Metal Ends On Lachenals

[Mike Pierceall]

I've noticed two different styles of metal ends on Lachenals -- one in which the metal fretwork is recessed and fastened by a dedicated set of screws to the ends -- and the other in which the metal fretwork overlays the ends and is fastened to the ends by the end bolts themselves. Can these differences be used as a method of dating Lachenals, or were both styles available concurrently?

[Stephen Chambers]

Can these differences be used as a method of dating Lachenals, or were both styles available concurrently?

'Fraid not, they only reflect a difference in price. the "to the edge" construction being significantly cheaper than the "recessed inside" one (which requires a lot more work).

[Mike Pierceall]

Can these differences be used as a method of dating Lachenals, or were both styles available concurrently?

'Fraid not, they only reflect a difference in price. the "to the edge" construction being significantly cheaper than the "recessed inside" one (which requires a lot more work).

Thank you, Stephen. Much obliged. Mike

[Mike Pierceall]

Can these differences be used as a method of dating Lachenals, or were both styles available concurrently?

'Fraid not, they only reflect a difference in price. the "to the edge" construction being significantly cheaper than the "recessed inside" one (which requires a lot more work).

Thank you, Stephen. Much obliged. Mike

Stephen, an interesting, perhaps clever bit of marketing on Lachenal's part --on their 1930 price list:

 

"Special note. All our models can now be supplied with Nickel Tops moulded to the edge if desired instead of being let in to an Ebony or Rosewood moulding. No extra charge."

 

Can this be proof that less is equal, or can it be assumed that there was an advantage to the nickel tops moulded to the edge? Mike

[Stephen Chambers]

Stephen, an interesting, perhaps clever bit of marketing on Lachenal's part --on their 1930 price list:

 

"Special note. All our models can now be supplied with Nickel Tops moulded to the edge if desired instead of being let in to an Ebony or Rosewood moulding. No extra charge."

Mike,

 

A "clever bit of marketing on Lachenal's part" sounds about right, though let me explain a little more:

 

Normally "to the edge" fretwork was only used for cheaper instruments, so it would be of a simpler design and easier to cut. Hence there would be a triple cost saving, in this as well as in not having to fold over the edges of the metal to screw it inside the woodwork, and in not having to make a moulded ebony frame for it. However the saving would be less if cutting "best" fretwork in a "to the edge" end, and it might probably be a "one off" end rather than part of a "batch" too, so more expensive again to produce than a simpler end for a batch of cheaper models.

 

 

Can this be proof that less is equal, or can it be assumed that there was an advantage to the nickel tops moulded to the edge? Mike

If the concertina is handled roughly, then "to the edge" fretwork can give more protection to the instrument's edges, and therefore be seen as "stronger", but it doesn't have such a "quality" appearance.

[Mike Pierceall]

Thank you, Stephen. Illuminating as usual.