david robertson Posted May 29, 2023 Share Posted May 29, 2023 (edited) The first of these, No.27162, is a brass-reeded treble instrument - but please don't let that deter you! These are top-quality Wheatstone brass reeds, not the gappy, breathy things found in low-end Lachenals. In terms of volume and response, they are virtually indistinguishable from steel, and this is as lively an Aeola as has ever passed through my hands. The instrument is amazingly well preserved - all I have had to do is replace the straps and tune it to modern concert pitch. I listed it over a month ago, but in view of the spontaneous outburst of indifference provoked by that listing, here it is again, with the asking price reduced to £3250. The second offering is a 64-key tenor-treble, No.28290.This one has had the more usual "full Monty" restoration - new pads, valves, bushes and straps, re-finished woodwork, a cosmetic bellows rebind, and tuning to modern concert pitch. Now I'm well aware that most people don't lie awake at night wishing they could own a concertina with those extra bat-squeak notes at the top end. But this one is a lovely player, from arguably Wheatstone's top period. And at £3250, I'm actually asking less than you would have to pay for a 56-key of similar quality. If I can tell you more about either instrument, please ask. And as always, if you're within striking distance of Norwich, you're more than welcome to come and have a squeeze. (If you're not, get in touch anyway, and we'll try to arrange something.) concertina-restoration.co.uk Edited May 30, 2023 by david robertson 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimR Posted May 31, 2023 Share Posted May 31, 2023 Those are two, beautiful concertinas! If only I lived, well, over there, and had a bit more, you know, on hand. Sigh... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted June 8, 2023 Share Posted June 8, 2023 (edited) It is a very long time since I examined the 'Brass' reeds of an Aeola but memory suggests the metal was a type of Phosphor Bronze , perhaps the type used for making springs ? It would make perfect sense to use a metal designed to be flexible , to hold its set and have good spring abilities. Edited June 8, 2023 by Geoff Wooff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Chambers Posted June 8, 2023 Share Posted June 8, 2023 1 hour ago, Geoff Wooff said: ... memory suggests the metal was a type of Phosphor Bronze , perhaps the type used for making springs ? It would make perfect sense to use a metal designed to be flexible , to hold its set and have good spring abilities. Or maybe a "steel bronze" such as you get on many of the better-quality German melodeons? Steel bronze is defined (here) as "a bronze of about 92 percent copper and 8 percent tin hardened by compression and used as a substitute for steel in making guns (called also Uchatius bronze). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david robertson Posted June 18, 2023 Author Share Posted June 18, 2023 Frankly, I bow to no-one in my ignorance of matters metallurgical, but I'm happy to believe that the reeds in this particular instrument are not your common-or-garden brass. In terms of tone, volume and response, I find them absolutely indistinguishable from steel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david robertson Posted October 28, 2023 Author Share Posted October 28, 2023 The 64-key Aeola has now been sold via my website, but the lovely and very original 'tropicalised' treble remains. And in view of the time it has remained, I'm offering it at a 'final reduction' price of £3000. A fine player borrowed it for a few hours, and in his words, "couldn't fault it". Sadly, his bank manager was less enthusiastic, so this is your opportunity to acquire a great Aeola at a great price. As always, if you're within reach of Norwich, come and have a squeeze. If not, call me on 07840 838899 and we'll work something out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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