Fraxinus

If I wanted a more traditional, true concertina sound, would dix not be a good option, then?

There seems to be some mixed dix reed reviews. They have the concertina reeds, which are brass and look like they are riveted rather than screwed-- those are the ones listed for 199E. Then there are the traditional ones with the tongue held in with what looks like a double-screwed clamp. There's about a 50E price difference between the two. Are the traditional ones nicer/better/sound-more-like-a-concertina?

Yep! I emailed them this morning and got... well. A blank email with a price list attached, lol. Model Concertina-30 button.pdf

Hmm. Just got an email back from HARMONIKAS regarding a full set of concertina reeds for a 30button c/d anglo. They're quoting 199.20E (+shipping I am assuming). That rounds out to about 211.09 in US dollars, which doesn't sound too bad when compared to the somewhat daunting idea of making them myself. Unless ordering reed shoes in bulk from a custom cutter is significantly cheaper, that might be the way to go. I am going to have to do some more research on Dix, but that sounds pretty good.

I would be absolutely open to making my own reeds, and would love to learn how to do it so that I could really say the instrument was 100% mine, but, basically, the only concertina-type-instrument I have ready access to is my rochelle, which I am reluctant to take apart, since I am also learning to play on it, lol. I'm also not really in a position to buy wreckers to take them apart, either. I don't really know what the measurements for real concertina reed shoes would be, so I am not really sure what I would need to order from the cutter. So far, I haven't been successful in finding exact measurements or diagrams/files for reeds on the internet, and it seems like each maker has their own preferances/shapes. Thanks to Jeff, I sort of know what the process is, but it's getting my first one made successfully when I am not sure how/where to start is the problem. I do have both a belt sander, and a bench grinder! And a microscope!

They definitely don't have those at our local Ikea. XD

Hi! I am just now getting back to planning this concertina build. You all have given me a lot of good information! I was also fortunate enough to be able to visit Thomas Concertinas over in Cumberland, MD a couple of months ago, and got to see his shop set up, as well as learn a little about what went into building one of these instruments. It was my first time really being able to see/hold a good instrument, and, man, what a difference from the rochelle! I am a smaller person with small hands (5'2" with little raccoon paws), and have found myself struggling a little with the sheer size of the Rochelle while learning to play, especially when needing to employ my pinky for notes. I get away with it on the harps I've made, since they have the tighter, Irish-style string spacing. Jeff was super gracious in answering all of my questions, and giving me an overview on reed making. While I still think I might like to make reeds some day, that part of the process is really the one bit I don't think I feasibly have the tools to do. I don't do much metal manufacturing on my own. In theory, someone in my network of friends probably has a cnc metal milling machine, and would be able to make the parts for me in exchange for me making something for them (I hang out with a lot of makers, and a lot of bartering happens), but I wouldn't begin to even know how to design what I need. I feel like this is also probably the most critical part to get right in order to end up with a useable instrument. Since my first posting, I have joined a local maker space that offers free access to laser cutters and wood milling CNC machines, which is really exciting. Basically, you just need to bring your own materials, or purchase materials at-cost from them. They also offer free classes in learning how to use/design on those machines as well, so I think that will go a long way towards being able to build the reed pan, and other precision wood parts. I recently went spelunking in my friend's woodshop as well. He works for a mill that supplies high-end lumber for contractors, furniture, and cabinetmakers, and brings home all of the various offcuts/leftover bits that are too nice to throw away or burn. I brought home some really nice walnut, birdseye maple, and mulberry (though I might be keeping the mulberry for a small harp). So far, I've collected the wood, bartered for a very fine black kidskin suitable for gloving or bookbinding that I am planning to use for the bellows, have sourced bone that I am going to turn into buttons on my tiny lathe (though I might go for antler instead), and am saving up for a reed set/other premade hardware. I already do some medieval bookbinding, so I've basically got all the materials/tools to make the bellows on hand. Since I don't have access to a bunch of instruments, I would welcome any photos of concertina innards, or measurements y'all might have laying around so I can start drawing up some plans. I'd like to make a 30 (+air button) anglo with a wheatstone layout like the rochelle, but with more traditional sizing dimensions. If there are any American makers, too, that might be willing to sell a set of reeds to an enthusiastic first-timer, please let me know as well! Currently, I am looking at overseas reed producers, like Harmonikas, but I always like to work with other makers first before going to a company if I can. I am trying to get a general idea on how much money I am going to need to scrounge for a good set. Thanks again for everyone's help and advice!

Ideally, I would like to make an actual concertina with concertina reeds, but it would be highly dependant on cost/how complicated it would be to make my own.

Hi! I am a fairly new concertina player, and have decided that I am really enjoying learning the instrument! Currently, I am playing a Rochelle, which is fine for what I am doing now, but eventually, I would like to move up to a nicer instrument. However, I tend to have more time than money, so I am interested in maybe building one at some point. I am a skilled leatherworker, and I do a lot of small handcrafts with wood (spoon carving, greenwood carving, etc). I have built three harps (and restored/repaired a few), and I am very methodical when it comes to building things. My dad and brother are hobby luthiers that mainly work with guitars. Can anyone recommend a book, site, or video tutorials? I looked to see if there was a central thread for resources, but didn't see one. I have access to a full woodshop with almost every tool you could want

A local friend of mine grabbed it.

Hi! I am looking to sell on my hohner D20 20b anglo, as I am going to go ahead and upgrade to a Rochelle instead (mainly do Irish session). I bought it locally from someone who got it new, and then never played it. To my eyes and ears, it seems fine. All the buttons work, the bellows don't leak and according to my tuner, all the reeds are at the correct pitch. I have fooled around with it for a few weeks, but haven't played it much. Came with a soft gig bag. Asking $100, shipping to the lower 48 US included. More photos available, but I am a dead beginner, so all I can currently play is noise.

Sent you a PM as well!

Hi! I might be interested in one if you still have them! I am a harp player, mostly, but am interested in learning the concertina as a more portable instrument to take to local, low-key sessions when I don't feel like lugging the 50lb wire harp around. I've heard these are good starter instruments? I ended up with a Hohner D20 which was being sold ridiculously cheap locally, but I am looking more for Irish session stuff, which I am told is easier to find for 30 buttons.