Repairs

[cnrobinson]

Does anyone run courses in concertina maintennance and repair in the UK? Preferably in the London/South East! My son is doing a degree in musical instrument making (specialising in guitar-type instruments, but I would like him to be able to keep my concertinas up to scratch).

 

Chris

Edited November 22, 2009 by cnrobinson

[PeterT]

Does anyone run courses in concertina maintennance and repair in the UK?

Hi Chris,

 

I would be very surprised if this type of course was available. Concertina maintenance is almost regarded as one of the "dark arts". Others may have better knowledge, but I can only think of one person in East London who has "recently" advertised repair services. Some players do their own maintenance, and have acquired a certain level of expertise through their own experience.

 

Concertinas weekends, with clinics by Colin Dipper and others, are useful for hints and tips. Most maintenance is common sense, although some of the posts on this forum show good examples of what not to do! Repairs are a different matter.

 

I would have thought that if your son is studying a degree course, he would be ideally suited to be let loose on your concertinas; at least everything apart from reed work! Bear in mind that the concertina world is small, and minor repairs would not generate much of a living for a specialist repairer.

 

Regards,

Peter.

[OLDNICKILBY]

Buy Dave Elliotts book, then buy a cheap 2 row or tutor and then learn.

Perhaps Newarke College may do a course, but "learning by doing" on an instrument of little value is a very good method.