pengle

Serial number? No, unfortunately the concertina had been altered and had no serial number when i got it. It's a 48-key Lachenal with black and white buttons. The reeds seem to be a mix of brass and steel to my eyes, (is that possible?) but I am no expert. So how do I know it's a Lachenal you may ask. I think thsis was the conclusion of Stuart Frank, (now a curator at the New Bedford Whaling Museum) when he looked at it over 25 years ago. I don't believe there is a Lachenal name or number inside. I'll try to post photos soon. - Paul

I bought an unusual English Lachenal on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts about 30 years ago. The shop owner said she got it from an antique dealer on Long Isand, NY. Wish I had researched the origin then... It has hand carved whalebone ends with alternating whale and heart cut-outs and crude brass molding going around the edges. (Seems like it was carved and re-fitted by someone who didn't know much about instruments since the metal and bone addition seemed to make it nearly impossible to keep the seams tight.) When I bought it the 4-fold bellows were mostly rotted and I replaced these but haven't been able to get it tight enough to play. I don't have a photo to post now - but it looks much better than it sounds. Does anyone have any idea of the origin or how to research such a unique specimen? - Paul

I am interested in suggestions for small microphones (or pick-ups?) for concertinas. I play an old Lachenal Edeophone (English) and would like to be able to get good sound amplification when I play in a group. It would be great to be able to take the mikes on and off easily (velcro?). Any suggestions? I live in the Seattle-Vancouver area (Washington State). Do the small microphones require a pre-amp, and if so what do you recommend? - Paul