up-fiddler

I used to use the 1095 blue tempered spring steel which worked fine for reeds but was a little softer temper than I liked. I switched to some steel from Uddeholm strip steel Co. that is used for the reed valves of compressors which is a better temper and comes either in straight 1095 or a more modern alloy that shears cleaner. ....Dana In what thicknesses do you typically order for a C/G anglo? thanks, Dave.

congrats! let us know when it arrives. My Morse in G/D came UPS today. It is wonderful. I will post again once I have a couple dozen hours on her. D

After much ebaying, forum reading, and soul searching I took the plunge and ordered a Morse anglo with rosewood ends this morning. I am a couple of $K lighter but I know that I am getting a new and ready to play instrument. For the many who have posted here and provided me with untold hours of research I extend my gratitude. I will continue to flog the Rochelle (Which I do like BTW) for the next 8 weeks until my Morse arrives. Thanks again, Dave.

.... .... +10. Very stand up of you to do and say so. (Removes hat.) Dave

PM sent. Dave

Another vote for the Rochelle. I have had one for two months now and can play a dozen tunes on it. Granted, I am in the market for a better anglo but the Rochelle is nice and will buy me all the time I need to shop around. (And still play at the same time!) Dave

Thanks Daniel. It was VERY helpful. It looks like I should be planning on buying either high end accordion reeds or concertina reeds. That's not a problem for me. I simply like to tinker with bits of scrap.

Thanks to all so far. I am in the intense study stage at the moment. I hope to begin sometime in August or so. I chose Wheatstone simply because it is the button pattern used on my Rochelle and they have a great reputation as a fine instrument. I realize it is a big project but I have done many big projects in my life. They all have had one thing in common. They were simply a lot of little projects that added up into a large effort. The important thing is to keep going and not quit. This looks like a fun challenge but I need more info before starting. As an aside, I notice the ends are often Rosewood or Ebony. I have quite a bit of curly maple that is just short of twenty years old and is beautiful stuff. There shouldn't be any reason not to use that is there? I cut and split the logs in 1992 and waxed the ends. I have seven or eight of them left and since they are over 30" in length there would be enough for my violins and still plenty left for concertinas. I also have several old accordions and a couple of Chemnitzers that I could get reeds from if you all think a credible instrument could be made from them. Thanks again, Dave.

A quick question for those of you who are readily in the know about Wheatstone Anglos. The post WW2 Anglos are much priced lower Than those of the 1930's and earlier. I have read (*Here in fact) that this is because they moved from a riveted action to a cheaper latch and hook type method. Was this the only change? My reason for asking is that I have been told (*Here in fact. ) that, barring any construction plans, the best way to build my own is to study another instrument carefully and replicate it. I would like to buy a ragged out instrument for study but don't want to spend any more than necessary. I would buy a beat up post WW2 Wheatstone Anglo for study if the only difference is the riveted action which I could get the drawing for somewhere else. Does this make sense or would I end up reproducing an inferior instrument? Thanks in advance for your replies, Dave. aka up-fiddler

I am having a similar issue with my rochelle that i got about a week ago. whenever i press down my f#/d button on the g row, the b/g button just above it comes down, as well. I opened the concertina up, to see what the matter was, but I couldn't find the problem:( I would advise dropping Wim Wakker a line. He was quite helpful on my behalf and the response was right away. Others here are likely know how to fix your specific issue though so I would not be at all surprised to find many answers in short order. Good luck, Dave. aka up-fiddler

Thanks much. I had missed the thread when searching for an answer. It is great info. Dave aka up-fiddler

I also sent a note to Wim Wakker at CC and he was VERY helpful. Cpomplete instructions were sent my way via the miracle of email. He also said that repairs are free if I was hesitant to try them myself. I was very impressed. Wim states on the Rochelle "...there are 2 small screws in the top and bottom corner, usually under the rubber gasket. You can peel the gasket off a little to expose the screws. Unscrew these two screws and turn it over again. It will sit on the reedblocks...." Hope this helps. Dave

Hi all, Has anyone else had trouble with a key sticking on a new Rochelle? The C/D key on the right hand end is sticking and sounding continuously. I bought the Rochelle two weeks ago and have played it quite a bit already. (18-22 hours I would guess.) Any suggestions? Thanks, Dave.

Oh for Goodness Snakes. Pleassssse sssstop thisssss.

Fantastic help from all concerned. You cost me two days as I followed through each link and took copious notes! I also bought Elliot's book and it was helpful. I am currently building a laundry room and rewiring the basement for the missus. After that I have a violin that I need to finish/complete. Then it will be time for a concertina. Of course, the research is the at least half the fun for me and occupies my mind in the few idle hours I permit. Thanks again. You've been great help! PS The Rochelle has been in the house for just over a week and I can play a few jigs on her. My diatonic and my Chemnitzer skills transfer pretty readily. I am enjoying her but the lowest notes are very breathy and the highest notes are quite weak. The middle octave and a couple of steps above and below it is fine though. The tone isn't nearly as rich as my diatonics but the instrument is far cheaper. You gets what you pays for. It will do in the meantime though. BTW - I am retired so projects are my new life.

Many thanks. These are great places to start. The size of the project intrigues me rather than intimidating me. I have completely rebuilt a lobster boat, carved a violin, built cabinets, and many other projects. I am retired and like to keep very busy. This looks like something that would fit well with my musical addiction and tinkering skillset. Thanks again for all your help. Dave

Hey all, I have purchased a Rochelle and am starting to play it. I have three Chemnitzers and a couple of diatonics that I play now but wanted to try an anglo. (Hence the Rochelle purchase.) I have been wandering the net off and on for the last three days and haven't been able to find any anglo construction plans so I can build my own. Is there somewhere I can buy a set or is there a set online? (Yes I tried the search function but without luck.) I have repaired stringed instruments for many years and carve various items in my woodshop. I would like to try a hand at building a concertina. Any ideas would be gretly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Dave. aka up-fiddler