A Crabb anglo for under a grand?

[wes williams]

Its here. Did one of our lucky German members buy it?

[RP3]

Wes, I don't mean to create any friction but I'm not sure I would consider anybody lucky to buy an instrument with worm holes -- without some careful prior investigation and careful fumigation -- two things eBay make nearly impossible! Most folks I know on this side of the pond are seriously scared away by woodworm. Is the English attitude any different?

 

I would also like to pose another question which is related to Ball Beavons in general. What are other peoples' opinion of the BBs. I've had (temporarily) two different BBs and found those two to be inferior in tone to similar vintage labeled Crabbs even though they look virtually identical -- except of course for the Ball Beavon stamping on the wooden sides -- and have similar actions.

 

Thanks for the comments to come and Happy Holidays to all our forum members.

 

Ross Schlabach

[Paul Read]

My concern would be the rust inside. Still, at that price it could well work out as a decent buy - definitely a bit of a gamble though. Sailed under my radar anyway!

[Dirge]

The thing that strikes me is that the seller has, from his comments, apparently had it apart but doesn't show pictures of the insides; we have to accept his assessment of 'not much woodworm' and the like. Makes me instantly suspicious I'm afraid, and perhaps kept the price down, when others thought the same way?

[Dave Rogers]

I would also like to pose another question which is related to Ball Beavons in general. What are other peoples' opinion of the BBs. I've had (temporarily) two different BBs and found those two to be inferior in tone to similar vintage labeled Crabbs even though they look virtually identical -- except of course for the Ball Beavon stamping on the wooden sides -- and have similar actions.

 

I play a G/D Ball Beavon that I bought from Chris Algar a couple of years ago. Apart from the Rochelle I learned on, the only other concertinas I have played were the other G/Ds that Chris had in stock at the time - 2 Jeffries and a Wheatstone. I chose the BB because I preferred its tone to that of the others, and also it was the most comfortable to play.

 

I've heard recordings of "stamped" Crabbs that, to my ears at least, sound pretty similar to my BB. But then I suppose it's all a bit subjective.

[Guest HallelujahAl!]

had it apart but doesn't show pictures of the insides

Yep I too was taken by that thought. Although the slightest mention/possibility of worm gives me the complete and utter heebeejeebies anyway. It's a big risk to take - and could end up costing a lot more than 977.