This second edition is both simply written and clearly illustrated by a person who is both an experienced technical engineer as well as a ‘concertina tinker’. The topics covered range from fault-finding charts, basic examination and purchase advice through the common service and repair jobs and techniques to some of the more sensitive reed work. The manual has been considerably expanded from the first edition in both the breadth of topics covered as well as the depth of the coverage in each case. Whilst always intended to meet the needs of players of all of the concertina systems, this edition goes out of its way to be as versatile as possible without sacrificing detail and usefulness. Whether intending to carry out running repairs, to service, to restore or just to know more about the innards of that strange and fascinating instrument, this Mally Publication will be an essential addition to the concertina player’s toolkit.
 
Contents
 
Introduction
Basic Care and Maintenance
Anatomy and Examination
Anatomy of a Concertina
Routine Examination
Examination for Purchase
Running Repairs and Fault Finding
Basic Service and Repair Tasks
Replacing Valves
Replacing Pads and Setting Key Height/Travel
Bellows Repairs
Replacing Lever Arm Springs
Replacing Bushes: Action Plate Key Hole and Key Cross-Hole Bushes
Action Plate Key Hole Bushes
Key Cross-Hole Bushes
Structural Repairs
Pillars
Fretwork and Action Box Cover/Keyboard Cracks
Wood Finishing
Reed Pan Support Blocks
Action Box Joints
Pad Board Cracks
Wood Screw Anchorages
End Bolt Problems
Broken Keys
Reed Work
Basic Care Tasks
Reed Tuning
Covering a Finger Slide (English System)
Making a Thumb Strap (English System)
Wrist Straps
Fingering Charts
Mine’s Not Like That
Early Exploded Diagram
Help and Materials