Kudos For Harold Herrington

[Jim Besser]

I pulled out my trusty square Herrington anglo recently for a foul-weather gig, and was reminded once again of its great qualities.

 

It doesn't sound as good as my vintage instrument and it's much heavier than my Morse G/D. Some other builders have come closer to a true concertina sound.

 

But...it plays as well as the day it arrived from Harold more than 6 years ago. In that time, it has never been serviced, despite some hard use and the inclement conditions not uncommon in Morris playing. The action remains great. It still looks superb, if unusual. It's not finicky. It has been dropped, bashed by dancers' sticks and played in parades in extremes of weather with no bad results.

 

Harold often seems to get overlooked when folks talk about modern hybrid instruments. That's a shame, since he was a pioneer and remains an amazing craftsman.

Edited May 28, 2006 by Jim Besser

[Samantha]

He's also very generous with his time and knowledge. A very nice man.

Samantha

[chainyanker]

Harold, lives about 30 minutes from me. never been to busy to help me out and has tried to answer my questions, no matter how foolish they midght of been. 2 thumbs up in my book.

Edited May 28, 2006 by chainyanker

[Frank Edgley]

Harold is not only a very smart man, but he is also a terrific person. We met at a "Squeeze-in" years ago (maybe 10), and have corresponded regularly. It was he who was responsible for me changing from a repairperson, to a builder. He has never remained satisfied with one particular design, but is always looking for a better way to do things. Harold has just never sought the spotlight by over-promoting himself.

A great man!

[Chris Timson]

I pulled out my trusty square Herrington anglo recently for a foul-weather gig, and was reminded once again of its great qualities.

I am under some pressure from Harold to return my square Herrington for a complete rebuild, because he has changed the action and he wants to make mine better. Now I have a Jeffries that gets most of my playing time, and a Morse that gets played for the Morris because it is so light. Nevertheless I wouldn't be without the square Herrington and it comes out of its box for playing regularly. The little beast has a charm all of its own.

 

Although we have never met (small matter of an ocean, don't ye know) we have spoken on the phone and corresponded by email. A true gentleman, and as Frank says, the true innovator behind much modern thinking on concertina design.

 

Chris

[Jim Besser]

HEre's a pic of Harold's handiwork.

[Dan Worrall]

I was away in Ireland and England the past few weeks and so missed this thread. I second and third all the above comments on Harold. I met him a few years ago, and he has been a regular trooper at our SW Squeeze-Ins in Palestine TX.

 

He also has given freely of his time in tutoring me in the art of concertina building the past year or so...quite a generous commitment of his time, as others who have benefitted similarly can attest. Here are two pictures: one of Harold surrounded by a bunch of concertina 'fixtures' we built during one several day session (these are various tools used to cut wooden concertina parts), and a second one of Harold with me toward the end of last year; we are both holding with pride my first finished concertina.

 

A real gentleman. As Jim mentioned, he is a true pioneer in the hybrid movement...I think he may have been the first to build one...and a superb engineering thinker.