Early Wheatstone 48k treble

[david robertson]

This is a fine example of the kind of concertina that Wheatstone made in the early days (serial No:1855), when it was an instrument designed for the parlour rather than the concert hall. I'm selling it on behalf of a friend, who had it restored a few years ago by Mike Acott, and has hardly touched it since.

Mike fitted new pads, valves and straps, and tuned it to modern concert pitch. It has brass reeds, with a sweet, flutey tone. And because these are well-made Wheatstone reeds, not the nasty gappy things commonly found on lower-end Lachenals, it is satisfyingly responsive, which means that the original, admirably airtight 4-fold bellows are more than adequate.

This would be an ideal instrument for someone just testing the water - a decent concertina from a top maker, ready to play and enjoy straight out of the box. 

The owner is asking £550, but may be open to a sensible offer.