A tradition in excellence, that began in 1926, ended in the year 2000 as John Bernhardt of Star Concertina in Chicago closed it's doors after three quarters of a century. Star, one of the best known manufacturers of chemnitz style concertinas, is the "box" of choice by the majority of Polish polka musician s.

Invented more than 160 years ago in Germany this Chemnitz style box was brought to this country by the Germans, Poles and Czechs. American started making concertinas with Chicago being a primary area of manufacture. The number notations system, printed on the side of sheet music and the buttons, made the instrument popular with those not able to read music.

John Bernhardt, along with his partner Ed Cogana, purchased Star Concertina Company years ago. It's definitley a labor of love, performed by a man that is the first Star owner who could play a concertina. Bernhardt also revived another tradition, providing a gathering place where concertina players swap music, shop talk and can play the instrument "they love." Saturdays always brings in a number of musicians to "play the afternoon away."

Star Concertina closed its doors in August of 2000, allowing John to enjoy retirement. Star certainly was the premier concertina manufactured of the century and its name will live on in the thousands of concertinas bearing the "Star" and still in use today.

Star sold new instruments like this "Star Beauty" and their new "Star Old Timer" with long plate reeds. They also repaired old boxes, bringing new life to those instruments that have spent years lying in closets and attics.

Star also handled piano accordions, button accordions, MIDI electronic accordions, and a full line of accessories. Talking to John is an learning experience in itself, and a visit to their showroom will kept you occupied for hours.