Lachenal English - Renovate or Run?

[Wrinkly1]

I'm looking at purchasing a vintage Lachenal English 48 concertina in an unrestored state. It is an early model and the seller (ex dealer/restorer) says it is in good condition 'for its age' with no broken reeds but flattened pads. Valves not leaking, bellows are air tight. There isn't the option to see a video or hear it being played... but potentially a valid reason for this. Person has other concertinas and accordions for sale. I don't have the option of travelling to view the concertina so it would have to be mailed.

 

So, my question is, should I run the other way or for the cost of a Chinese model is it worth a punt? If it turns out to be a disaster, how much would I expect to pay (UK) for a modest renovation to bring it up to a playable condition? Appreciate some guidance.

 

David

[Tiposx]

I am really sticking my neck out, but I would not buy it. I won't say too much more than that.

[Theo]

Speaking as a repairer, it’s not possible to give a cost for repair without examining the concertina.  I don’t understand what a “modest restoration”  would be,  it all depends on what is wrong and what work is required.  Bottom line is that restoration costs on the most basic old concertinas can easily exceed the value of the restored instrument. 

 

I’ve seen ebay items like this  where the seller gives vague but reassuring descriptions on instruments that are almost unplayable.  
 

if you have a cast iron right to return for a full refund it might be worth a punt, but otherwise no.
 

 

[Wrinkly1]

Thanks for the benefit of your wisdom folks, appreciate it. I'd pretty much come to the same conclusion and won't be pursuing. What a mine field this hobby appears to be! I'm musically 'keen', play some other instruments and would love to take up the concertina but put off by all the comments about cheap Chinese models with no longevity, or hit and miss quality. It leaves me with the impression that most of the new sub £1k concertinas are all flavours of the same standard components re-badged to fit a particular price point. How on earth does a novice choose what a 'good' investment is and at what price point an appropriate level of quality kicks in? 

 

The only reason I was looking at vintage was because of the recommendations of others on various forums but I guess it needs to be a guaranteed, renovated vintage model which probably equates to far too much money for someone wanting to dip a toe.

[Tiposx]

The best way is to meet some other E.C. players, they will be keen to let you try some concertinas out, and may know someone who has one for sale.  I personally know ec owners who have loaned out boxes so as to spread the word. Many players will have been burned by ebay experiences.

It might be an idea to disclose your county or town on here.

[Wrinkly1]

Thanks for that suggestion. I'm on the south coast (UK) near Portsmouth. The nearest group appears to be in Ringwood which is a bit of a hike for regular meetings (45 miles) but I've sent the organizer an email so we'll see if anything comes of that. They occasionally do education event days which would be good.

[RogerT]

Hi, if you want to discuss call or email me (at Jolly Roger Accordions). I'm near Andover, so not far from you. I agree with other advice…avoid. I do lots of work on 'tinas so might be able to advise.

Edited December 29, 2024 by RogerT

[RAc]

17 hours ago, Wrinkly1 said:

Thanks for that suggestion. I'm on the south coast (UK) near Portsmouth. The nearest group appears to be in Ringwood which is a bit of a hike for regular meetings (45 miles) but I've sent the organizer an email so we'll see if anything comes of that. They occasionally do education event days which would be good.

you should consult with Barleycorn, one of the most reputable dealers. If you do not want to travel to their store in Cheshire, they are present on most major folk and concertina events, so you can make appointments to meet there and try out the instruments you are interested in they have in stock.

[Theo]

20 hours ago, Wrinkly1 said:

Thanks for that suggestion. I'm on the south coast (UK) near Portsmouth. The nearest group appears to be in Ringwood which is a bit of a hike for regular meetings (45 miles) but I've sent the organizer an email so we'll see if anything comes of that. They occasionally do education event days which would be good.

Try West Country Concertina Players https://thewccp.org/programme

[Mike Franch]

Wrinkly1,  please don't be discouraged. There are reputable dealers and restorers, who should be able to accommodate you at a price you can afford--or if not, tell you that you should save up a little more because something decent will cost more. It would be helpful if they knew what kind of music you hoped to play.

 

Even modestly priced instruments can give a world of pleasure. I think a reputable dealer or restorer or a known member of this group would be able to sell you a modestly priced instrument that you'd be happy with.

[Paul_Hardy]

Unlike the other responses, I'm going to be devil's advocate, and say don't necessarily be afraid of picking up an old unrestored but working traditional instrument. That is provided it is at a low price, and you are willing to do some basic fixing and refurbishment yourself. Such a re-fettled old instrument can be perfectly useable for a beginner/improver, and much more responsive than a clunky modern cheap hybrid.

 

Remember, the traditional concertina was designed by a leading engineer, to be easily maintainable. Spare parts such as pads and springs are still pretty readily available (http://wheatstone.co.uk/wheatstone/spares-repairs/). Replacing those flattened pads requires no tools other than a screwdriver or two, a pair of pointed pliers, a toothpick, and a bottle of PVA adhesive (wood glue). Dave Elliot's Concertina Repair Manual is your invaluable guide to such work.

 

I'm not at all a professional restorer, but I have re-fettled and put back into circulation several such instruments, and have three out on loan to beginners at present. See https://pghardy.net/concertina/. Doing such work has taught me much about how concertinas work, and given me confidence to do basic maintenance of my own better instruments.