Last updated 22 December 2003

Cumulative entries to last date: 149

What’s New Archives
for the Concertina Library, 2003

Directory

22 December 2003

atlas-regondis-golden-exercise Signor Alsepti and “Regondi’s Golden Exercise”
by Allan Atlas
Discussion and explanation with new fingering of a celebrated excercise from James Alsepti's English tutor, published by Lachenal c. 1895, with the explanation “The following exercise, which has never before been published, was taught to Signor Alsepti by Regondi. It is very difficult for all instruments, especially the Concertina, and to thoroughly master it with the correct fingering &c. will enable the Pupil to play passages in all keys.”. As published in Concertina World 426 supplement (2003) pp. 1-8.
Posted 22 December 2003
» read full article
alsepti-patent-1885 Improvements in Concertinas (1885)
by James Alsepti and Richard Ballinger
British Patent No. 8290 of 1885, Provisional Specification (08 July 1885) and Complete Specification (08 April 1886) with two figures. 5 pages. The “bowing valve” patent. These valves were for English concertinas, providing a feature not present in the Wheatstone designs, and were promoted by Lachenal.
Posted 22 December 2003
» read full article in pdf

01 October 2003

atlas-contemplating Contemplating the Concertina: An Historically-Informed Tutor for the English Concertina
by Allan Atlas
This is the first tutor for the English concertina intended specifically for intermediate and advanced players. It is written with an eye toward both the history of the instrument and how it has been played since Victorian times. Examples and exercises include music—both “classical” and “folk”—from the seventeenth century to the present day. Chapters deal with holding the instrument (with illustrations), manipulating the bellows (the most extensive discussion in print), single-note technique, and playing chords and contrapuntal textures. Published by The Button Box, Amherst, Massachusetts, from whom it can be ordered over the web.
Posted 01 October 2003
» go to website

15 September 2003

atlas-george-gissings-concertina George Gissing's Concertina
by Allan W. Atlas
Considers the ways in which the late-Victorian novelist George Gissing used the concertina as a prop in a number of novels and short stories. As published in The Journal of Musicology, XVII no. 2 (Spring 1999) 304-318.
Posted 15 September 2003
» read full article in pdf
csfri-site Center for the Study of Free-Reed Instruments
by Allan Atlas
The CSFRI, part of the Doctoral Program in Music at the Graduate Center, City University of New York, is a resource for the scholarly study of all free-reed instruments (sheng, harmonica, accordion, etc.) and contains much of interest to concertinists. The site has news of upcoming concerts, and a listing of books, articles, recordings, and research material available at the Center's archives. CSFRI published The Free-Reed Journal (four volumes, 1999–2003), and now co-publishes the Papers of the International Concertina Association (PICA) with the ICA (2004–  ).

Search CSFRI powered by Microsoft
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
maccann-champion-of-america Professor Maccann: “America’s Champion Concertinist”
by Robert Gaskins
“PROFESSOR MACCANN, the celebrated concertinist, has brought back with him from America a fine medal, which became his property by a rival musician, Amducas Vestman, failing to meet the Professor in a concertina contest for the championship and $300. ...” From The Era newspaper, London, 2 May 1891.
Posted 01 June 2003
» read full article
braun-crane-recordings Kurt Braun's Crane Duet Recordings
by Kurt Braun
MP3 recordings of Kurt Braun playing his Crane Duet, Crabb #10555, an instrument made in 1950 by Henry Crabb for his own use.
Posted 15 August 2003
» go to website

01 September 2003

atlas-regondi-two-letters Giulio Regondi: Two Newly Discovered Letters
by Allan W. Atlas
Although Giulio Regondi was the foremost virtuoso of the English concertina, much about his life and career remains obscure. Two previously unnoticed letters deserve our attention. As published in The Free-Reed Journal, 4 (2002) 70-84.
Posted 01 September 2003
» read full article in pdf
Hayden-GB-Patent-No-2131592 Arrangements of Notes on Musical Instruments (1986)
by Brian Hayden
British Patent No. GB2131592, 1986. 14 figures, 17 pages. This was an independent re-discovery of the system that had been patented by Kaspar Wicki ninety years earlier. "Various arrangements of touches on Musical Keyboards previously evolved are detailed … . The present invention places notes on musical instruments along several adjacent paths … . Keyboards for Organs, Accordions, and in particular Concertinas are described in greater detail … ." [from the Application]. Date Filed: 02.12.1982; Patent Granted with effect from 20.08.1986; Date of Last Renewal: 29.11.1989; Date Not in Force: 02.12.1990; Patent Ceased on 02.12.1990. [Patents Register Entry, UK Patent Office]
Posted 01 September 2003
» read full document in pdf

15 August 2003

atlas-homepage Free-Reed Renaissance
by Allan Atlas
Directory of contributions by Allan Atlas.
Posted 15 August 2003
» go to directory
atlas-collins-countfosco Collins, Count Fosco, and the Concertina
by Allan W. Atlas
The Victorian novelist Wilkie Collins had a very definite model in mind for Count Fosco in The Woman in White: the virtuoso concertinist Giulio Regondi. As published in Wilkie Collins Society Journal, N.S. 2 (1999) 56-61. The same article is available in PDF format reproducing the published article.
Posted 15 August 2003
» read full article
» read full article in pdf
lawrence-regondi-in-ireland Giulio Regondi in Ireland
by Thomas Lawrence
New information about Giulio Regondi, guitarist and concertinist, who performed on Wheatstone’s patent concertina in Ireland as early as 1834, the earliest reference to the concertina in the British Isles. In PaGes [University College, Dublin, postgraduate students in the Faculty of Arts] 6 (1999), on the web at http://www.ucd.ie/pages/99/articles/lawrence.pdf.
Posted 15 August 2003
» go to website
hayden-all-systems-duet-workshop All-Systems Duet Workshop Tutor
by Brian Hayden
Tutor for a workshop on how to play duet concertinas of all systems. Begins with notation, fingering, and chords for Maccann Duets, Jeffries Duets, Crane (Triumph) Duets, and Hayden Duets. Tunes of progressive difficulty, with increasing number of notes and then in keys with increasing numbers of accidentals, all written in notation based on the treble clef. Notes on chord patterns and on strategies for melody and accompaniment applicable to all systems of duet concertina. Presented to The West Country Concertina Players, 1994. 20 pages.
Posted 15 August 2003
» read full document in pdf

01 July 2003

macann-in-plymouth-1880s Professor Maccann Performs in Plymouth
by Robert Gaskins
Extended review of a concert presented by Professor Maccann at the Plymouth Mechanics’ Institute “on an instrument which he has just patented,” from the Western Figaro newspaper, Plymouth, 27 February 1885.
Posted 01 July 2003
» read full article

15 June 2003

hopkinson-cornell-re-reuben-shaw Memoirs of a Concertina-Playing Man: Reuben Shaw
as told to Phil Hopkinson, with an introduction by David Cornell
Memoirs of a player, a teacher, a link with the great British concertina tradition, and a fine story teller, who has played the Maccann Duet concertina for over fifty years. Reprinted from Concertina & Squeezebox, issue 29 (1993), pp. 12-17. Posted to honor Reuben Shaw’s 90th birthday, and to commemorate his appearance at the English Country Music Weekend at High Bradfield, Nr Sheffield, UK, 20-22 June 2003.
Posted 15 June 2003
» read full article in pdf

01 June 2003

maccann-in-america Prof. Maccann’s North American Tour (1890–1891)
by Robert Gaskins
Newspaper theatrical notices from the Brooklyn (New York) Daily Eagle describe John Hill Maccann’s appearances at Hyde and Behman’s Variety Theater, Brooklyn, in November 1890 and February 1891. Updated 22 December 2003: added a notice from the New York Times for 27 January 1891, during the same North American tour.
Posted 01 June 2003
» read full article

15 May 2003

stanley-tutor-evans Stanley Manuscript Maccann Duet Tutor
by Henry Stanley
One of a number of similar manuscript tutors for the Maccann Duet Concertina written by Henry Stanley for his private pupils. Exercises, scales, chords, tunes of graduated difficulty, tips on technique. Hand written on music paper, 41 pages. This copy belongs to Richard Evans.
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelists-wheatstone Wheatstone Concertina Pricelists
collected by Chris Algar
A large collection of pricelists issued by C. Wheatstone & Co., mostly found in old concertina cases without further identification. From internal evidence it is possible to date the lists c. 1915 to c. 1965 (plus one very early pricelist dated 1848, from the collection of the Horniman Museum, and a list published as an advertisement in a trade directory in 1859). These lists contain information about Wheatstone model numbers and descriptions which are useful to interpret the Wheatstone Concertina Ledgers.
Posted 15 May 2003
» go to directory
pricelists-wheatstone-english Wheatstone English Concertina Pricelists
collected by Chris Algar
Most of these pricelists were found in old concertina cases. From internal evidence it is possible to date the lists c. 1915 to c. 1965 (plus one very early pricelist dated 1848, from the collection of the Horniman Museum, and a list published as an advertisement in a trade directory in 1859). These lists contain information about Wheatstone model numbers and descriptions which are useful to interpret the Wheatstone Concertina Ledgers. See also Duet pricelists from Wheatstone. See also Anglo pricelists from Wheatstone.
Posted 15 May 2003
» go to directory
pricelist-wh-english-1915 Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1915
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1915 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-1918 Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1918
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1918 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-1920 Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1920
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1920 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-1925 Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1925
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1925 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-1929 Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1929
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1929 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-1930 Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1930
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1930 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-1931 Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1931
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1931 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-1935 Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1935
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1935 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-1935-us Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1935 (US Dollar)
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1935 by internal evidence. (Apparently a reprint of the c. 1935 UK pricelist with the London address removed and prices changed throughout from sterling to dollars.)
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-1952-us Wheatstone English Pricelist circa 1952
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English concertinas. Dated c. 1952 by internal evidence. (Prices in sterling and in U.S. dollars.)
Posted 15 May 2003
» read full document in pdf

15 April 2003

horniman-wheatstone-concertina-ledgers Wheatstone Concertina Ledgers on the Web
by the Horniman Museum
Historical business records from C. Wheatstone & Co. are held at the Library of the Horniman Museum in London. The earliest ledgers from the Wayne Archives contain company sales records from the late 1830s to the 1860s (though with some large gaps) along with production records from the 1860s to the 1890s and some early records of wages and other payments. Later ledgers from the Dickinson Archives contain production records from 1910 to 1974, again with some gaps. All known ledgers have been digitized (some 2,300 pages in total) and made available free on this website for private research.

Search Wheatstone Concertina Ledgers powered by Microsoft
Posted 15 April 2003; Updated 15 June 2005
» go to website

01 April 2003

merris-bibliography Instruction Manuals for the English, Anglo, and Duet Concertina: An Annotated Bibliography
by Randall C. Merris
A comprehensive bibliography with more than 200 citations for concertina tutors that were published from the 1840s to the present. Separate sections deal with English, Anglo, and Duet tutors. The annotations contain considerable historical material on concertina makers, authors and teachers, performers, and publishers in the UK, US, and elsewhere. The web version incorporates citations for tutors that have appeared or were located subsequent to the original publication (about 35 more by 2005) and adds over 100 scanned photographs of tutor covers. A number of the tutors are available scanned in full on this website, and these are indicated in the entries. The original publication was in The Free-Reed Journal 4 (2002): 85-118, and a PDF version of the printed article is also available online.
Posted 01 April 2003; last updated 31 August 2005
» read full article
» read Part 1, "English Concertina"
» read part 2, "Anglo Concertina"
» read part 3, "Duet Concertina"
» read original article (without updates) in pdf"
button-box-site The Button Box
by Richard Morse
The Button Box is a comprehensive dealer, and a leading source in the USA for new concertinas (especially its own R. Morse “Albion” English and “Céilí” Anglo) and vintage instruments, plus books, CDs, videos, and accessories. Services include rentals, purchases, consignments, and appraisals. The Button Box workshop is widely trusted to handle the restoration and repair of fine old concertinas. Organizers of the annual Northeast Squeeze-In Festival.

Search The Button Box powered by Microsoft
Posted 01 April 2003
» go to website
don-nichols-site DoN. Nichols’s Home Page
by DoN Nichols
Personal webpages about many concertina-related topics, but mostly about English concertinas, with an extensive commentary on their internal construction (illustrated with many photographs and diagrams of parts), and with some detailed information about tuning and maintenance. There are keyboard diagrams for English and for some Duet concertina systems, and a number of informative contributed articles on concertina history and miscellany.

Search DoN Nichols’s Homepage powered by Microsoft
Posted 01 April 2003
» go to website
ica-site International Concertina Association
by ICA
The ICA was founded fifty years ago as a club for Duet and English concertina players meeting in London. Over the years it has taken in members from throughout the UK including Anglo players, and more recently has used the internet to become at last as international as its name. The site includes lists of the ICA’s music library and document archive, from which copies are available to members only. New members are very welcome from any part of the world!

Search ICA powered by Microsoft
Posted 01 April 2003
» go to website
merris-homepage New Essays on Concertina History
by Randall C. Merris
Directory of contributions by Randall C. Merris.
Posted 01 April 2003
» go to directory
williams-homepage Concertina History Resources
by Wes Williams
Directory of contributions by Wes Williams.
Posted 01 April 2003
» go to directory

15 February 2003

maccann-new-method-tutor New Method of Instructions for the New Chromatic Duet English Concertina ... &c.
by John Hill Maccann
Maccann’s own tutor, first published 1885 by Lachenal. Cover reads in part: "New Method of Instructions for the New Chromatic Duet English Concertina, with separate diagrams of keyboards and full instructions of proper fingering, so arranged that without a knowledge of music the instrument can be easily mastered ... Suitable for the 39, 47, or 56 Keyed Instrument. By J. H. Maccann, (Professor of the Duet English Concertina)." First edition, London: Lachenal & Co., 1885. 43 pages. Trim size 10 inches by 13 inches. Updated 01 July 2003: Fourth edition (date unknown), the cover of which reads in part "Suitable for the 39, 46 or 55 Keyed Instrument." 4th Edition. 43 pages. This copy was provided by Bradley Strauchen, Deputy Keeper of Musical Instruments at the Horniman Museum.
Posted 15 February 2003; last updated 01 July 2003
» (1st ed.) read full document in pdf
» (4th ed.) read full document in pdf
pricelists-wheatstone-duet Wheatstone Duet Concertina Pricelists
collected by Chris Algar
Most of these pricelists were found in old concertina cases. From internal evidence it is possible to date the lists c. 1910 to c. 1965 (plus one very early pricelist for Double duets c. 1850). These lists contain information about Wheatstone model numbers and descriptions which are useful to interpret the Wheatstone Concertina Ledgers. See also English pricelists from Wheatstone. See also Anglo pricelists from Wheatstone.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to directory
pricelist-wh-duet-anglo-1910 Wheatstone Duet and Anglo Pricelist circa 1910
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for Duet and Anglo concertinas. Dated c. 1910 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-duet-1915 Wheatstone Duet Pricelist circa 1915
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for Duet concertinas. Dated c. 1915 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-duet-1920 Wheatstone Duet Pricelist circa 1920
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for Duet concertinas. Dated c. 1920 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-duet-1925 Wheatstone Duet Pricelist circa 1925
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for Duet concertinas. Dated c. 1925 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-duet-1934 Wheatstone Duet Pricelist circa 1934
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for Duet concertinas. Dated c. 1934 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-duet-1936 Wheatstone Duet Pricelist circa 1936
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for Duet concertinas. Dated c. 1936 by internal evidence. (A modified copy of the c. 1934 pricelist, including mention of the incorporation of Lachenal & Co.)
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-anglo-duet-1950 Wheatstone English, Anglo, and Duet Pricelist circa 1950
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English, Anglo, and Duet concertinas. Dated c. 1950 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelist-wh-english-anglo-duet-1956 Wheatstone English, Anglo, and Duet Pricelist circa 1956
collected by Chris Algar
Wheatstone & Co. list of models and prices for English, Anglo, and Duet concertinas. Dated c. 1956 by internal evidence.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
pricelists-wheatstone-anglo Wheatstone Anglo Concertina Pricelists
collected by Chris Algar
Most of these pricelists were found in old concertina cases. From internal evidence it is possible to date the lists c. 1910 to c. 1965. These lists contain information about Wheatstone model numbers and descriptions which are useful to interpret the Wheatstone Concertina Ledgers. See also English pricelists from Wheatstone. See also Duet pricelists from Wheatstone.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to directory
jeffries-maccann-chords-tutor Maccann Duet Chords Tutor Manuscript
from Robert Gaskins
A polished 76-page manuscript “chords tutor” found in the case of a matching 57-key Maccann Duet made by C. Jeffries Maker, 23 Praed St. The instrument and the tutor are dated c. 1915. This may have been a “semi-bespoke” tutor included with the instrument when it was originally sold. Unlike the much later Jeffries System manuscript tutor (c. 1960) written with a biro (ballpoint pen) in very rough style, this much-longer document was written with a split pen and is very carefully finished.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
gaskins-jeffries-maccann-no-6-pics Photographs of Jeffries Maccann Duet Concertina, serial No. 6
by Robert Gaskins
Photographic documentation of a Jeffries Maccann Duet, serial No. 6, 57 keys, c. 1915. Marked on the right with an oval engraved C. Jeffries Maker, 23 Praed St. Raised metal ends, some construction details in common with Jeffries anglos such as linear reed chambers. Its matching manuscript chords tutor is also reproduced on this website. 54 photographs.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article
merris-back-to-future Back to the Future: De Ville’s The Concertina and How to Play It and Other Tutors
by Randall C. Merris
Paul de Ville's tutor (1905) is one of the most widely available sources of basic instruction and tunes for the Anglo concertina. It has links to both earlier and later periods; most of its tunes and other material were taken from earlier publications, and most of its contents reappeared seventy years later in a tutor which is still available for purchase.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article
williams-hayden-chat A Chat with Brian Hayden
by Wes Williams
Brian Hayden was interviewed in 2001 about his background, his invention of the Hayden System, his views on other duet systems, and his suggestions for learning and playing the duet concertina. Contains keyboard diagrams for nine duet systems: the Early Wheatstone Duett, Early Wheatstone Double, Maccann, Jeffries, Crane (Triumph), Linton, Rust ("Piano"), Late Wheatstone Chidley, and Hayden. (There is also a PDF version of the article.) Also published at concertina.net.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article
» read full article in pdf
warren-double-wheatstone-tutor Instructions for the Double Concertina
by Joseph Warren (C. Wheatstone & Co.)
A complete tutor for the Double duet, with an introduction devoted to the theory of the keyboard arrangement and the leveraging of patterns among key signatures. Published by Wheatstone & Co., deposited at the British Museum 28 July 1855. 27 pages. Printed in large format, trim size 9.5 inches by 14 inches.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
gaskins-double-no-23-pics Photographs and Description of Wheatstone Double duet concertina, serial No. 23
by Robert Gaskins
Photographic documentation of very early Double duet (1847-1848). This No. 23 has only 45 keys, smaller than the 57-key size which is shown in the tutor or the 67-key size exemplified by Danny Chapman's No. 14. It contains an original additional baffle to reduce the volume of the bass side. 34 photographs.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article
duett-wheatstone-tutor Instructions for Performing on Wheatstone's Patent Duett Concertina
by Anonymous (C. Wheatstone & Co.)
From page 2: "Many persons having formed opinions very prejudicial to the Concertina, in consequence of mistaking for the original, an imitation called the German Concertina, the public is informed that, the so called instrument is totally different (with the exception of the exterior) ... ." Published by Wheatstone & Co., deposited at the British Museum 28 July 1855. 21 pages. Trim size 6.5 inches by 10 inches.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
gaskins-duett-no-64-pics Photographs of Wheatstone Duett duet concertina, serial No. 64
by Robert Gaskins
Photographic documentation of an excellently-preserved example of the Early Wheatstone Duett instruments from the 1850s, forerunners of the later Maccann Duet. 46 photographs.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article
duett-advert-1856mar13 Early Advertisement for the Duett Concertina (1856)
by C. Wheatstone & Co.
An early London advertisement for the Duett system duet concertina. Daily News (London), No. 3064, Thursday, 13 March, 1856, page 1, column 5 (entire page). “The Patent Duet Concertina, £1 11s. 6d, and £2 2s., with mahogany box. This novel instrument comprises two separate concertinas connected to play duets or melodies with an accompaniment. It is also admirably suited to the voice, and combines results not to be obtained in any instrument of the description. Tutor and seven books of airs for ditto, 2s. each. Inventors, WHEATSTONE & Co., patentees of the concertina, as used by the most celebrated performers at the public concerts, 20, Conduit-street, Regent-street.”
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
wilston-bulstrode-crane-tutor Crane's Patent English Combination Concertina Tutor
by H. Wilston-Bulstrode
The earliest tutor for Crane-system duets, published for Crane's of Liverpool. Contains key diagrams for instruments from 35 keys to 55 keys, theory, exercises, and a number of tunes. Published by Lachenal & Co., c. 1896. 54 pages. From the introduction: “Crane's Patent English Combination Concertina has already won for itself a name among the best-known masters of the instrument. Its capacity of execution, sweetness of tone and adaptability for Harmonic combinations, taken with the striking ease with which it may be learnt, even by the least gifted musicians, must in due time cause it to be generally regarded as the leading Concertina in the market, a position which Messrs Crane & Sons Ltd. unhesitatingly claim for it.”
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
butterworth-crane-patent-1896 Improvements in English Concertinas (1896)
by John Butterworth
British Patent No. 21,730, Provisional Specification, (28 September 1896), and Complete Specification (29 June 1897), with two figures. 3 pages. The patent describing the “Crane” (or “Triumph”) duet concertina system. Crane & Sons Ltd. were large musical instrument manufacturers in Liverpool. The system was adopted by the Salvation Army under the name “Triumph” from 1912, and eventually Wheatstone was claiming it was because of “the disposition of the keys being more suited to the playing of sacred music”.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article
jeffries-system-chords-tutor Jeffries Manuscript “Tutor” for Jeffries System Duet
by Anonymous (Jeffries Bros.?)
Undated manuscript (possibly as late as 1959) showing fingering and chords for a Jeffries System Duet, apparently made by the Jeffries company. The document is fashioned from a notebook with pages cut so that the keyboard diagrams can remain static at the top while partial pages of chords and instructions for various keys can be turned below. Unlike the early Jeffries Maccann manuscript tutor (c. 1910) written with a split pen and very finished, this document is written with a biro (ballpoint pen) indicating a much later date, and is very rough. Manuscript now in the collection of the Horniman Museum, London (Item CM C1080). The notebook is at present contained in an envelope along with a letter from Thomas Jeffries dated 1959 which may or may not be related.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
clapp-jeffries-interesting A Jeffries Duet—Interesting Instruments
by Polly Clapp
“The initial response of anybody picking up a Jeffries Duet for the first time, or indeed looking at a keyboard diagram, is bewilderment that anyone could ever learn to play such a system. There seems to be no obvious logic, unlike the other duet systems, and the keyboard is often likened to a typewriter! However, astute anglo players will soon realise that there are similarities betwen the Jeffries Duet and the Anglo.” [From the article.] As published in Concertina Magazine (Australia), 12 (Autumn 1985), pp 2-4.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article in pdf
inglis-history-of-duet History of the Duet Concertina
by Phil Inglis
When it was written, this was the only survey article on the subject, plus some anecdotes. The last twenty years have produced some additional information. As published in Concertina Magazine (Australia), 12 (Autumn, 1985): 18-19, 13 (Winter, 1985): 18-20, 14 (Spring 1985): 11-13.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article in pdf
hayden-hayden-system The Hayden System
by Brian Hayden
Hayden's early (1983) account of the advantages of the Hayden system, stressing the ease of forming chords in any key and of transposing. As published in Concertina Magazine (Australia) 8 (Autumn, 1984): 4-8.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article in pdf
hayden-keyboard-system The Hayden Concertina Keyboard System
by Brian Hayden
Hayden's report on early manufacturing issues and adjustments made for the Dickinson Wheatstone production. As published in Concertina Magazine (Australia) 15 (Summer 1986): 11-14.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full article in pdf
wheatstone-fingering-systems Fingering Systems of the “Wheatstone” Concertina
by C. Wheatstone & Co.
A leaflet showing the four concertina systems made by Wheatstone in the late 1950s: English, Anglo, Chidley duet, and Crane/Triumph duet. As was Wheatstone’s invariable practise, the Chidley system is called simply the “Wheatstone Duet” (as the Maccann system had also been styled previously), and there is no mention of the fact that the keyboard layout has been changed—apart from the evidence of the keyboard diagram. The printing is apparently before 1956, but this copy was issued with overstamping dating from at least 1959. Collected by Chris Algar.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read full document in pdf
lachenal-tutor-list Concertina Tutor List
by Lachenal & Co.
A single page from Lachenal & Co. including “Instruction Book for the Duet Concertina, by Professor Maccann” offered at 2 shillings. Collected by Chris Algar.
Posted 15 February 2003
» read entire document in pdf
merris-cases Concertina Cases: New is Often Better
by Randall C. Merris
Praise abounds for vintage concertinas—e.g., Wheatstones, Jeffries, Crabbs, and the best-grade Lachenals and Jones—but does not extend to their cases. At best, the vintage case may be impractical. At worst, it may have negative value, because improper use may damage the concertina inside.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
williams-timeline-snippets A Timeline of Snippets of Concertina History
by Wes Williams
Facts about concertina history and brief self-explanatory clippings arranged in a timeline. This arrangement frequently gives insight into dating instruments or archival materials through their internal evidence.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
williams-concertina-history The Concertina History Resource
by Wes Williams
This site (still early in its development) contains historical information about concertinas and concertina makers. A timeline helps to organize information about the changes of name and address among the major makers as bits of data are discovered. One use for this information is to help in answering the question “when was my concertina made?” which is very difficult to answer for most makers.

Search Concertina History Resource powered by Microsoft
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
wheatstone-and-co-site C. Wheatstone & Co.
by Steve Dickinson
Professor Sir Charles Wheatstone’s original patent concertina manufactory, still in business and on the web. After many difficulties following World War II, the business was bought in 1975 by Steve Dickinson, who succeeded in restoring its pre-war reputation for making the finest-quality instruments. The site lists the current prices for Duets, Englishes, and Anglos, but potential purchasers also need to inquire about the waiting list—recently several years long.

Search C. Wheatstone & Co. powered by Microsoft
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
horniman-site Horniman Museum
the Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum in London is home to the largest collection of concertinas (more than 600 instruments) and much related archival research material. A photographic directory of concertinas in the collection is available on the site. The Wheatstone Concertina Ledgers at the Museum have been digitized and are online at a separate website.

Search Horniman Museum powered by Microsoft
Posted 15 April 2003
» go to website
chapman-double-no-14 Photographs of Wheatstone Double Concertina No. 14
by Danny Chapman
A very early duet (1845-1846), in the largest size known for a Wheatstone Double duet.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
robertshaw-jeffries-page Keyboard Diagrams for Jeffries System Duet
by Nick Robertshaw
Diagrams of the note assignments on a 51-key Jeffries system duet played by Nick Robertshaw, one of the very few players of the system.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
nichols-chidley-page Keyboard Diagrams for Chidley System Duet
by DoN Nichols
Keyboard layout of a Wheatstone model “4D” manufactured in September 1960, well after Wheatstone’s switch to making Chidley System Duets by default.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
woehr-hayden-page Jax RCFB Hayden Duet Concertina Page
by Jack Woehr
Features keyboard layouts and design considerations for 46-key, 55-key, and 67-key Hayden duets.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
coles-hayden-resources The Hayden Duet System Concertina—Resource List
by Ken Coles
Information and reviews of currently-available Hayden Duet concertinas, particularly those made by Wheatstone & Co. in England, the Button Box in Massachusetts, and new Hayden designs being imported from Russian makers.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to website
gaskins-homepage The Amateur Concertinist
by Robert Gaskins
Directory of contributions by Robert Gaskins.
Posted 15 February 2003
» go to directory

Continue to 2007

Continue to 2006

Continue to 2005

Continue to 2004

Return to 2002

Return to 2001


murray in the scriptorium, oxford
Concertina Library archives
can be kept in the space
used up to 1915 by
James Murray to house
materials for his Oxford
English Dictionary project.
Subscribe to receive occasional
email when new items are added.