Crabb Concertina 18442

[Stefoley]

I’m wondering if anyone can help with a bit of background on my Uncles Crabb concertina with serial number 18442. He purchased it from Crabbs in London in the late 60’s or early 70’s we think. Having had it serviced recently I have been told it’s an Anglo C/G and has a hook system.  

[David Barnert]

This will attract @Geoffrey Crabb’s attention. Maybe he can shed some light.

[Geoffrey Crabb]

Hi Stefoley

          From what limited records I have, 18442, a 30K Anglo, was made in February 1974.

The entry, annotated “Rebuild” suggests that it used some usable parts from an earlier instrument, (Make unknown?), so dilapidated that the amount of work required, time expended and the end result, warranted the Crabb Number.

Without closer, hands on examination it is not possible to comment much, it may be that the hook system action was from the donor instrument and reusable.

I would suspect that my dad would have replaced the reed tongues if the reed frames were re-used,

 

Geoff

[Joe G.]

Geoffrey,

Yesterday I took delivery of Crabb number 18444—just two numbers away from the one discussed above. It's a 40K Anglo made in 1974 with riveted action and aluminum shoes, but that's the extent of what I know about it. It's a lovely thing, in nearly-new condition. In fact, it looks and feels as if it's hardly been played at all in the fifty years since it was built, but I can't imagine not playing it. I'd like to know what else you can tell me about it, if anything. Did you have a hand in its making? 

Thanks!

Joe G.

 

 

[Geoffrey Crabb]

Hi Joe, Seasons Greetings,

             again little information but 18444, a Model 40 6AS, was made during April 1974. 

Unfortunately, I had no hand in the making, that being done by my Dad, Brother and John Conner who was with them at that time.

For my records can you say what keys it is in (C/G, G/D or other?)

 

Always a pleasure to hear of the whereabouts of Crabb instruments, thanks.

 

Geoff.

[Tomceolmhar]

Geoff, I have 18485, 40 key C/G anglo in mint condition. It is in Co Down, Ireland. Bought last year from a friend of mine in Derry. He in turn had purchased it some years ago from a woman who sold it to fund the building of a new bathroom! Lovely box, playing very well. Would be interested to know anything of it's origins. 

Regards,

Tom

IMG_7933.HEIC

[Joe G.]

Geoff,

Thanks for your response. Crabb #18444 is in C/G. It has wonderful tone and expression.

Joe G.

 

[Geoffrey Crabb]

Hi Tom, Thanks for your inquiry.

18485 was made during September 1975.

It was one of a batch of 3 C/G Model 6A, (184585/6/7) made for 'Magnet Music Corp', J/Berg, South Africa). 

I actually had a hand in making these.

Unfortunately, I could not open the attachment.  

 I wish you many hours of playing and a Happy Christmas.

 

Geoff

 

[Geoffrey Crabb]

14 minutes ago, Joe G. said:

Geoff,

Thanks for your response. Crabb #18444 is in C/G. It has wonderful tone and expression.

Joe G.

 

I have added the Keys to the number record. Thanks 

Geoff

[Tiposx]

I cannot open the attachment either.

[Stefoley]

Hi Geoff,

I just spotted that I don’t see my reply posted to your post! I had passed on the information and everyone were so delighted with the information you provided and especially to have a reply from your good self. The instrument has been in Dublin for most of its life since the 80’s with very little play. It then made its way to Athenry to me and will be in Chicago from next week to my niece. 
 

Best regards,

 

Stephen. 

[wes williams]

Attachment as a JPG:

 

[Geoffrey Crabb]

On 12/14/2024 at 11:00 PM, wes williams said:

Attachment as a JPG:

Thanks Wes

 

Noticed been retro-fitted with a Wheatstone hand rest/strap 

 

Geoff

Edited December 16, 2024 by Geoffrey Crabb

[Geoffrey Crabb]

On 12/14/2024 at 7:23 PM, Stefoley said:

Hi Geoff,

I just spotted that I don’t see my reply posted to your post! I had passed on the information and everyone were so delighted with the information you provided and especially to have a reply from your good self. The instrument has been in Dublin for most of its life since the 80’s with very little play. It then made its way to Athenry to me and will be in Chicago from next week to my niece. 
 

Best regards,

 

Stephen. 

Hope your niece enjoys.

Geoff

[hjcjones]

Geoff, you have previously informed me that my own instrument (18321) was also intended for South Africa. It appears that quite a few instruments made around then never made it out there. Can you shed any light on why this happened? Was it simply that if a customer came in looking for an instrument they would be sold whatever was in stock, even if it was part of an order?

[Geoffrey Crabb]

Hi Howard, it still amazes me how many Crabb instruments originally destined for foreign parts now, reportedly, appear somewhere else. So the short answer is, I do not know.

Sorry.

 

Geoff.

Happy Cristmas

 

[Clive Thorne]

I am having lessons from John Kirkpatrick at the moment. He tells me that he's been told that his Crabb was originally destined for South Africa.

[Geoffrey Crabb]

23 hours ago, Clive Thorne said:

I am having lessons from John Kirkpatrick at the moment. He tells me that he's been told that his Crabb was originally destined for South Africa.

 

Clive, thanks for posting. 

18264 Johns instrument, and 18265, were both made in 1968 and destined for SA, the latter being reported to me in 2014 as then being in America. Hopefully one can see how difficult to give definitive answers to some queries.

 

Please pass on my regards to John.

 

Geoff

 

 

Edited December 20, 2024 by Geoffrey Crabb