RP3

In speaking of hex cases, Carroll Concertinas has begun delivering their concertinas in a freshly designed hex case. The workmanship is beautiful. I have one of these cases and previously had a molded hex case. Hex cases can have their drawbacks which include being difficult to keep the case in place when inserting or removing the concertina. Some can “dump” the concertina out if the latch becomes undone while carrying - that is not an issue with the Carroll case which has double latched straps to protect the case from accidental opening. In general, I would say that the small rectangular cases currently made for concertinas are best for handling and stability, but cases like the Carroll one are well cushioned inside, are beautiful supplements for your “kit”, and do an excellent job of protecting the instrument inside - possibly a better job of protection than rectangular cases. Just one man’s opinion. Ross Schlabach

A couple of things that have been under discussed in this thread: weight and button spacing. Some years ago I ordered a new Ab/Eb concertina from Suttner with 38 buttons with my thinking being similar to others here about chords and the like. I quickly discovered that the instrument was much heavier than my 30 button Jeffries and the button spacing was more cramped. I re-sold it In short order and at the same time regretted my original choice because in hind sight I probably would have been delighted with a Suttner 30 button Ab/Eb. Ross Schlabach

Years ago at one of the Noel Hill US concertina classes, 1996 IIRC, one of our classmates brought a new (to him) 26 button Jeffries Anglo concertina as originally tuned in A/E. While obviously being a bit short on notes, that was one fine sounding instrument. Why it was tuned at that pitch combination no one knows, but when it sounds that good - who cares?! Was great on airs. Ross Schlabach

On account of advancing age and creeping arthritis I have decided to start thinning my small flock of concertinas. The one I’m selling is a nice 30 bone button C Jeffries that was fully restored (pads, valves, new action boards, tuning and dark green bellows) by Greg Jowaisas. It has a nice action and the sound is a bit more mellow and less barky than some Jeffries. I have another CG Jeffries so this one is one more than I really need. I will be in Raleigh, NC for the next two weeks if you would like to try it out in person - which I highly recommend. After that I will be back in Western NC 45 miles South of Asheville. The asking price is $7,000 (includes a hard case) plus actual shipping and insurance, and payment by PayPal please. Availability limited to lower 48 states. I’ve posted some pictures. If you need more, let me know. Ross Schlabach rpsqueezer*@*gmail.com.

Hi Everett, Play it safe and only use Registered Mail from the US Post Office. Everyone who handles the package has to sign for it, so risk of loss is much, much lower than FedEx and UPS. IIRC, there is a limit on the total insurance, but IMHO it is the best way to go if a bit slower. Ross Schlabach

Paul I never suggested that you ever implied that my concertina was a Jeffries. I clearly said it was a Crabb but had the additional stampings, etc. that went along with the Crabb history from Geoffrey Crabb’s musings as recounted in the ICA article. And in case there is anybody in doubt, you only ever represented that concertina to me as the Crabb that it was!! And a wonderful Crabb indeed. Jake you hit the nail on the head. Those two accidental row buttons were the culprits - mainly the A/Bb. I also had a 28 button CG Jeffries with an awesome sounding A/Bb to compare to so I knew how they could sound! Ross Schlabach

Many years ago I was looking for a better CG Anglo and Paul Groff sold me one he had been playing for some time. It looked very much like a Jeffries (end plates, bellows stamping, bellows papers) but was in fact a Crabb with the oval cartouche left blank. But that was not all. It bore a hand engraved brass plate on the right side frame and the plate read “Rushworth & Draeper, Islington”. AND if you looked very carefully at the wooden side frames, you could see the remains of a stamping “& Co, London”. So this instrument very likely was intended for Ball Beavon & Co. but before it was delivered, the ends were redone and it was ultimately sold by Rushworth & Draeper. This is my conclusion. It was in fact an excellent playing instrument with good tone and nice action. It was let down only by a couple of lower notes that didn’t have the fullness of the rest of the instrument. That concertina helped my playing advance a good bit during my early years with the instrument. Ross Schlabach

Olivia, You are misinformed. There is at least one concertina repairman south of Tennessee and he is quite well-known. He is Bob Tedrow at Homewood Musical Instrument Co and he even has his own line of concertina models ranging from Anglo, to English, to Duet. Good man to know! Ross SCHLABACH

Everett, that rice sounds very reasonable and maybe even a bit low. If it plays beautifully and sounds good, the only thing you might want to do is open it p t check the condition of the wood and the reeds: looking for rust on reeds or brass reeds substituted for steel reeds, and make sure all wood appears sound with no cracks or loose pieces. If available, having an experienced concertina repairman doing that inspection would be best. But, the fact that it sounds and plays well is a good indication of a nice find. Ross SCHLABACH

It was very nicely played. And if that box had been on this side of the pond, I’d be wanting to bring it home. Ross Schlabach

Played hammer dulcimer at the time and bought my first Irish CD: Noel Hill. Was smitten. Couldn’t play tunes fast enough on dulcimer, didn’t like tuning every day, and the HD was too heavy to carry around much, SO….. Found an Anglo nearby and I was hooked. Still can’t play fast enough! But I have fun playing with friends. I’d like to play at home more but my Aussie commences howling as soon as I hit the first note! Ross Schlabach

TJ, If you go to the Concertina Connection website, it still lists Clover as being sold and the expected delivery time. If interested, you might want to check again. Ross SCHLABACH

Ciaran, was one of the stolen Dippers a Shantyman? If so, this could be it. Ross Schlabach

Judging from the anchor and cable bellows end stamping, I’m guessing that this is a Shantyman model. It is a shame that there are no end photos or reliable information. Then, since they won’t ship to US, it is a moot point for moi! Ross Schlabach

Also try melodeon.net. They focus on accordions. Ross Schlabach