Dipper County Clare C/g For Sale

[megmcd]

OK, I realize it's hard to believe this, but 7 years ago I bought a new Dipper concertina (from Lark in the Morning) with no idea how to play it, thinking that having a wonderful instrument would help me learn. As it turns out, even great tinwhistle talent does not necessarily transfer easily to playing the concertina! So I think this beautiful instrument deserves a more capable owner.

 

The concertina is a County Clare C/G with a 7-fold bellows, 32 keys (including the air button), and the Dipper hard case. It's in new condition except for a tiny bit of tarnish on the silver ends.

 

I'd like to get $4,300 U.S. (or the best offer--please see my notes below) plus shipping costs.

 

I live in the Seattle area if you'd like to arrange to try out the concertina or have a local friend test it for you.

 

ADDED THE NEXT DAY:

I received multiple offers for this instrument (some greater than the earlier lower asking price) in less than 12 hours, and a concertina professional advised me that my first asking price was too low. So now that I've already admitted I don't know how to play my concertina, I have to also admit that I didn't realize its value! My earlier asking price was less than what I paid for the Dipper, and I was advised that I should not lose money on this concertina. Another concertina-playing friend has pointed out that current pricing for this instrument includes a 2.5-year wait. So I hope you can forgive me for this, but I've revised my price to more closely match current pricing for Dipper County Clare concertinas.

 

UPDATE:

I have been offered $6,000. If anyone wants to offer more than that, could you please let me know by December 27? Thanks! (I'm trying to keep the auction period short to reduce the torture for the folks that want to buy the concertina.)

Edited December 24, 2003 by megmcd

[Craig Wagner]

I would like to buy your instrument... I'll send you a separate email to connect on the specifics. I do have a concertina friend in the Seattle area, and it would be good if he could hear it. I can send you a check shortly.

 

Thanks,

Craig

Edited December 20, 2003 by Craig Wagner

[megmcd]

As the saying goes, there's good and bad news--depending on your viewpoint.

 

First, thank you all so much for your incredibly generous offers to buy my concertina! It's great to know there are so many players out there. I wish there were more Dippers (and other great concertinas) so everyone who wants one could have one! (Maybe Colin could hire some elves?)

 

But as I was driving to meet a local buyer so he could test my concertina, I discovered that with every mile I was more certain I was doing the wrong thing by selling the instrument without trying harder to play it. It certainly didn't help that the young man I met plays concertina REALLY WELL (after only a year, he said!) and I'd like to sound like that! When my husband saw my face as the young man played, he realized (along with me) that maybe, even though we need the money, it would be better to hang onto the Dipper and give it another go. A very kind concertina-playing friend has offered me free lessons to see if I can get to the point where playing the concertina brings me the enjoyment it should. He says trying to learn on my own was probably the source of the trouble.

 

So I guess maybe this is sort of a Christmas story. Except I'm REALLY sorry if people are disappointed by my decision to hang onto my concertina for a while longer. I sure hope I can actually figure out how to play the thing!

[Dave Prebble]

Hi there,

 

sad news for the guy who wished to buy the magnificent beastie but he obviously plays well and is already a total addict.

 

The good news is that we are welcoming another lost soul into the fold.....You!

 

Act now while you are 'fired up' and work hard for a while to learn and you will never regret it. With a little encouragement, it really does not take long to get to the stage of really enjoying what you are playing

 

Do keep in touch with the guys here, you will find all are most happy to help out.

 

God Bless and Happy Christmas.

 

Dave

 

to the guy who 'missed out' my thoughts are with you......I've been there too!

Dave

[Greg Jowaisas]

I was an early responder to a possibly great buy. I like the ending to this Christmas concertina story better than the one I originally had in mind!

 

Give it a good try, Meg! Best of luck.

 

Greg

[Chris Timson]

Speaking as the owner of a Dipper, you've done the right thing. As I've said elsewhere, concertina players are already winners in the lottery of life, and Dipper owners have got one of the star prizes.

 

Have fun, you will!

 

Chris

 

Edit to add PS: Colin and Rosalie Dipper are charming people. If ever you get the chance you have to meet them.

Edited December 26, 2003 by Chris Timson

[Helen]

Oh Meg,

 

I am so happy you decided to give it a go. Lots of luck to you. Go slow, enjoy, be kind to yourself.

 

This is such a nice ending to your story. Well ending to the selling part, but just the beginning to the playing and enjoying part.

 

Stay with this forum and do some postings on the other parts to let us know how you are coming along. And if anyone can give you some help.

 

Yippee.

 

Helen