Publication - Concertina and Squeezebox
by Ryan Thomson
Being an accordion player and collector of various styles of squeezeboxes, I was excited to
discover this delightful publication which is described as "the international magazine for
free reed enthusiasts." Although concentrating on concertinas, it also features information
on various types of button and piano accordions. There's no wasted space and the 52 page
issue that I reviewed(number 22, Spring, 1990) is pleasantly full of such curiosities as a
concertina crossword puzzle, a review of a concertina and accordion repair video, and a
feature entitled: "Squeezebox news from around the world."
It also contains loads of illustrations, photographs, reviews, commentary, interviews,
musical arrangements, and specialty advertising. Its the kind of magazine that will be saved
rather than tossed out, and as a reference source that will be useful for years to come.
Editor Joel Cowan offers back issues to 1983, and I can tell from the article titles that
owning the complete set would probably supply me with the answer to just about any
question I've ever had about squeezeboxes!
Update, March, 1998:
I've received a letter from a reader that this publication is no longer in print. I know of no
current source for back issues. I have however, heard a rumour that the back issues may be
reprinted.
Written by Ryan Thomson, 1996