The May Fair

[Everett]

My 1927 Wheatstone model 21 is at a repair shop right now to find some air leakage and to be retuned from 443 to 440. I am missing it and am thinking of getting something to keep me company until it returns. There is a metal cover May Fair up on eBay right now that has caught my eye (from Israel I think. Listed at $500 plus $70 post). Priced a bit high, I suppose, even though it looks in mint condition. I should probably simply occupy myself with my melodeon, penny whistles and mandolin till the Wheatstone returns. Any comments?

[seanc]

I am kind of in the same boat. My 22 has experienced some issues. And the down time for repair is a drag. I picked up a 50s model 3E. It is really nice. But has a cigarette smell. So that is a turn off. But I absolutely see the value of having a back up. When one is in the shop. I am not a tech and these are fussy beast with lots of moving parts.

 

I have put the 3E up for sale. And am actively looking for a 2d English. 
 

personally, I’d rather spend the money and get a capable 2d instrument. and have a second instrument, not a half quality back up.  Maybe something that offers something your is missing, maybe wood end sweeter sound. Maybe a TT or extended treble, etc.

 

By all accounts there is not a lot that can hold its own in terms of speed and action as a 21 or 22. And if you are used to the speed and action, going backwards might be tough. Or not encourage practicing.

 

I much prefer to deal locally (as local as possible) from a known person that you would be able to return if it is not as advertised.

 

 

Edited August 7, 2021 by seanc

[Everett]

I want to get an instrument as a back up, yes, but also something for more casual purposes. I do enjoy vintage instruments (my mandolin is a Gibson made in 1920. I also still use vintage film cameras to boot). So, something made in the 50's might just fit the bill. I read that May Fairs are quite capable when in good order. Now it is only a 30 buttons, but would work for accompaniments and ensembles. 

I too would prefer to find something local. I found my Wheatstone through my local accordion tech at a very good price. There was lots of room for a full tune-up. (sent it out of state to a specialist). 

Anyway, you confirmed my thoughts on the whole subject. 

[polavoy]

I’ve had a Mayfair for many years and recently got it upgraded a little with new ends and buttons and fine tuned ( keeping all the original parts with the concertina). It plays really well and I like the sound of the reeds which are reasonable quality.

Think the two on eBay are a bit dear. I know they are “Wheatstone” but are not the quality we associate with the name.

If you could pick one up a bit cheaper it is a nice wee box in its own right. 

[d.elliott]

The Mayfair are grand little instruments idea for improver level and as back up instruments. Robust, light weight and tolerant of most things. They are accordion reeded, but the reed blocks are clamped not waxed. At the time Wheatstone seem to have imported 'ready tuned' reeds, then fitted them and sent the concertina on it's way. The result is that the tuning is a bit variable and usually a bit sharp. Probably not enough to worry private play or play in open sessions. 

 

In my view, and I have about five on my maintenance list, they are a worthwhile instrument, generally easy to look after.

 

Down sides:

the reed block finger clamp post holes are tight, I ream the outer clamps slightly, but only when I take a reed block out for valve, or tuning work. 

Changing pads can be fiddly as a result of the unique and fairly clever pivot design/ key arrangement

 

However how often do you change pads or adjust tuning on a good make of concertina.

[Everett]

Thank you for the clear descriptions. The May Fair seems to be a good box for learning or backup. Yes, at $500 the one on Ebay is priced to high, especially not having examined it in person. The search continues. I am now looking at a lightly used Jackie from Button Box...only $395.  Actually, until my Wheatstone 21 comes back, I'll just put my 4-voice melodeon on soprano reed only. Sounds much like a tenor concertina.

Edited August 7, 2021 by Everett

[d.elliott]

If you are having your Wheatstone M#21 concertina re-pitched to A=440hz, I hope that the job includes changing all the valves...

[Everett]

My tech should get back with evaluation this week. I will definitely inquire about changing the valves. Since my M#21 is near 100 years old, I expect it would be a good thing if not necessary.  I have anticipated that the valves are the source of the less than optimum air tightness. Thanks. 

[d.elliott]

it is certainly far from good practise to do a major re-tune  and not change the valves first. Even if the valves seem OK and have been changed over the last few years, I would change them anyway.

 

Valves have nothing to do with air tightness, air efficiency- yes. Air tightness is more likely pads, and/or springs, worse still bellows. How did you decide that the the airtightness is a potential issue?

[Everett]

Hung the closed instrument up by one strap and timed how long it took to stretch to full bellows length.  Took about 18-20 seconds. 

Right...valves...

 the same thing on my melodeon. Controls the direction air sounds a particular reed.

Edited August 10, 2021 by Everett
addition

[Everett]

I felt the instrument needed a professional evaluation at least. More than worth it.