Corelli info and repair

[Ruth]

I recently rescued a Corelli concertina from the trash. There is little info about the Corelli online. Would anyone know the approx age and value of this instrument. I know nothing about concertinas and would like to restore it. I took it apart and found the reeds have fallen out. I have ordered some reed wax. Also, what should I use to replace the old dried out bellows tape. Other than that it looks pretty good. Any info on this lovely little instrument would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ruth

[Bruce McCaskey]

I recently rescued a Corelli concertina from the trash. There is little info about the Corelli online. Would anyone know the approx age and value of this instrument. I know nothing about concertinas and would like to restore it. I took it apart and found the reeds have fallen out. I have ordered some reed wax. Also, what should I use to replace the old dried out bellows tape. Other than that it looks pretty good. Any info on this lovely little instrument would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ruth

Ruth,

 

Welcome to the forum. I don't doubt that someone here can offer useful insights, but there's no telling how long it might be before that person logs on and sees your post so I'll try to offer something to start with.

 

It appears there was some discussion of Corelli models on this forum a few years ago, take a look at this short thread and follow the included link too. Some comments in this thread as well. Jim (who comments in those threads that he has a Corelli) stops by the forum on occasion so he might be able to give you more info. I see Corelli also shows up on Wendy's list, and you might gain some insights from the included link to her guide.

 

As to value, I see one for sale in Pennsylvania here for $90 though it cites a few problems. I think the bottom line is that its value is not great for resale potential, but you might find it to be an entertaining project if you have the time and inclination to tinker with it. I doubt you'd be able to locate any repair parts specifically made for your concertina, but if you're of a mind to make proper repairs, you should be able to locate the materials that could be used to make what you need. As to specific questions such as a source for the bellows tape you mention, you should post those questions in the repair forum to have the best chance of getting an answer.

 

I also suggest that you review the links on the left side of the concertina.net home page (scroll down to reveal them). I suspect people tend to miss the long list of concertina topical links listed there and I suspect you might find some of them quite interesting. Be sure to have a look at this link too.

[Ruth]

Thanks for the info.