Search the Community

I am selling my D/G 30 button Norman/Gremlin anglo. It is on eBay at https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264555415337. Their are several photos there including one showing Andrew's signature and date. The instrument is in Wheatstone/Lachenal layout and has the Saxon design of end plate that Andrew still uses on his logo. Gremlin is stamped on both metal end plates, but only shows at one end as they are the same stamping flipped over for the two ends! Some of the sets of reeds for these concertinas were supplied by Hohner and some from Italy. As the instrument was sold to me by Oakwood as a "Romani" I suspect the latter could well be the case for this one. It has one different end bolt, which looks like a Lachenal original, for some reason. This is an accordion reeded instrument with the reeds in pairs in each chamber, see photos. I purchased this after my main instrument was stolen, happily recovered within a year. Since then it has seen occasional use when I wanted to use a lighter instrument, although I prefer the 40 button layout of my main instrument. There are velcro patches attached which are for use with Microvox microphones. I can report that the instrument works well with the sound channeled through guitar footpedals as well. A video of the concertina being played is viewable at , Liberty Bell by Sousa arranged and transposed for D/G Anglo by myself. There has been some discussion about these instruments here before that might give you more background to them. Robin Madge.

I am selling my 4-CD set, “300 Gems of Irish Music for All Instruments,” for only $4.99 USD. See https://greylarsen.com/shop/product/300-gems-recordings-mp3s-or-set-of-4-cds/. This price is good through January 6, 2020. All my Irish music books and most of my CDs are also heavily discounted. For all the info, go to: https://greylarsen.com/webstore/holiday-cd-book-sale/. This audio collection is a companion to my book “300 Gems of Irish Music for All Instruments.” (See https://greylarsen.com/shop/product/300-gems-of-irish-music-for-all-instruments/). All 300 tunes are notated in the book. Free excerpts are available as PDF downloads (at http://greylarsen.com/webstore/books/). Many of the transcriptions pay homage to recordings by great musicians and groups such as Matt Molloy, Martin Hayes, Sharon Shannon, Mary Bergin, Kevin Burke, James Kelly, Willie Clancy, Altan, the Bothy Band and the Mulcahy Family, as well as early 20th century recordings from revered masters Michael Coleman, Paddy Killoran, Dennis Murphy, Bobby Casey, Paddy Canny and others. The tunes are notated in a style that makes them equally accessible to players of fiddle, flute, whistle, accordion, concertina, harp, keyboard, guitar, mandolin, banjo, uilleann pipes – to all melody players. I play the tunes on Irish flute, tin whistle, and 49 of the tunes on my Wheatstone 12-sided anglo concertina from the 1930s. This is an excellent resource for repertoire building and makes a nice gift. Also, I designed the tune sequence such that good medleys result when you play consecutive tunes one after another. (At least I think so.) To buy only the 49 concertina tunes, go here: https://greylarsen.com/shop/product/49-concertina-tunes-from-300-gems-of-irish-music-for-all-instruments/. For $9.99, you can get the same collection as 300 downloadable mp3s, and save shipping costs. This costs less than getting the CDs if you are in Canada, Mexico or outside of North America. The mp3s can be found here: https://greylarsen.com/shop/product/300-gems-recordings-mp3s-or-set-of-4-cds/. The CD set is so inexpensive because I have piles of them on my shelves! Time to move them out into the world. I make no profit at this price, but I have the pleasure of spreading the music around. Most of my CDs are also on sale at 40% off. And all my books are reduced as well. See https://greylarsen.com/webstore/holiday-cd-book-sale/. Thank you for your attention, and happy holidays! - Grey

I have 2 G/D Anglo Concertinas for Sale: 1. Morse Ceili # 1284 (2015), Cherry body, Jeffries layout, excellent condition with original HSC. $1950 + shipping. 2. Frank Edgley #133, Black body, Metal ends, Wheatstone layout, Bright sound with fast action, very good condition with Fuselli soft case. $1700 + shipping. Photos available on request. Thanks, Joe Fallon

Hi I'm looking for a second-hand Edgley G/D Anglo in good condition. I would prefer to purchase from within the UK if possible

Hey all, I've been working on restoring an old Concertina I picked up at an antique shop, and one of the (many) problems I'm running into is what the button caps are made of, and how they were put together. I attached an image below, does anybody have any knowledge on this, or spares available I could pick up?

This concertina was purchased by Ken Shaw from Chris Timson, webmaster of concertina.info (?), in 2006. It had been renovated a couple of years prior by Chris Algar, who sold it to Chris Timson. Ken Shaw met Greg Jowaisas around 2012 at a festival in Texas and showed him the Lachenal. Greg told Ken it was the best model Lachenal made and agreed that he could make a better bellows. He replaced the bellows and straps with gorgeous dark green leather, did work on the pads, valves, and springs and tightened up the action and added bushings around the buttons. He also added the gold leaf decoration on the sides. In Ken’s words, “When it came back, the new bellows had improved everything! The buttons worked better and the tone had improved due to the tighter air plumbing. Noel Hill told me it was the best Lachenal he had seen!” No serial number is visible, but Ken told me it’s about 100 yrs old. It has a very sweet, warm, woodsy sound. There is some damage (and repair that can be seen from the inside) to the rosewood fretwork, but it seems solid. The bellows still needs to be “played in” (per my conversation with Greg Jowaisas), as Ken has not played it much in the last couple of years. There is a tiny screw missing in the middle of one face. I haven't played it much over the past few years, as I lucked into a Jeffries, which I have been playing almost exclusively. Price: $2500 + shipping, insurance, etc. I am in Pasadena, CA. Primrose Lass Lachenal - 9:25:19, 8.41 PM.mp3

Hi All your help is required, I have recently purchased a 20 button anglo, that was described as a lachenal and the style of the scroll work on the pictures did suggest that was the case. However opening her up and there is not the usual markings inside ( I have access to 3 other Lachenals, and comparing to concertina museum). No L or R on the reed pans or bellow frames, the serial number is 512 but not stamped in the usual style. The reeds are steel, and of the wheatstone/lachenal style. The lever arms are double/U pinned/stapled (forgot to photo them!). And after cleaning her up last night I couldn't see any makers mark. There is a small 'steel reeds' stamp on the side of one of the palm rests. Any guidance would be appreciated. I have my suspicions, but wont voice them yet, so as to not influence your opinions :)

Another new book of nautical songs! A follow-up to Pirate Songs for Concertina called Sailor Songs for Concertina, available as of today through Amazon in paperback and Kindle. And very likely through the Button Box and Red Cow Music in the very near future. 88 more sea songs arranged for Anglo concertina, with complete lyrics, and melody lines in standard musical notation, 175 pages. I made special sure this time for music and all lyrics to be on facing pages, and also included slightly more difficult tunes and more harmonic accompaniments. Attached is the Table of Contents and these two samples: § “Whaleman’s Lament” from A.L. Lloyd’s singing (and Alf Edwards’ concertina playing) on Leviathan. § “The Lady Leroy” learned from the singing of Pat Kilbride when he was briefly with the Battlefield Band. So here’s a special deal for CNET members only – if you already have 5 or more of my other books, just send a photo as proof to info@rollstonpress.com along with your mailing address and I’ll gladly send you a free copy of Sailor Songs! It’s the least I can do to say thanks to the great folks on this forum for all your great playing, informative insights and entertaining opinions. Enjoy! Gary TOC-SailorSongs.pdf 80-81-Lady-Leroy-SailorSongs.pdf 162-163-Whalemans-Lament-SailorSongs.pdf

With all the talk of "Pride Month" in June, seems only fitting to showcase the tune "London Pride", a Morris tune from Longborough that to my knowledge has nothing to do with LGBTTQQIAAP etc., but is just a cracking great tune played by John Kirkpatrick on the Albion Country Band's "Battle of the Field" album. Notated here for Anglo concertina. Enjoy! Gary LondonPride-Dm-ANGLO.pdf

Tim Collins will be making a rare North American trip to teach and perform at Cascadia Irish Music Week in Olympia, Washington, July 21-27, 2019. Tim is one of Ireland's finest concertina players and a member of the Kilfenora Ceili Band, also an excellent teacher. Cascadia is a weeklong Irish music immersion experience with some of Ireland's best traditional musicians... classes, concerts, talks, and sessions, sessions, sessions. http://www.cascadiairish.org This year's teaching staff includes: Fiddle - Antoin MacGabhann, Randal Bays, Nathan Gourley Flute - Catherine McEvoy, Eamonn Cotter Concertina - Tim Collins Uilleann pipes - Mick O'Brien Guitar - Frank Kilkelly Accordion - Johnny Og Connolly Banjo - Pauline Conneely Dance - Mairead Casey Plus introductory classes in fiddle, whistle, pipes and concertina For more information or to sign up please visit http://www.cascadiairish.org

Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne's final recital at Leeds Uni has some of the most amazing anglo playing I have ever heard. After listening to this a few times yesterday, I'm speechless with admiration. Enjoy... https://livestream.com/uol/final-recitals-17/videos/157705262 Adrian

SOLD-- Brand new leather anglo concertina straps.

Cascadia Irish Music Week welcomes anglo concertina master Tim Collins, July 21-27, 2019, Olympia WA. Visit our website for more details http://www.cascadiairish.org

This is a lovely anglo, 30 button, G-D. I got it from an individual who got it from the Button Box. It is in very good condition, has a sweet sound. The box is a Jeffries, as is the fingering. The bellows were replaced with Dipper bellows. The reeds were replaced with Wheatstone reeds. I usually play a c-g, and although I love the tone of this and the lower pitch, I seem to only be able to "grok" one of them at a time. I'm in California; asking $5000, although I paid quite a bit more for it (I was smitten)! Thank you, Janet (Not sure if I can figure out how to post sound files, but I'd be glad to send some individually if that would be helpful to anyone) ("again" in the title is because I listed it a while ago, then played it a bunch and wasn't ready to let it go. This time I'm ready!)

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

Hi there! I've got a 20 buttons c/g deutsche Konzertina; I'm learning alone so far (and mostly by ear). Will you have any material with methods to learn? I guess so, but it's faster to ask what to look for. Hahaha! Greetings from Argentina. Thanks!!!! ?

EDIT: okay, I have been convinced that I'm being too cheap. After a little more research it looks like something like a Stagi 20b is probably what I'm looking for, something like that to start out. I can push my budget up to about $200 if anyone has a solid reliable little thing they are trying to upgrade from. Y'all are some pretty helpful people, I have to say. Lots of great advice I really appreciate. I'm trying to be a little more patient so I can find a decent instrument. I am totally new to concertinas, but I want one to play in my history classes for students and to play with family at family gatherings. I am looking for something really cheap - like $100 or less range cheap, something I can get started on. I'm fine with an old Italian or German beater just so I can get started while I learn more and save for a better instrument. As long as it works and I can get started on it. I am in Texas. Thank you!

Well, it’s certainly not the amazing Jowaisas Christmas Pyramid, more like the Coover Autumnal Quadrangle, but I’m putting up for sale four concertinas that have been sitting around taking up space when they should be getting played instead. Wheatstone 30-button Anglo concertina #51362 in C/G - $1850 Metal buttons, metal ends, early 1950’s, dovetailed steel reeds (regular reeds, not crimped), tuned to concert pitch, 8-fold leather bellows, Wheatstone handstraps. Recently refurbished and retuned by Greg Jowaisas who thought the reeds were “better than average” for instruments of this period. This is the concertina featured on the cover of “Christmas Concertina”. Comes with the original black square case that has sexy crushed red velvet inside. Gremlin 30-button Anglo concertina in G/D - $950 Metal buttons, metal ends, accordion reeds, concert pitch, 6-fold airtight bellows, riveted action. An early hybrid concertina with accordion reeds built as a budget model by Gremlin in the early 1980’s and purchased a few years from Marien Lina. I had taller handrests made for it, but can also include the shorter original ones. Featured on the cover of “Anglo Concertina in the Harmonic Style” and “Easy Anglo 1-2-3”. This is the second G/D I’ve owned but I find I still never play in G/D, so time to find this one a new home. Comes with a black square case with built-in combination lock. Lachenal 20-button Anglo concertina #198455 in C/G - $650 Bone buttons, mahogany ends, dovetailed steel reeds, concert pitch, 5-fold original bellows still airtight, new handstraps, recently refurbished by Greg Jowaisas (“a good 20b from a late period in Lachenal's history”). Probably built in the 1920’s, and although a fairly inexpensive instrument at the time it has a nice tone, somewhat soft due to the leather baffles (which could be removed if desired). Featured on the cover of “Civil War Concertina” and “Easy Anglo 1-2-3”. I’ll even throw in a copy of “Civil War Concertina” since all the tunes in that book can be played on a 20-button instrument. Comes with a beat-up hexagonal wooden case that works ok but has definitely seen better days. Wheatstone 22-button “May Fair” English Concertina #1263 – $550 This is a very rare 22-button English concertina that would be ideal for song accompaniment. It’s a Wheatstone May Fair English concertina #1263 in close to mint condition, built sometime in the 1950’s. It has 22-buttons (10 on the left and 12 on the right), wooden ends, 6-fold airtight bellows, accordion-style reeds in concert pitch, and comes with its original Wheatstone tweed case which is also in near-new condition. Having only 22 buttons, it is fully chromatic from G' below middle C to e above high c, 1.5 octaves. That’s it. It does not have any notes above e in the upper octave, so it probably would not suit if you’re wanting to play lots of Irish tunes, but it would be ideal for accompanying singing. Good examples would be the playing of Louis Killen, Tony Rose and other singers of traditional songs. You can play Planxty Irwin or Carolan’s Draught (or the first part of King of the Fairies), but it’s much better for songs like Pleasant & Delightful or Blackwaterside. Every note plays well, the bass notes are strong and clear, and the bellows are incredibly airtight. It plays way much better than one would expect for a budget instrument, has really nice and very strong tone, and even has fancy little violin-style f-holes in the fretwork. I'll be putting these on eBay shortly, but wanted to give the loyal cnet crowd a first chance. Shipping and insurance is extra to wherever you are. Simply PM me with your email address if you're interested and I can send you more photos of the interiors and exteriors, or I could even give you a Skype tour or a tune. Remember, Christmas is only a few short weeks away! Gary

Have this lovely concertina, not sure of the key, full working order, no leaks with wooden box. Selling due to not actually playing concertina! Was bought as a gift, really like it but I need a flute with a tuning slide and some more whistle keys Sensible offers welcome!

Before I put it on ebay I thought I would try here. Rosewood ends. Bone buttons. Recently restored by Roy Whitely of Cheshire and plays beautifully. I have had it around 15 years and am getting rid of it because I have got an almost identical one and don't need 2! £1200 ONO.

Mahogany ended Lachenal, 30 Button, C/G, refurbished by Greg Jowaisas. Looks like serial number 195732, (the last digit is partially obscured). Includes case, which is old but probably not original since the case has a sticker, “C. Wheatstone & Co. ....” Price $1500 which is what I paid for it. You pay for shipping carrier of you choice.

I am looking for a 30 button Anglo concertina. I have just started playing and am making some headway. The wife is getting interested and I'd like to get her a nice beginner instrument. Money is tight so I can't afford most of the lovely instruments on here. If you have a good beginner instrument you want to get to a new home, please contact me. I'm in Canada, it would be nice to keep shipping manageable.

Just finished the Noel Hill concertina school at the Transfiguration Spiritual Center in northern Cincinnati, and it was overwhelming. More instruction, insight, and camaraderie than you could shake a bellows at, in a setting so peaceful and accommodating that there were absolutely no distractions from playing and learning. Wake up, eat, play, eat, play, eat, play, sleep. Repeat. Five intense and intensely valuable days for anyone interested in learning Anglo from a master. I was in completely over my head, but the shore was always nearby and lined with helping hands. The same setting in Cincinnati is already locked down for next year's school, and I'm definitely planning to return. Can't recommend it highly enough.

I keep hearing how versatile the anglo 30 button is and i'm looking for songs you can accompany. with the problem of chords in one direction i'm having trouble finding this versatility everyone talks of. could you please give me some songs that you can play with accompaniment. I recently found "what shall we do with a drunken sailor" and that was pretty fun to play cheers. oh and I bought garry coovers book about songs with accompaniment thanks for the suggestion