concertina is officially for sale. You can find all the particulars here
I would like offer it directly to Cnet users first and avoid eBay if I can, but will list it there if everyone here has all the concertinas they need.
Minimum offer is $2200 US. Please email me directly for more information or to make an offer. I'll take offers until end of day Sunday March 8th.
I can accept money orders or paypal. Buyer to pay shipping and insurance and paypal fees if we go that route. I would prefer not to have to ship overseas, but I'm open to negotiation on the topic.
cheers
ed
That's a beautiful, if a little bit worn in places, instrument! Sounds lovely too! I like when sellers provide sound samples of the instrument!
Sadly, I'm not in the market for an instrument but this one could definitely make someone very, very happy!
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Patrick
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Hi Patrick
I'm curious as to what type of action your baritone has? Have you looked inside? If so, do you have any photos?
chris
Chris, I looked inside it when I first got it. I've since had it restored by the Concertina Connection, and just got it back last week. I'm a little hesitant to take it apart now that it's all working! So I can't really remember the kind of action---I shoulda taken pictures!
It's definitely slower to "speak" than my Treble, but boy does it sound nice!
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Patrick
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"...Is that an... accordion?" Mostly is what I get. No Morris Dancing references, living here in "The States" as I do. Some people who associate concertinas with Pirates. I don't mind as much the sailor-concertina-sea shanty connection, just I try to educate people that it's not a "pirate" instrument.
I've had little children want to touch it.. which I now try and not let them touch it. The standard, if a friend wants to hold it, "If you pull or push the bellows be sure to push a button---any button---in."
It's always fun when a person with little singing talent wants to sing, and have me play along... "And what key are you singing in?" Ya know, let me give you a starting note so we're not playing/singing at odds with each other.
But the reaction is usually positive. Of course as a large adult who can look unfriendly if pushed, I haven't gotten any negative criticism really.
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Patrick
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Well, there's my 1854 Wheatstone baritone, serial no. not to hand, as it is currently on the receiving end of some TLC from a certain Mr Dipper.
No.5199.
What a wizz your are with numbers Peter. Thank you. I must have it's serial number written down somewhere but can't place my hand on it at present. People will be asking, "How did he know that?" But we'll keep it a secret for now, eh, Peter?
Chris
I recently got a Wheatstone Baritone from 1851 restored, and I'm beginning to play it. My Wheatstone Treble is only from about 1898 or so.
I wonder if there are any PRE-1850s instrument/Wheatstones out there that are in use, personally..
Pictures, if anyone would like to see!
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Patrick
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I'd just end up playing one note in the right rythum.....
Start with that! Seriously. Listen to the tune you want to play, or play along with. If you find one note that works, then play that note in the right rhythm. Then, try the note next to it (2 full steps )... so like C and E, right? Of course you're on an anglo, so try and listen to the subtle chord changes, and go from pushing to pullling and stay on those 1-2 notes...
That's what I do on my English (well without the frantic pulling and pushing) if I'm trying to play along with someone and I've no idea what key signature the song is in. I find if I can get at least ONE note that sounds "okay", then I'll try branching out.
Of course it'll help if you know what key the song is in, and if that's the key that matches your instrument (C or G or D or whatever). Then you don't have to guess the accidentals.
Just my 2 cents of course... but it does start with one note!
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Patrick
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If someone picked it up for really cheap, and got it restored, it's possible it could make a fine instrument!
I doubt it would ever make a "fine" instrument. A basic student instrument maybe. From its general appearance it might be an early Wheatstone, probably with Lachenal type action, and brass reeds, or it might not be a Wheatstone at all. It seems a poor fit in the box, so it and the box may not belong together. 4 fold bellows and unbushed bone buttons also signify a cheap instrument.
"Fine" is relative, I suppose. If someone didn't pay much more than $200 for it, and didn't pay much more to repair it... then what have they?
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Doesn't A/F stand for "as found?" (Equivalent to "as-is" for us Yankees) I don't read it as they are claiming it is not English layout.
Ken
That would make more sense, since I was trying to figure out exactly what an Anglo would be in A/F.
Darn all those acronyms! British ones even.. sheesh...This leads into one of my jokes my wife and I have. At Ikea they have an "As is" area for broken or put together furniture. I always joke about the Middle Eastern fellow "Asis" who runs that section!
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Patrick
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Without a look at the reeds and action? And an international transaction on top of that? Maybe worth buying at a very low price as a source of parts, or to practice on while learning concertina restoration.This thing will need some work and no telling what's wrong besides the bellows.
Thoughts?
It looks like an English layout, not "A/F". If it's not a scam, don't forget that there are companies and people who do concertina repair. At the very least Concertina Connection does sell bellows, custom fit. If someone picked it up for really cheap, and got it restored, it's possible it could make a fine instrument!
Still, without knowing the serial #... if I wasn't already up to my neck in 'tina debt...
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Patrick
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Would anybody happen to have the music/midi for the song "Hymns and Arias" by Max Boyce? I can readily figure out the music for the chorus, but the verses are such that I quickly forget exactly how it goes.
Oh yeah, it's a Welsh rugby song, I believe!
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Patrick
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So thanks again for your help. More ideas?
Keeping your clothes on for this one is good advice, eh?
How about "Let's Build a Snowman!" (Look for "Cannibal: The Musical" for that one..
)Uh.. that's a turkey?
What about "No Business like Snow Business"?? or "Pining for the 'Tina"? Hm. Because of the pine branches on the snow thing? Hm. "HUG a Snowthing Today! Just put your arms around it and SQUEEZE!" Too long huh? Uh. No idea at this point... good luck!
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Patrick
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Perhaps I'm just an uptight Brit
Dang you Uptight Brits and your non-senses of humor! Or humour!
Need to send Hugh Laurie over to your place right away, but he's too busy playing an American on TV.
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Patrick
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Hi
I have the opportunity to get a Wheatstone Englich # 3403 which came to the owner in Germany 2005 from Paul Read in Canada. The owner says that she is in excellent condition and has concert pitch. But she has only 4 folds bellows. My question: was this normal in these early days and does it influence the sound and the duration?
Juergen
I've a Treble Wheatstone English with 4 folds bellows, and I don't have any problems.. so.. uh. Dunno if it was normal, but I suppose if I wanted to sustain a really, really, really long note I might have troubles?
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Yes, the Dipper restored Jeffries sold for US 12,000. It in fact was not tuned up from ab/eb. I think at the time it was probably the highest price
for an ebay sale. It's a wonderful instrument and my pride and joy here in Los Angeles. Some people wondered what would make a new player like
myself pay that kind of price. After a relapse - after 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy my family asked me what I wanted, and the Jeffries was it. When I was too sick to get out of bed, it sat at my side where I could touch it. It was a reminder that I still had something to strive for. A year later, I'm proud to say I'm still here, and will be playing the Jeffries onstage with Dr. Mick Maloney and my band the Sweet Set St. Patrick's week!
I'm in Los Angeles myself! Where will your band be playing? I hope you found something to strive for with a nice Jeffries too!!!
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I wouldn't go out and but a vintage concertina same as I wouldn't go out and buy a vintage/classic car (my brother has a classic car and nearly every week he's replacing some part that's worn out)...its just not...me.
... the history of the instrument wouldn't make me play any better.
It is a shaky analogy though, because newer cars are better because of newer technology. However, compare a new Yugo (if they still make them) with a 1960's Rolls-Royce. Maybe the quality in the Rolls would just be far superior to the new Yugo, and presumably if you got the Rolls into perfect running condition it wouldn't need tinkering with?
And, not that old Wheatstones are the like, but consider a Stradivarius, compared to a student made violin. Even some of the best made violins today can't compare to the Stradivarius, no matter how fine the craftsmanship.
On the other hand there are very well made concertinas (Wakkers, etc.) that aren't Chinese knockoffs. These could be compared to a Lamborghini, and an old Wheatstone to a 1960 Rolls-Royce.
Ah, me personally I just love holding history in my hands and knowing that when I play, someone 100 years ago played this same instrument. Though they probably didn't play the "Mario Bros" theme song, or "Star Wars"..
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Personally, I get a kick out of having an old Wheatstone. I love the mellow sound the brass reeds have, and it's just a nice instrument all around. (Though the D is a little off and bothers me.. but that's a minor thing.) And being able to say "Yes, this is really an instrument from 1898..." is nice.
I'm one of those folks in favor of old instruments being played, like they were intended, rather then propped up in a museum somewhere.
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Ever have the experience where you're playing a tune, or along with people (you know, "musicians") and such, and some well meaning person tries to hand you something?
I mean... my thumbs are in the thumb straps, or your hands are in the hand straps.. and it's not like you can easily take the pint. So have to kind of gesture with your head and give a sort of "Uh, my hands are a little tied up right now" look.
Really... can't you see my hands are busy?
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"Danny Boy" is one I've been requested.. not to play...
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Sorry to hear about your ice storm! Four days without electricity sounds very sucky indeed!
And yeah, here in Los Angeles, it's been a mite chilly, windy and rainy off and on too... no ice though.
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It certainly is! Who's the maker? Do you have contact details Chris?
I do, but she wasn't very interested when I suggested that there might be a demand for cases like this. It may be that she feels that there's more work in the case than she could charge for. Certainly the price she asked from me was, in my opinion, way too low (the only way I could get her to accept any more was to post her a bigger cheque
).Perhaps, if a number of people are interested, I'll tell her about this thread and then she can her make her own mind up.
Chris
It looks like you could strap it over your shoulder for a walk... One of my ideal cases is portability, and being able to carry it over my shoulder and leave my hands free would be ideal! But yeah I can't imagine the price for such a beautiful case!
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I too join in the chime of "Why not?" and "Go for it!"
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The problem has been sorted...it was maintenance.
Well, that's bound to happen then now and then. I have to say I do enjoy SoundLantern for its easy to use interface, and I can distribute an mp3 to family and friends with a link, or embed the player, without having to mail anything.. I like that! Anyway ... yah.
EC with some Accidentals Reversed
in Instrument Construction & Repair
Posted
The black English Concertinas from China, what the Jackie is based on, always seem to have the high F/F# and low B/Bb swapped. Why? Dunno, but I've seen quite a few people on this forum who have reported that. My first EC was one (eBay of course). and swapped, and it really frustrated me because I was learning and I just knew those notes were wrong.
And swapping them yourself can cause trouble too... as the reeds are waxed on a frame like an accordion. I suspect that Concertina Connection swaps them and fixes that problem when they get them for Jackie.
Personally I wish I could get ahold of someone in China, or wherever they are manufactured, and say "WTF!? Fix these two notes!"
Good luck though... just think, your next one will be correct, right?
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Patrick