B Barr Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 Hello everyone. I've made my first purchase: Lachenal English Concertina off eBay I am a pretty experienced musician (Bagpiper - GHB & Scottish pipes, Guitar, Mandolin) and have always loved that breathy, harmonius tone of the concertina. Im hoping I know what Im getting into. I have purchased Dave Elliott's Maintenance Manual and have bookmarked a fair number of websites with advice info. The seller emailed me info about this particular Lachenal so I must assume (it aint arrived yet ) it won't be junk. I have no fear about taking the slow course for restoring it. I have found numerous websites with spare parts (e.g. concertina-spares.com) I'm hoping that folks here will be able to advise me and have patience with a Newbie. Hoping to be a great concertinist someday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jim Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 Hello friend- I'm the gent you outbid on that one. Obviously it will need some help, but barring anything really surprising "under the hood," I think you will do well with it. I don't know your plans, but I was considering making a set of thin German Silver end plates (with appropriate fretwork), to restore function and appearance to the existing broken ends. Of course you may find them quite easily glued up with a bit of reinforcement inside and fabrication of the missing fretwork elements. I wish you every success, and I hope you'll post some photos of your progress. Cheers... "1911smithy" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Barr Posted January 16, 2007 Author Share Posted January 16, 2007 Well I must admit your very gracious in your loss. I hope you will find another one in better condition and at the right price. I like your plans as I too was contemplating an upgrade to the end pieces. I have a friend in the model railroad business who does laser cutting. I haven't contacted him about this job, but he certainly can cut any design I need on up to 10mm thick wood. Do you access to machinery to cut your metal ends? I understand metal will increase the sound of the instrument although I only speaking from what I have read. Good Luck my friend. I consider you a real gentleman Jim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jim Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 Hello Brian- PM sent... Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Timson Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 I understand metal will increase the sound of the instrument although I only speaking from what I have read. To be precise, it doesn't increase the volume, but it can emphasise certain higher harmonics to make the sound shriller and so more able to "cut through" the sound of other instruments. To some this is desirable, to others, less so. Cheers, Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Barr Posted January 19, 2007 Author Share Posted January 19, 2007 Thanks for the clarification Chris. It makes sense that the metal would have a different harmonic quality from wood. I guess wood shouldnt really make the sound quieter but would mellow the high notes. Obviously my assumptions are completely un-scientifically based! I'm still waiting to receive the instrument but will report to all about its condition and various other discoveries. I hope I'm not too boring as I'd guess old concertinas may be nothing new to the crowd here. It's my first! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Barr Posted January 23, 2007 Author Share Posted January 23, 2007 Well my new/old Lachenal English arrived today. It is in great shape considering it's around 85 years old! This will be my last post in this thread as I will probably move over to the 'Repair' forum for my questions. Here is a rundown on this baby. Bellows: No leaks I could detect and the leather is pliable. Papers are nice and it doesnt appear to have had much use. Im puzzled by only 4-folds but since I assume this instrument was probably a 'student' model maybe it was for a younger player? Keys: All look very nice (none broken or loose) but the bushings must be shot as they all have too much horizontal movement in my opinion. Reeds: Only tried push and pull on each key - no internal inspection or tuning until I get it home tonite. Every reed except the Left hand F makes a sound. Some sound a bit wheezy or weak but it may be my tenderness not wanting to mash the bellows too much. Fretwork: Well the pictures pretty much tell that story. It can likely be repaired with some gentle patience. My final verdict is that there are still good instuments out there not in the hands of players, dealers or the unscrupulous antique speculator. I'm hoping to restore this instrument and try teaching myself. Wish me luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Timson Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 Wish me luck! Good luck! Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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