The Concertina Museum Collection Ref:C-016.



Previous Section Summary Help Next

Item Type: Concertina

Summary Labels and Serial Numbers End Frets Fingering System Straps and Holding Devices Fret Baffle Action Board Reeds and Reed Pans Bellows Case and Other

Fingering System

Fingering System: English

Fingering System Site Links: www.concertina.com/english

Key/Buttons Summary: 38 Ivory keys, (19/Left and 19/right) completing the progression from the 24-key 'Symphonium' layout to the "Standard" 48-Key layout. The accidentals keys are stained black (not 'cored' as in many earlier models) and the natural notes stamped with note-names. The base of each key is turned into a peg that inserts into the Action Board, a move finally away from the use of added brass pins as on many previous models. Its white-keys are also stamped on their flat tops with their note names, except the 'C' Notes, whch are stained red - the appearance of this style is now standard. This practice was adopted to help guide and direct the amateur musicians (who were beginning to take up the fashionable new instrument in ever greater numbers) to locate and play the correct notes. Throughout the nineteenth century, note names appear on the white keys upon the vast majority of Wheatstone concertinas with ivory keys, with the substitution of red-stained keys for the 'C' keys on instruments from about No. 230 onwards.

Keys/Buttons Material: Ivory, with accidental keys stained black, and Cs stained red

Keys/Buttons Labelling: Natural notes have note-names stamped on their flat ends

Keys/Buttons Base Mounting: The base of each key is turned into a peg that inserts into the Action Board, a permanent move away from the use of added brass pins on earlier models





Previous Section Summary Help Next

Please email comments or reports of errors to


The Concertina Museum Collection

Created August 2009 by Neil Wayne
Last Modified 07 February 2012 by Neil Wayne, Chris Flint, Wes Williams

This page created Tuesday 14 February 2012.