Mike Alex
Hall of Fame – 2026
Michael (Mike) Alex (1902–1980) was born in Grodno, Poland, the same hometown as fellow concertina luminaries Walter Kadlubowski Sr. and Walter Mojsiewicz. In 1909, young Michael arrived in the United States with his family, bringing with him a heritage of fine craftsmanship that would shape the look and feel of the Chemnitzer concertina for generations to come.
Mike learned the art of engraving from his father, Walter Alex, himself a gifted engraver and concertina craftsman. Working side by side, father and son honed their skills entirely by hand, using simple tools that Mike’s grandson preserves to this day, noting that their modesty only makes the results more astonishing. From his early workshop in Chicago to his later home in Cary, Illinois, Mike built a remarkable career defined by artistry and precision.
Mike’s engraving graced musical instruments from some of the most respected names in the concertina world. He engraved concertinas for International, Star, and the Schlicht factory (producers of Pearl Queen and Patek concertinas), and crafted intricate work for Italo-American accordions as well. He is responsible for the beautiful old floral engravings found on Star concertinas, patterns reminiscent of Polish folk art, and he is credited with originating the iconic “pineapple” engraving design that became the standard on modern concertinas.
Beyond engraving, Mike was a true master of celluloid as an artistic medium. He cut nameplates, designed intricate grille work for accordions, and created decorative celluloid patterns with a level of detail that remains unmatched. If you come across a vintage instrument with elaborate celluloid ornamentation, it was almost certainly Mike’s handiwork. He was also among the first to bring Art Deco styling to accordions and concertinas in the United States, placing him at the leading edge of instrument design.
Mike’s influence reaches well into the modern era. He engraved Christy Hengel’s first concertina, and many of the engraving templates still in use today trace their lineage back to Mike’s original patterns. His artistry lives on in every concertina that carries those designs.
Mike Alex passed away in 1980 at the age of 77, but his legacy is woven into the very fabric of the concertina tradition. He elevated the instrument from a musical tool to a work of art, and his contributions deserve a lasting place of honor.