My Concertinas

Three is never enough, but it will do for now.

 
This one is vintage late 1940's. It's a triple reed, taking three reeds sounding at once to produce a note. The shell is off white, but was white originally and the "voice" is loud compared to my other boxes.

The Star Streamlines have rounded corner as opposed to the "cut" corners of the Patek and Gem instruments. The normal sound of this and most triples is a high pitched, almost violin or musette voice. Something unique on this box is a "low" switch, which allows a "low" set of reeds to sound, producing a deeper, "quad" sound. (see GEM write-up).

This has become a favorite . It's has fast action, great volume, is light weight and a bit smaller than a Quad.

 The Patek Triple

 This Patek Triple was made in 1933 or 1934 and has the typical "higher" pitched triple sound. It has long plate reeds, where the reed block is a solid piece of metal with rectangular holes. The "reed" tine is riveted in position over the hole.

The instrument is in excellent shape, except for a little tuning, which will happen soon. The metal below staves are original . The decorative rhinestones, on this box, are unusual for a triple. Triples tend to be somewhat bare when compared to Quads.

My GEM Quad

 This is a Quad, where four reeds sound to create a note. Quads are larger than Triples and have more "voice." Generally, when you see a polka band featuring a concertina player, he or she will be playing a Quad.

 This black Gem is relatively new, being made in 1975. It has waved reeds, which produce a "wavered," almost tremolo sound. Players from the Minnesota and Wisconsin area often refer to this as being "Chicago" tuned." In my opinion, it gives it more of a "old country" flavor.

 This was my first box and is a five switch, with everything from Master to Mussette to Bass selections. GEM are imported boxes, made in Italy and were fairly reasonable in price, 20 years ago.