For sale now
Boyd Lachenal 48k treble
Harry Boyd was the proprietor of a Newcastle music store, who had instruments specially made for him by both Wheatstone and Lachenal. Such was his buying power, it is said, that he could insist that only the top reed-makers from both firms were allowed to work on his concertinas. The name 'H Boyd' was always designed into the fretwork on the right-hand side, and he also insisted that the 56k extended treble should be no bigger than the 48k treble.
You won't often find the Boyd name on a concertina, but when you do, you can be pretty sure that it will be one of the best of its kind. They are rare and justifiably sought-after, and this is, by some distance, the best example that has ever passed through my hands. The cosmetic appearance was so good that I have done nothing but clean and polish the ends and the woodwork. Apart from that, I have replaced pads, valves and straps, and tuned it to modern concert pitch.
Price: £1850
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A mouth-watering example of a metal-buttoned 38-key Jeffries! The ends have been beautifully re-plated and polished, and I have fitted it with new 7-fold gold-tooled bellows. In other words, this has been a no-expense-spared restoration, because the internal condition led me to believe it was worth it - and I have not been disappointed. The layout is more or less standard Jeffries (insofar as there is such a thing!), and it plays fast and loud, with that unmistakeable Jeffries tone.
I have replaced all pads, valves, bushes and straps, stripped and French polished the woodwork, and tuned the instrument to modern concert pitch.
If you're looking for a Bb/F, it could be quite a while before you see a better one.
Price: £4500
38-key Jeffries in Bb/F
SOLD
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Early 48k Wheatstone treble
This is a fine example of the kind of concertina that Wheatstone made in the early days (serial No:1855), when it was an instrument designed for the parlour rather than the concert hall. I'm selling it on behalf of a friend, who had it restored a few years ago by Mike Acott, and has hardly touched it since!
Mike fitted new pads, valves and straps, and tuned it to modern concert pitch. It has brass reeds, with a sweet, flutey tone. And because these are well-made Wheatstone reeds, not the nasty gappy things commonly found on lower-end Lachenals, it is satisfyingly responsive, which means that the original, admirably airtight 4-fold bellows are more than adequate.
This would be an ideal instrument for someone just testing the water - a decent concertina from a top maker, ready to play and enjoy straight out of the box. And all for little more than the cost of a cheap Chinese model with accordion reeds.
The owner is asking £550, but may be open to a sensible offer.
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