In the pipeline

This is an early-ish rosewood-ended Wheatstone baritone. It has brass reeds, but don't let that deter you... these are Wheatstone brass reeds, not the nasty gappy things you sometimes find in the less expensive Lachenals. It has a gorgeous warm tone, plus a resonance at the bottom end that suggests it might be rearranging your internal organs.

When I finally get round to it, I will be fitting new pads, valves, bushes and straps, refinishing the woodwork, and tuning to modern concert pitch.

Guide price: £2250

48-key Wheatstone baritone

I have long been an admirer of Lachenal's New Model. In my view it is generally under-rated and undervalued. In fact, I believe that the only thing an Edeophone does better is to roll off tables.

I do, however, have one small reservation: almost always, New Model bellows fail to open as fully as you might expect - and this one is no exception. That's why I intend to make and fit new "stretched hexagon" bellows. And when that is done, I'm pretty sure this will be one of the finest baritones that has ever passed through my hands.

Even in its present unrestored condition, with flattened pads and stiff, curly valves, it is obvious that it is blessed with a wonderfully responsive set of steel reeds. And although it lacks four of the highest notes compared with a 48-key, it does offer a window-rattling F in place of the low G# on the right-hand side.

Guide price: £3250

44-key Lachenal New Model baritone

If one of these instruments interests you, it can be moved to the front of the queue, to be ready for sale in a month or so. For more information, please email me via the Contact page, or call me on 01603 702644