Concertina

What's a Concertina?

A concertina is a bellows-driven free-reed musical instrument, in the same family as accordions. It has buttons on each end. When pressed, the buttons move in the same direction as the bellows, unlike accordion buttons which travel perpendicularly.

The English concertina (which I play) was invented in 1829 by Sir Charles Wheatstone, a famous engineer and scientist (also inventor of the electric telegraph). It is a fully chromatic instrument with a range very similar to that of the violin. There is another kind of concertina known as an Anglo (originally Anglo-German), which has less keys and produces different notes on push and pull (like a mouth organ or harmonica).

For more information see The Concertina FAQ Home Page.

Paul Hardy's Concertinas

My first Concertina - Lachenal Excelsior

Lachenal Excelsior . A steel-reeded instrument that probably started life in the Salvation Army.

My second Concertina - Wheatstone Tutor

Wheatstone Tutor. An older brass reeded instrument that I use for practice around the house (less strident than the Lachenal). Hear a sample of me playing Sun Asembly on this (in three parts!).

My third Concertina - George Case Baritone

George Case Baritone. A brass-reeded baritone instrument, an octave lower than a usual English concertina. Good for lower parts in bands, and for voice accompaniment.

My fourth Concertina - Lachenal Edeophone Tenor/treble

Lachenal Edeophone Tenor/Treble. The Edeophone was Lachenal's top of the range instruments. This is a Tenor/Treble and hence has one more row of four keys on each side lower than a usual English concertina.

My fifth Concertina - Lachenal Treble 30566

Lachenal Treble 30566. Another English tutor instrument, bought in bad condition and in (ongoing) process of restoration.

My sixth Concertina - Riccordi Anglo

Riccordi anglo. A cheap and cheerful anglo, with no serial number visible. Aquired in USA from a hiking friend. Was in unplayable condition (key rubbers rotted), and I restored it to working order. However, I still can't handle the concept of different notes on push and pull!

My seventh Concertina - Wheatstone Aeola 34801

Wheatstone Aeola 34801. The Aeola was the name of Wheatstone's top of the range instruments. This is my current favourite for playing in groups.

My Tunebooks

My recordings

My description and recordings of residential concertina weekends in Kilve.

My recordings of concertina self-help group in Maulden.

Concertina Links