saguaro_squeezer

Thanks, Stephen! Got ahead of myself, there!

Hi Granddaughter3, That's quite a collection. The first three are Maccann layout, one of the two primary Duet systems. The 4th is likely a Chemnitzer; was your Grandfather's name Andy? The 5th is a Hohner Single-row Melodeon. The Wheatstone #31898 is listed in Wheatstone Ledger SD02 page 086 as: "Aug 31 - 40 - Mac Octo all over fret 72 - 98" which I think means: Built: Aug, 1931 Type 40 Maccann, Octagonal, all over fretwork, 72 key. Depending on condition, probably $2000 - $3000. Does the wooden octagonal one have any name badge on the other side? The 3rd, with the green pearloid and black ends looks like a modified Chemnitzer or Bandoneon. Do you have any pictures of him playing them? Kind regards, Rod

Oh my, I would love to have that ....

I'm hoping to make it this year, Dan. Kurt is after me ...

This is slightly off topic but I'd love to find a John Crabb Crane, but I don't know if he ever built any. My earliest is 1907, which was built by Geoff's Grandfater.

i had a Conner Crane Duet and John Conner made SUPERB instruments. I'd look seriously at that one.

I've been very lucky, I guess. But I'm also lucky to have a top-notch repairman nearby that can help me with little glitches as the concertina becomes used to our desert climate. And they're always some adjustment ... except for the big Maccann that I bought from Theo and the Crabb 48 from Little John. But Una, I will jump onto the "try as many as you can" bandwagon. And you're lucky, at least you're in the UK. Over here, we almost always have to buy from a distance. Now hopefully, Trump or Boris won't cause the prices to go through the roof 😏

Lachenal made a whole range of instruments, not just student ones. But, if your budget is 2000 GBP, I don't think you'll have trouble finding a good instrument. Chris Algar, Theo Gibb, AW Norman, Nigel Sture, Steve Chambers ... I know that I'll miss a few and I apologize ... all sell good quality instruments, Actually, so do many of the private sellers on this board. Good luck and happy hunting!

Wunks, yes mine is a Bb Core.

I have a diagram but it's probably the same as Polly's. I'll send it along if you'd like, David.

I didn't see a thread to hook on to, but thought we should have a sentiment for the season, whichever you celebrate!

I really want the Wheatstone Crane. I'm just trying to figure out how to pay for it!

Joseph, you should advertise this with the US Concertina Association on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/usca.wcc/ Kind regards, Rod

Hi Lynda, Here's a link to a site that should help you. https://concertinamusic.com/key/ I'm imagining that they're in the key of C, since from my limited experience, the alternate keys are generally found in larger instruments. Give it a try and let me know what you find. Kind regards, Rod