stefciu Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Richard Evans Kookaburra #23, 30 button Wheatstone layout with new pads and bellows. $3,000 with hard case. This is a soft & sweet sounding instrument--a lovely tone, but I find myself working it (and me) hard to get the dance tunes I like out of it. Maybe it's a singer's instrument? I would be the last to ask about that. I am in western Washington State. If you're not nearby, shipping is not a problem, but we'll have to negotiate cost. I'll try to get some more pictures up, if there's interest. Thanks, stefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefciu Posted January 1 Author Share Posted January 1 Not at all meant in a negative or disparaging way, I'm very curious to know what it is about this concertina (or my listing?) that elicits such a wave of disinterest in this forum. I'm not super knowledgeable about the different modern makers, but I have a fair understanding of concertinas construction and limitations, based on vintage instruments. This seems to be a well-made instrument, by a maker who (I've read) had the reputation of "the best maker in Australia." I find the tone to be less strident than typical, making it much more an ensemble than solo voice, but I'm surprised and somewhat concerned that there is NO interest in information about it! Have I made a horrible mistake in getting at all involved with it?? curious, stefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takayuki YAGI Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 My friend in Australia once had a Kookaburra C/G and it was a beautiful and responsive instrument. I don't know if it's C/G, Bb/F or G/D, but I think you had better write down the key of your instrument. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken_Coles Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 It can take more than a day or two (during a holiday observed in a number of countries represented here) for a response - we are not a huge community (read: small market). I visited the late Mr. Evans at his home in 2006 and enjoyed seeing his workshop and how he approached building his instruments - clearly a lot of experience. There was a lot of wildlife around the house also! Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefciu Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 Good point! I did forget to mention that it's a g/c, didn't I?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Read Posted January 2 Share Posted January 2 I have one myself. I think they are great instruments responsive, great sounding and real concertina reeds! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefciu Posted January 2 Author Share Posted January 2 I think it's a very nice player, quick & responsive. It's just that I'm about cutting through and it's about blending in! I should have used this picture first--it shows why I jumped in the first place: Kookaburras riveted to the ends!! By the way, the case in the pictures is borrowed. The case that goes with the Kookaburra is a black Pelican storm case. stefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leah Velleman Posted January 2 Share Posted January 2 Gorgeous instrument! I'm not in the market, but I hope you hear from someone who is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Mellish Posted January 2 Share Posted January 2 1 hour ago, Leah Velleman said: Gorgeous instrument! I'm not in the market, but I hope you hear from someone who is. Same here. Having been accustomed to 40-key Wheatstone-layout instruments for 40 years, I would find the missing buttons frustrating. But it should be a great acquisition for anyone who's used to 30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefciu Posted January 3 Author Share Posted January 3 Also...If anyone had a 1950's Wheatstone Aeola (as made for the South African market) like the one pictured below, I'd be interested in talking about possible trade terms. thanks for all the input and sorry for my impatience at the start of this thread...I have no experience with this way of communicating (also, no patience)! stefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spencer Chandler Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 Hello! Interested to learn more about the instrument. Could I prevail upon you to post a video and/or audio sample, to appreciate the reeds and overall condition? Thanks in advance… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefciu Posted January 7 Author Share Posted January 7 The reeds look like this. Happy to send you something by whatsap if I have a phone number. That's the extent of my sending-video-knowledge! stefan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefciu Posted January 7 Author Share Posted January 7 Ha! I figured out how to attach a sound file! So here's a tune. s Duke.mp3 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spencer Chandler Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 Thanks for the added photos and sound file. The sound feels to me comparable to my current concertina, so I’m unlikely to leap at your instrument as someone else might. I was interested to learn more about the late Richard Evans and found this on YouTube. He seems to have been a fine man: 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takonaut Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 I'd be interested in taking a look at it, I live in western Washington, but I wont be back in town until early March. By all means, don't hold it for me, but if it's still available by then, I'd like to know any info you have on it. do you find that it plays too quietly, or that you really need to wrench on the bellows to get decent volume? or just that it has a very smooth, less piercing tone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Ghent Posted January 25 Share Posted January 25 On 1/2/2024 at 9:27 AM, Takayuki YAGI said: My friend in Australia once had a Kookaburra C/G and it was a beautiful and responsive instrument. I don't know if it's C/G, Bb/F or G/D, but I think you had better write down the key of your instrument. I suspect it is the same one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now