David Levine

Of all the hybrids the Morse is the best. Light, very responsive, good volume, clear sound. The only thing I'm not very fond of are the black plastic buttons. However, since I don't see them while I'm playing it's not very important. Given that the new ones go for about $2,800, at $1,800 the Morse is a bargain.

Dear Peter, If you don't want it, don't buy it. Welcome to the world of capitalism. Are you resentful that he got there before you? If the concertina is worth £1,760 then what' the problem? Do you resent the automobile dealer or the wine merchant?

I played this concertina yesterday. It speaks well, with good volume. I didn't check the tuning but it seemed to be perfect as I played the chords. The bellows are in good condition. There is no rust on the reeds, which means that the instrument has been kept in dry surroundings. The reeds have been filed a bit but with an instrument this old that's to be expected. The concertina does not need any work and is ready to play without any adjustment required. I liked it. It has a classic Jeffries sound-- very clear, very bright, and it responds well. If I were in need of another concertina I'd certainly consider this one. The price that I was quoted is very fair. In Ireland it would sell for well over €5,000. I met the seller once twenty years ago, and again yesterday. I have no financial interest in this concertina and I am happy to help the owner sell it. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

SOLD... I thought I’d have another go on the button accordion, having played one about 30 years ago. But I stopped playing the box to focus on playing the concertina (I also play flute and fiddle). I bought the Bouebe with high hopes but I have some shoulder issues that are making it too painful to continue. So I am moving this along. This is a practically brand new Saltarelle "Bouebe" 23 key/8 bass, Irish button accordion in B/C, with backpack style gig bag. It was purchased brand new last month, from Martin Quinn’s accordion store in Kiltgan, Co. Wicklow Ireland, and hand-carried to the US. Martin is a professional accordion player, repairman and dealer. He did a complete setup on this Bouebe, including tuning the reeds, setting the button action and changing the bass buttons to the "modern" style. It plays beautifully. I am reluctant to sell it but it’s too painful to continue to play it. It comes with new backpack style gig bag and two Saltarelle leather shoulder straps. This is an opportunity to get a fully set up, brand-new box at a reduced price. I will be happy to send more pictures. The Button Box sells these (when they can get a B/C) for $2300.00. Shipping Internationally, buyer to pay shipping and insurance fees. It looks just like this: https://www.eaglemusicshop.com/prod/but ... bouebe.htm

Right you are -- I wrongly assumed that when the seller referred to it as an Anglo that it was a C/G Anglo. I did not consider an Anglo in a different key, which it clearly is. My mistake. Sorry for any confusion.

A good friend is looking for a used Morse Anglo to give to his fiance as a birthday present. I am posting here on his behalf. He is an accomplished piper with whom I play regularly. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance -- Davy

Is this really an Anglo? I don't understand the layout if the button designations are accurate.

If the concertina has a tendency to open a bit when not compressed, what's the problem with that? I never close my bellows fully when I am playing. Really you want little resistance either direction; the point is to have the bellows move in and out freely. I am sure there are no peer review studies but surely someone must have first hand experience. I've only been playing for about 50 years (EC for ten and Anglo for 40) and haven't had any bellows problems to speak of that were caused by not compressing the bellows. Not having the bellows compressed seems to me would make the concertina better able to withstand a blow to the ends since there is more give. That's why I fancy a well made canvas bag rather than a hard case. If you drop the bag more of the shock will be absorbed by the bag than if you were carrying the concertina in a hard case that had no give to it.

If the concertina has a tendency to open a bit when not compressed, what's the problem with that? I never close my bellows fully when I am playing. If compressing it make it easier to close, wouldn't that make it harder to draw? I am sure there are no peer review studies but surely someone must have first hand experience. I've only been playing for about 50 years (EC for ten and Anglo for 40) and haven't had any bellows problems to speak of that were caused by not compressing the bellows. And not having the bellows compressed seems to me would make the concertina better able to withstand a blow to the ends since there is more give. That's why I fancy a well made canvas bag rather than a hard case. If you drop the bag more of the shock will be absorbed than if you were carrying the concertina in a hard case that had no give to it.

I usually put something like an elastic sport headband (on eBay for about a buck) around the concertina. Or I put something inside the case to keep the bellows closed. But I have always thought that it isn't really necessary to keep the bellows tightly closed. I could easily put blocks into the case to keep the bellows closed but I never thought it necessary.

I agree about the need for the case to breathe, which is one reason I am not very fond of the bulky, heavy Pelican case. Waterproof isn't the same as air tight. I have been using my fishing tackle bag (purchased at Aldi for about €8) for over twenty years now, with nary a problem. I have used it in rainy Co Clare, wet Seattle, frigid New Hampshire, and bone-dry Tucson. I can also carry my keys, wallet, cell phone, and other bits and bobs, which is very handy, especially while traveling on an airplane. And it's large enough to carry my flute, in it's hard-case, which is a huge bonus for me.

This is probably a dead topic. I am thinking of selling my bulky, heavy hard cases and using a waterproof fishing tackle bag. The soft case is more protective in a fall from a table but it won't support a car if you have a need for a jack-stand. It is, however, waterproof. Definitely not cool, which is better since it won't be as tempting to a thief. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fishing-Tackle-Bag-Shoulder-Pack-Storage-Box-Waist-Large-Lure-Carry-Travel-Bags/292563139184?hash=item441e1f3a70:m:mYa1m-PrSuA5DmAS0nJ55XA:rk:98:pf:0

Good luck!

Always a pleasure to read one of Dana's posts. Thanks. Best wishes and greetings from NH.... David

My mini Dipper is a marvel: