[Documentary "playing The Concertina" On Dvd]

Everyone has to start somewhere. Myself, I’m just getting started with learning to play the concertina and actually I’m still struggling with even the basics of scales and fingering. I came to the idea of playing the concertina quite by accident. In fact, truth be told, it started out merely as an indulgent and perhaps even romantic whim. Something I think I caught from seeing someone play one in Ireland this past summer. It remains to be seen whether my recently purchased 120-ish year-old Cramer & Co. Artist’s Concertina will end up as the realization of a life long dream (to learn to play a musical instrument) or another one of those things that seemed like a good idea at the time. The verdict so far: what a great instrument and equally a great set of people whom I’ve met associated with the concertina. I suppose most of you already knew that. But in case you didn’t, you might like to check out a great DVD I’ve had the pleasure of watching recently. In fact I’ve watched it twice so far.

 

'Playing the concertina' is a new DVD from Pilgrimm Pictures that chronicles both the instrument and the player Pauline de Snoo. This documentary takes you on a journey of discovery where you’ll explore many aspects of playing the concertina as experienced by Pauline de Snoo. The director, Bernd G.W. Out has given a real “old time home movie” feel to this visually charming 80 minute DVD. Part history lesson, part nostalgic ramblings, but in essence an interesting tour of the versatility and potential of the concertina in the hands of Pauline de Snoo. I especially enjoyed listening to the lovely music and hearing stories about the development of the concertina and its impact on the lives of the many fascinating people that appear in this DVD. I kept finding myself reaching for my own concertina and imagining myself playing. Oh for that first tune that unites me with my concertina. In the mean time, watching 'Playing the concertina' has been a great introduction as well as being a fantastic motivational piece that I’m sure to return to time and again.

 

--- Christian

[4 Bellows Vs. 5 Or 6...]

General question about concertinas. I'm considering for purchase a vintage Cramer English 48 button (of unknown age). The instrument has 4 bellows. I don't play yet, but plan to learn. My question to experienced players--- is there a difference (or significant difference) for a new player between 4 and 5 bellows. The more the better? Would this concertina have likely (originally) had 4 bellows and what might this have indicated for its age or real maker. Especially, as I understand Cramer was probably a reseller. Thanks, Chris

[Commited The Sin Of Ebay Now-what?]

As an endnote to this story... I took everyone's advice and sent my newly acquired Lachenal Anglo 21 button concertina to Wim Wakker at Concertina Connections. Very nice and helpful. His prognosis was that it needed the following: all new endbolts, replacing of pads, valves, springs, bushings, regulating the action, voicing + tuning of the reeds... also the bellows were completely ruined and needed replacement. Basically the works.. hardly worth doing considering how much I already paid for it on eBay add to what it would cost to repair meant that it wouldn't be worth the money and effort. Sad... but a lesson learned the hard way, which hopefully someone reading this can learn from without making the same mistake.

 

If you find a good deal on eBay make sure you can return it with full refund for what ever reason you might have... Blurry eBay photos and optimistic descriptions wont cover your losses. On the up-side.. I have been very excited to find that there is such a nice and helpful community of folks out there willing to offer advice on concertinas. Thanks everyone.. maybe one day I'll find a nice vintage concertina that I can afford and can begin to learn to play. Chris (in The Netherlands)

[Commited The Sin Of Ebay Now-what?]

"One thing about the number, mine seems to be #94811 on the end label, but inside it is stamped #194811 which puts it around 1924-26, I think. You might like to check inside yours.

...Bill Worsfold"

 

Bill:

Thanks for the advice about the label number... if I can get someone qualified to open it I will have them check for an inside stamp. The paper label on the outside seemed a little strange in terms of the quality of workmanship I'd have expected based on the age suggested by the outside label. I understand that all the serial number manufacturing records for Lachenal are lost and I've read that someone has tried to reconstruct date estimates based on production numbers per year. This information might be interesting for them to have since it will cast doubts on accurately dating the age of Lachenal's based on outside serial number labels.

 

Enjoy your instrument.

 

Chris

[Commited The Sin Of Ebay Now-what?]

I'm totally new to the world of Concertinas and have tried to educate myself a little via the InterNet....   ...--Can someone you recommend provide repairs and overhaul in Europe or better in The Netherlands?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

CjD

You already have got some advice, so I can only say "Welkom bij de club" (I assume you are Dutch).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Henk...

 

Actually I'm not Dutch by birth..but do have some ancestors to come from Texel, I live in The Hague... if I get this repair thing sorted out.. perhaps you can point me in the direction of a teacher that might live near me? Unfortunately he/she would need to be English speaking...

 

thanks much,

 

Chris

[Commited The Sin Of Ebay Now-what?]

Thanks Richard and Chris for the replys... I will contact Concertina Connect and hope they can help me. Should I decide that the repairs are too costly any idea how I should proceed? Would it be fair to sell this one on and could I expect to recover my costs... is there a "used parts market" out there where this one could end up? I haven't given up.. just thought you might have some thoughts.

Thanks,

Chris (in The Netherlands)

[Commited The Sin Of Ebay Now-what?]

Folks:

I'm totally new to the world of Concertinas and have tried to educate myself a little via the InterNet. Against all advice shown on websites like ConcertinaNet, I haphazardly jumped into buying a concertina listed for sale on eBay. The purchase arrived today and I guess I shouldn't be surprised to find that it is more a project than a musical instrument. I know little about how to proceed, but I hope that someone can advise me.

 

The advert on eBay provided no details and only a blurry photo... so it was basically a blind purchase... "let the buyer beware." After unpacking it, what I bought is a Lachenal Anglo 20 button (well really a 21 button) with the number 93052. From what I can estimate that would put it at around 1873-1899. It also appears to have Steel reeds from a stamp in the wood... but here comes the problems:

 

It appears to have been stored in an damp attic for some number of years with a distinct smell of mildew and perhaps whitishness mildew on the bellows, but no stains. The bellows appear to be relatively intact, with some minor (my guess) holes along two or three seams. Not all of the bone-button keys depress, but they are all present and appear to be in good state, several are stuck. When moved the concertina clearly has internal pieces that move around inside. There appears to be no woodworm problems, but in order to open the instrument some of the screws will have to be replaced... owing to rust, so I don't want to open it... knowing I wont be able to close it. The leather straps are in poor and broken condition. The storage box is useless and will have to be thrown away. Apart from this description if anyone would like to see pictures just let me know.

My questions would be:

--Given the fact that I paid 120 pounds (about $200 or 175 Euros) for it, is it worth keeping and repairing?

--How much would this roughly cost assuming the worse case and what would this repair bring the value to?

--Can someone you recommend provide repairs and overhaul in Europe or better in The Netherlands?

 

Now I don't know how to play the concertina .. but from advice I read... buying an older concertina is better than a student model new one and my thought was I'd pick up something cheep (but playable) on the InterNet... teach myself and sell it on if I didn't like it. Can someone give me some idea of the kinds of repairs that might be needed, costs and whether I should forging ahead with getting it repaired.

 

Thank you for any advice and any help you can provide.