richard

Hi That is Rick Epping. I believe is from the US, and plays Irish music. What a talent!!!!

I'm not sure but Aogán Lynch might be available for online lessons, which would be a way to gain his insight into ornamentation.

Hi Rather than nothing I would acquire an inexpensive 20 button concertina. I have had a number of Scholer type, German instruments and they can be a fun and inexpensive way to start, or just have a cool cheap concertina. Here is one listed for less than $100.: https://www.ylosdn.com/vintage-scholer-concertina-accordion-20-button-vintage-squeeze-box No need to give up. Richard

Hi If you can afford a Lachenal rather than a hybrid with accordion reeds I recommend the Lachenal. The hybrids are good for beginners because usually the action and response are good and won't hold you back. But the tone does not have the richness of a concertina reeded instrument. I just think there is something special about a lovely old instrument (if it is a good one). It's the aesthetics of old craftsmanship, richness of sound and having the real thing, not to mention resale will be easier. This instrument that is listed in the for sale section seems like good choice. I have no relation or benefit in recommending this, I just think it looks lovely and if David restored it and recommends it, you can take that to the bank. This lachenal might not be as quick or agile as a new hybrid, and be more challenging to play at first(or not) but I believe some advice I received when I was fretting over what concertina to acquire: "Just find a good instrument and learn how to play IT". Richard

Here is the note layout for the semi-miniature Lachenal C/G: Lachenal 26 layout.pdf

Hi As far as I understand it Paddy is raising money to create the album and that it is not released or finished yet. I could be wrong. I took a number of lessons from Paddy when he was living in San Francisco a number of years ago. He is a wonderful player and a very good teacher too. I encountered his video announcing his CD project and did not waste a moment signing up and on to get my copy when it is ready. Richard

THIS CONCERTINA IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. Thanks for your interest.

The link to your shop does not work.

Just as I thought...The Rosetta Stone! Richard

Hi I suppose this topic could get tiresome, but I am intrigued by it. My newly acquired Lachenal Baritone Anglo is numbered by stamps on both reed pans as 92189. I discovered when working on it further that there is a hand written ink note stating: "No. 92189 Manufactured by Lachenal & Co June 1884" see photos The ink seems to bleed so it isn't modern ball point pen ink. That doesn't mean in anyway that this is a factual statement. I think the designation of "Lachenal & Co." could imply a much older date (contemporary with the manufacturing) for the note. Is there any clue in the style of writing? Why would someone falsely put such a specific reference stating the month along with the year? Or....who cares?? Thanks, Richard

Hi Wow. Thanks for all the information. Further: What distinguished Lachenal's best reeds, and which models got those? Richard

Thanks for that information. I have seen that price list. Does there exist an illustrated list of each model? I'm interested in seeing the "Newly Improved", "Special Model", and the New Model Anglo" and compare them. Are there any articles that describe the technical differences in the materials used and the type of skilled labor that was designated for each model. How quantifiable was the quality difference between Anglo models? I sure would love to try an Edeophone Anglo, or even just hear one.

Hello I understand that Lachenal made a range of different Anglo models, from the basic to the top quality models, that were offered in their catalogs. Can someone elucidate the different models specifically. I believe the best Anglos had the inset metal ends for example. (correct ???) I believe also that the most basic were the mahogany ended with the simple cut out pattern. (correct ???) I have tried to find a catalog online and cannot find one with all the models listed. So can someone please spell out these different models and their attributes for me. And if someone has a link to an old catalog with these models listed that would be of interest too. Thanks, Richard

Hi Dave The instrument was presented to me as a Lachenal with an old bogus Jeffries mark. I think the price was appropriate. Richard