Adding hand strap for old English concertina

[Lady]

Hi everyone. My name is Cari and hope you guys can help with my query. I just recd my beautiful older English concertina and need to add a hand strap as my hands are not as strong as they were.  Hopefully you can help as to what type of strap to purchase or make as this came with thumb straps which I need to replace one. But that is not a problem. The strap as there is not a wood attachment like other concertinas. I look forward to your helpful advise and thank you all in advance. Stay well.   

 

 

 

[d.elliott]

I think you are talking about wrist straps, before you set about buying them you need to establish if your concertina has the mountings provided to accept wrist straps. Please don't just try and screw the straps into place, there is a correct location for the strap mountings and the ends of the strap nearest the thumb strap has an adjustment screw like a smaller version of the thumb strap adjustment screw. You can do harm and devalue your instrument if this is not done correctly. 

 

Thumb straps are normally changed as a pair. They are built onto the existing metalwork and are not just  leather strapping, but are a leather tube which is assembled around fabric and felt as well as the metal bits, then compressed whilst the glues are wet. 

[Lady]

Thank you David for replying and advising. I have noticed there are grips on English concertinas but not clearly visible where anchored. Unfortunately my hands are small and hand grips would be a great asset for me, comfort , reaching buttons, and more. I would love to just use the thumb grips but would like to enhance the pleasure of playing. If you would be kind enough to add a simple drawing as to where  the  grips would be mounted.  I promise I will not destroy anything on it as I love my magical little instrument and love antiques. Thank you again 

 

 

[fred v]

Here is a photo of my 1922 Wheatstone. you can clearly see where the straps are mounted. There are suppliers for replacement straps such as:

https://concertina-spares.com/?v=3a52f3c22ed6

https://www.cacornish.co.uk/musical-instruments/

In the US there is:

https://www.buttonbox.com/

They are going out of business but the repair side will still be there

Also Bob Tedrow at Homewood Music in Birmingham, Al. can provide them.

 

n the ends.

 

 

Edited March 15, 2022 by fred v

[Lady]

Fred than you so much. Very clear helpful image. Stay well