Beginner's Forum/faq?

[grumpyhermit]

I personally wouldn't mind seeing a forum of this type, and especially a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). The Concertina.net homepage has a wealth of good information, but the forums are where you go to get answers. Beginners might be intimidated to ask a question on a forum that seems to be made up of various arcane subjects, and be more comfortable in a room where seemingly dumb questions are handled gently and kindly.

 

A FAQ would be helpful because it would answer some of the most common questions outright, such as:

 

1. Why do concertinas cost so much?

2. Stagis cost up to $800 US, but everyone says they stink! Why?

3. I just want to play sea shanties, what concertina should I buy?

4. Where can I find books/instruction tapes for my concertina?

5. Why does my dog howl when I play my concertina?

6. Why does my girlfriend howl when I play my concertina?

7. Should I get an English or an Anglo?

8. What's a duet?

 

Please note I am not asking these questions with an expectation of answers, I am just throwing them out there as examples.

 

Your input and suggestions appreciated.

 

Bob G. Evans

[JimLucas]

Do *you* feel intimidated? Other people don't seem to. (Then again, I'm probably not seeing posts from those who do. )

 

Chris Timson already has an excellent Concertina FAQ, at http://www.concertina.info/

 

And I hope you know that there's much more to concertina.net than these Forums. Special sections include "Learning", a "Buyer's Guide", and "Links". Theses can answer many questions, though maybe not about dogs and girlfriends.

 

As for what concertina you should by for playing sea shanties: Shanties should be sung, not played. Hauling lines is really difficult if your hands are occupied in playing a concertina. Ah, but that's an entirely separate topic (or Topic).

[Lester Bailey]

1.  Why do concertinas cost so much? 

Because people are willing to pay the price asked

2.  Stagis cost up to $800 US, but everyone says they stink! Why? 

The difference is between price and value.

3.  I just want to play sea shanties, what concertina should I buy?

Jim beat me to this with his reply

4.  Where can I find books/instruction tapes for my concertina?

Depends on where you live try the C.Net home page for info

5.  Why does my dog howl when I play my concertina? 

The same reson my cats leave the house at the mearest hint.

6.  Why does my girlfriend howl when I play my concertina? 

No taste (in concertina playing that is not boy friends )

7.  Should I get an English or an Anglo?

Depends on what you want to do and what suits you is the recommended reply but the correct reply is an English

8.  What's a duet?

When two people sing together

 

My thoughts and not representative of any sane person.

[Ken_Coles]

If you have a girlfriend to howl at you, you are better off than some of us!

 

Seriously, if someone wants to compile this info, and submit it, _and_ wait their turn in line to have it posted (we have, as always, several months work in the "in" box, not to mention some of our good friends here pointing out potential programming improvements that have already occurred to us, but which we haven't made yet ) we will certainly look for a place to put it.

 

Ken