tony

OK. But with all the apparently complicated discussion on voicing, tuning and timbre that has appeared on this site and the vast experience these people appear to have I shall be very surprised if someone doesn't have the answer to this simple question. Anyone?

I don't know, I turned the radio on part way through an interview.

I concur. I'm a Brummie'

Thanks Dave, I will take your advice. As it happens the difference in timbre on the left of the instrument is not a problem as it adds to the character of the accompaniment it's just that I find being able to alter the timbre an interesting subject and would like to know more.

Thank's Jim, but the timbre has already been altered. Could it be that an accordion tuner, with limited experience of concertinas, have got it wrong? You say "by ear" but does this mean you just hack away until it sounds ok or is there a more systematic approach? I take your point about the thickness of the reed along its length being important, but in what way? As I understand it by thinning the reed at the base you lower the pitch. So if you thin the reed along its full length, do you just alter the timbre and leave the pitch intact? If so, in which way will it alter the timbre?

In what way?

I heard today on BBC Radio 3, there are something like 200 fraudulent auctions on e-bay, in the UK alone, at any one time. It seems an 18 year old made 45,000 UK pounds selling items that did not exist. Furthermore he was taunting his victims by telling them what fools they were for sending him the money.

I have this 46 key Lachenal Maccann,which I am very pleased with. However, when I first acquired the instrument it was in old pitch and both sides were well balanced with regard to timbre. Since it has been retuned to concert pitch the upper notes on the left hand are more 'harsh' than the lower notes on the right hand, which are more 'rounded'. The sort of difference you get between brass reeds and steel reeds. All the reeds are steel and the 'baffles' are still in place. My question is: could this be a result of where the reeds have been reduced by filing or, could it be that the sound chambers are now the wrong size for the current tuning or, could there be some other underlying reason?

A Crane, I think! I am sure it's not a McCann.

Hi Wes, Did you get your tuning meter yet and if so, how are you getting on with it? I am looking to buy a tuning meter.

Thanks Jim it looks like a nice instrument but I'm not sure about buying off e-bay. I have bought one concertina through e-bay but that was from Chris Algar and I was able to visit him to see the instrument and pay cash.

Thanks Theo. I had seen that one but it is too much money considereing it has brass reeds and needs tuning. It would make it expensive, for a 46 key, after one has paid for restoration. Thanks anyway.

It's back on again then! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...3781554051&rd=1

I'll bet it's a very nice instrument but a little big for my purposes. I think I would be happy with a 46 key or even a 57 key as the 57 key goes down to middle C on the right-hand. There would be no advantage, to me, with a 55 key. Thanks for the thought

Sorry Jim I didn't fully answer you question. No the English will not go the same way. I play it EVERY day and have been doing for about three years now. Of all the instruments I have played I prefer the English concertina. What I am looking for is a small, portable instrument upon which I can play a melody with accompaniment. Once I have tried the various concertina systems I shall best know which will suit me and which will best augment my English. With regard to the Crane. I liked the system but am told the McCann was designed for speed, I did 'run out of fingers' on the right-hand. Once I have tried the McCann I am sure the choice will come down to Crane or McCann. Don't get me wrong, I play the Anglo fairly well but since I am somewhat lazy and can't be bothered to transpose the music to the home keys I prefer an instrument upon which I can play the music as it is written.

I learned on the Piano Accordion about fifty years ago, since then I have played: Chromonica Organ with two keyboards and pedals Guitar Trumpet Claranet Saxapnone Trombone Euhponium Electronic keyboard and others. I currently have in my possession one English concertina, two guitars, and one keyboard, all of which I play from time to time. I am now retired you see so I have plenty of time on my hands to enjoy myself these days. I played the brass and woodwind instruments at various times when I was in the Voluntary Band of the Royal Air Force. I served nine years with the colours. Well, you did ask, anyway what,s it to you Jim? With regard to the Hayden, nothing wrong with the system apart from the fact that the lefthand buttons were not aligned properly. The instrument was a Stagi which was big and heavy and the workmanship was awful.

Having sold my Norman in G/D I am now in the market for a McCann duet. I have tried the Hayden, Crane/Triumph, Anglo and am currently playing the English. I sight read music notation and therefore play in whatever key the music is written in. Anyone got any ideas? Thank's

Thank you all for your interest. The instrument has been sold. What about the one on e-bay, is someone having a laugh or what? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...3780981920&rd=1

My apologies, whatever possessed me to type C/G only God knows. It is tuned in G/D. I am surprised that no one else pointed it out. Thank's.

Thank you all for your comments. I am still unsure if I should sell my tina but if someone would like to make me an offer or maybe an exchange for an English I shall be happy to consider it. Once again, thank you all.

I have this C/G anglo made by A.C. Norman which I am thinking of selling but I am unsure of what sort of price to ask. It is in extreemly good condition. I bought it from Barlycorn last year but I have not been able to get to grips with playing the anglo, I play an English. Anyone have any ideas?

Exchange for a suitable 30 key c/g anglo in concert pitch. This is a fine example of a 48 key Crane Duet which was made around 1920 (Serial Number 3754). The label reads: 'Lachenal & Co. Patent Concertina Manufacturers. London'. There is no damage to wooden parts and the fretwork is undamaged. The wood is finished in Rosewood. The reeds are steel (as marked on one of the handles) and have recently been tuned to concert pitch (A=440 hertz). It has a good set of six fold black leather bellows. The leather wrist straps are printed with the words: 'THE TRIUMPH. THE SALVATION ARMY'. It has bushed metal buttons. If you are anywhere near Birmingham in England you are welcome to come and view the instrument. I am looking for a 30 key anglo with c/g tuning and in concert pitch. Any financial adjustment will be considered. It is sold.

This is a fine example of a 48 key Crane Duet which was made around 1920 (Serial Number 3754). The label reads: 'Lachenal & Co. Patent Concertina Manufacturers. London'. There is no damage to wooden parts and the fretwork is undamaged. The reeds are steel (as marked on one of the handles) and have recently been tuned to concert pitch (A=440 hertz). It has a good set of six fold black leather bellows. The leather wrist straps are printed with the words: 'THE TRIUMPH. THE SALVATION ARMY'. It is being offered for £700 (Seven hundred UK pounds). If you are anywhere near Birmingham in England you are welcome to come and view the instrument.