Bastari Model U-8-2-P- Zulu concertina

[Fanie]

I found a beautiful Bastari Model U-8-2-P with metal sides, but when I tried to play it, it seemed that the reeds on the right hand out side and left in side are turned around. Then I played it over the tuner and found the tuning in D# outside and Bb inside. I went to Luke's Anglo Piano page and, low an behold, there it is, a Zulu Squashbox. What a disapointment.

 

[Leah Velleman]

Must be frustrating to get by surprise, but I'm a little jealous. (Though only a little — I'm already trying to wrap my brain around one weird tuning and I don't think I could handle two.)

[Luke Hillman]

Also jealous! Quoth Harry Scurfield:

 

Quote

[...] it is a bit like trying to ride a bicycle on which, upon turning the handlebar left, the bike turns right—but only sometimes.

 

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

They do sometimes  come tuned in different key ranges other than the regular C and G. 

Also ..D and A, for example and with the B flat in the note range.

[Fanie]

There is a light in the tunnel: I contacted David Jenkins, the South African Zulu concertina manufacturer and he was very excited to hear about my find. According to David it is hen's teeth. He wanted to trade me for another concertina, but I like the Bastari with the metal ends. So we agreed that I will send him the Zulu-tuned reed blocks and he will send me a set of CG reeds.