It is very difficult to determine the value of a complex musical instrument like a chemnitzer concertina without having a knowledgeable technician or musician see and play it. Depending upon its age, features and condition, it may be worth nothing or possibly thousands of dollars. The following discussion provides information on how you may be able to determine the approximate value of your musical instrument. A more definitive estimate can only be made with a professional appraisal.

There is no simple guide to determine a chemnitzer concertina's value. A mass produced 76-key instrument made in the early 1900s that has 'double' reeds (two reeds sound for each button pressed) may have much less value then a modern, custom manufactured 104-key chemnitzer that has specially tuned 'quad' reeds, high fidelity internal stereo microphones and switches for multiple voices. Collectors or nostalgic musicians may be interested in the older concertina, while professional or serious hobbyist musicians would most certainly be interested in the modern concertina which greatly increases its sales price.

The brand, or manufacturer of your concertina will have a bearing on its value. Some manufacturers utilized better materials, design, construction processes and tuning methods. These efforts produced an easier playing and better sounding instrument that remains in greater demand by knowledgeable chemnitzer musicians.

Most chemnitzer concertinas have been around for many years. If your instrument has not been played for a long time, or if it has been stored in less than ideal conditions, it could be worthless. Time, misuse, extreme temperatures and humidity are the concertina's worst enemies. Some types of damage cannot be detected without a trained eye or ear.

It is always interesting to see what price other chemnitzers are selling for. Their sales prices may be a helpful indicator of what your concertina is worth in the current market. Often times you can find used chemnitzers advertised for sale by 'resellers' and musical instrument retailers. These concertinas have typically been reconditioned and tuned, and may demand a premium price. Check for these instruments in the advertisements of polka music periodicals such as 'The Polka News' (PO Box 57, St. Charles, MI 48655, Fax: 989-865-8747) or 'The Polish American Journal' (http://www.polamjournal.com). Many times they are displayed for sale at a gathering of concertina players like those listed under this web site's World Concertina Congress Event List.

The on-line auction site, eBay (http://www.ebay.com), frequently has chemnitzers for sale. Since these concertinas are being purchased sight unseen, they may sell for slightly less than their true value. These instruments may also require reconditioning or tuning, which is usually reflected in their discounted, final sales price. The following link will open a new browser window for eBay's current auctions that include the word 'concertina' in their title... Current eBay Concertina Auctions.