Everett Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 (edited) Just saw a 1963 Wheatstone English 48 key up on Ebay... asking $2500.00. The metal grill is tarnished, one button is sunken, the bellows leather need some attention. What might it cost to restore? What would it be worth then? I doubt it will sell at the asking price. Just curious.... I'm sending my 1927 English off for service Monday. It's already in better shape than the one up for sale. Edited July 16, 2021 by Everett spelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 Some would say there is usually no comparison between a 1963 Wheatstone and its 1927 cousin. Of course exceptions do exist but in a blind test my money would always be on the 1927. If you had to pay $2500 to buy the 1963 model and spend money on a full restoration your equity is sure to be negative. I have just spent €800 on a new bellows, including postage, but it is for a 1929 Aeola which is playing-in very nicely now. I was a little concerned about spending so much on a bellows for a concertina that was unplayable but faith is proving itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theo Posted July 16, 2021 Share Posted July 16, 2021 eBay sellers can be very very unrealistic about prices. This one sound seriously overpriced. Much better to buy from somebody who understands what they are selling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everett Posted July 16, 2021 Author Share Posted July 16, 2021 I certainly know $2500 for any Wheatstone that needs repair is a gamble at best and the 1963 for sale may fall further onto the gamble scale. The owner of the '63 should at least have sent it to a good shop for a repair estimate before putting it up. There is also a 1907 ebony model 6 for sale...fully restored and priced at $4500. That seems like a fair retail price, but not a bargain. I see so many instruments up for sale on Ebay that need extensive repair and I have purchased a couple over the years...from such comes an education. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theo Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 £2500 for a 63 Wheatstone that needs repair isn't a gamble, it's a looser for the buyer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everett Posted July 17, 2021 Author Share Posted July 17, 2021 Certainly it is. I guess I was just being "nice" about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 16 hours ago, Everett said: There is also a 1907 ebony model 6 for sale...fully restored and priced at $4500. That seems like a fair retail price, but not a bargain. I see so many instruments up for sale on Ebay that need extensive repair and I have purchased a couple over the years...from such comes an education. That is still far too much money. The Button Box have a nice model 8 , fully restored for a $1000 cheaper and comes with a garantee! Good hunting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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