B Barr

Well my new/old Lachenal English arrived today. It is in great shape considering it's around 85 years old! This will be my last post in this thread as I will probably move over to the 'Repair' forum for my questions. Here is a rundown on this baby. Bellows: No leaks I could detect and the leather is pliable. Papers are nice and it doesnt appear to have had much use. Im puzzled by only 4-folds but since I assume this instrument was probably a 'student' model maybe it was for a younger player? Keys: All look very nice (none broken or loose) but the bushings must be shot as they all have too much horizontal movement in my opinion. Reeds: Only tried push and pull on each key - no internal inspection or tuning until I get it home tonite. Every reed except the Left hand F makes a sound. Some sound a bit wheezy or weak but it may be my tenderness not wanting to mash the bellows too much. Fretwork: Well the pictures pretty much tell that story. It can likely be repaired with some gentle patience. My final verdict is that there are still good instuments out there not in the hands of players, dealers or the unscrupulous antique speculator. I'm hoping to restore this instrument and try teaching myself. Wish me luck!

Thanks for the clarification Chris. It makes sense that the metal would have a different harmonic quality from wood. I guess wood shouldnt really make the sound quieter but would mellow the high notes. Obviously my assumptions are completely un-scientifically based! I'm still waiting to receive the instrument but will report to all about its condition and various other discoveries. I hope I'm not too boring as I'd guess old concertinas may be nothing new to the crowd here. It's my first!

Well I must admit your very gracious in your loss. I hope you will find another one in better condition and at the right price. I like your plans as I too was contemplating an upgrade to the end pieces. I have a friend in the model railroad business who does laser cutting. I haven't contacted him about this job, but he certainly can cut any design I need on up to 10mm thick wood. Do you access to machinery to cut your metal ends? I understand metal will increase the sound of the instrument although I only speaking from what I have read. Good Luck my friend. I consider you a real gentleman Jim.

Hello everyone. I've made my first purchase: Lachenal English Concertina off eBay I am a pretty experienced musician (Bagpiper - GHB & Scottish pipes, Guitar, Mandolin) and have always loved that breathy, harmonius tone of the concertina. Im hoping I know what Im getting into. I have purchased Dave Elliott's Maintenance Manual and have bookmarked a fair number of websites with advice info. The seller emailed me info about this particular Lachenal so I must assume (it aint arrived yet ) it won't be junk. I have no fear about taking the slow course for restoring it. I have found numerous websites with spare parts (e.g. concertina-spares.com) I'm hoping that folks here will be able to advise me and have patience with a Newbie. Hoping to be a great concertinist someday!