Geoff Wooff

These Tariffs will have a similar effect to the problems following the British exit from the EU. One example of this; As an instrument maker living in France where I was buying certain metals from a supplier in the UK who obtained these goods from a German company. The added complexity and paperwork for import / export persuaded the German manufacturer to quit the trade and as a result my supplier in the UK has decided to retire.... I am now faced with having to deal directly with the German company who require a 50kg. minimum order for each size and shape. If I want to buy a Concertina from the UK I am faced with import taxes of at least 20%. I have had many customers in the USA but with the present situation I will be sending no more instruments there.

Anyone here looking for a miniature Duet ? I spotted a Wheatstone 12 button Duet , number 32153 in an obscure category of a french classified ads website. Cannot imagine one would be much of a range on such a thing... but maybe someone is interested ? https://www.leboncoin.fr/ad/collection/2707777774

I estimate this one is 7.5" across. The keyboard position, in relation to the thumbstraps, suggests a normal 56 Treble but is it large enough to be a Baritone ? Perhaps something really unusual..... like a double reeded Piccolo ?

Are those quieter reeds positioned not on the periphery but in the centre of the reed pan ? I had a similar problem with a Wakker Hayden where a few reeds were a little quieter than the rest and these were all located towards the middle of the pans. Improved by minimizing the crossection of the valves and increasing pad lift.... the notes 'breathed' a little better after that.

Totally agree Stephen. I've have some Wakker thumb straps for many years the most comfortable I ever tried in 50 years of EC playing . When they wore out, I carefully took them apart and re-made them in the same fashion. Highly recommend the Wakker's thumb straps Johanna!!

Agreed David, it quite often happens with the instruments I make. If they go to someone who hardly plays or the reeds do not like the climate, they cease to be used. They sometimes come back to me years later for refurbishment in otherwise fine condition. My Faulty Wheatstone shows little wear from heavy playing.

I found one manufacturing fault in an 1898 Wheatstone, an instrument that had certainly been carefully restored in recent years. The routing of the reed vent slot for the lower Ab ( 48k EC Treble) was lopsided and the reed tongue touched wood when anything more than being very light played . How that fault had remained un remedied for a hundred years I cannot imagine.

I sometimes think people change the valves and pads as if they are consumables, like the tyres on a car. If the valves are not curled and dry or don't respond to a gentle stroking to flaten, then why change them. It is the same with the pads, if there are no leaks and their stuffings are not eaten by moths they are good to go... unless they make annoying slaps as they close. My main concertina ( made in 1898) has what I think are the original valves and pads. If I were to change the pads I would have to make them because they'd have to be very thin , due to the lack of available height in the action box. It is these original pads , which have a somewhat harder surface ( due to age) than any modern replacements, that allow a bell like quality to the tone.

There is a 20 key Lachenal coming up at auction in UK soon. Check it out at www.the-saleroom.com

I do not use any computer or phone apps ( if that is the correct term) but seperate devices I find very useful. I bought my first electronic tuner in 1976, a very expensive and slow to use Yamaha PT4. These days electronic tuners are everywhere and some are not expensive. For this job I use a Seiko ST-747 , which cost about €20. Probably this is an old model but I'm sure you can find an equivalent 'chromatic tuner' for similar cost. Yes I do have more complex devices where different temperaments can be pre-set but I prefer to use ET as a reference and make the off sets from that as needed. This gets around the problem of having 14 notes to the octave on the English keyboard.

Duncan, As your reeds are close to irreplaceable I would say you are running before you can walk... so it is good that you have stopped 'tuning' them. Firstly: I use a similar tuning table; made mine nearly 50 years ago from a recycled Coronet brand 20key anglo by removing one end and screwing on a piece of plywood. I still use the same set up. Secondly; please note that the reeds will play slightly different pitch on the tuning table so make sure to measure the pitch they are playing at whilst still inside the concertina. Third point; reeds on the inside of the reed pan will generally play a slightly different pitch to those on the outside face, so be carefull to replace them as they were. I use and suggest using Cents instead of Hz. because you'll only need values for one complete octave and it is easier to differentiate between Ab and G# , Eb and D#.

Go Vintage , if the wait times are too long for you. Have a look at the selection from Barleycorn Concertinas. www.concertina.co.uk I've played old Wheatstones and Lachenals for 50 years and happy with them.

A lovely thing Duncan!! Good luck with it.

Oh ! Certainly interested...... Worth every penny I'm sure.....

Why not have a look at Chris Algar's selection at Barleycorn concertinas. I would buy the early model 22 that he offers , serial number 22945, if I did not already have one. I find these turn of the century models have a shallow 'Flat' reedpan and parallel reed tongues... the effect is a tone more like an Anglo. Perfect for sessions and band performances.