Noel Ways

Dave, Is this addressed in your maintenance manual?

Is it possible to check and calibrate the Humiditrak?

I agree with Saguar-squeezer. You are onto something. I don't think this portative organ project should be given up but rather developed.

I love this instrument. Many years ago, before I took up the concertina, I endeavored to build a small pipe organ, and in the process made about 20-30 pipes. Eventually, the project was abandoned, but not because of it's doability. Now the smaller pipes have been made into Christmas ornaments and the larger ones may someday become bases for lamps. But with this said, I have often wondered if this was possible, but usually push it out of mind as a silly "pipe-dream". I would really like to hear this play, if possible. Great innovation. congratulations!!

When I first starting playing concertina I used binocular straps. They worked surprisingly well. I would not hesitate to use them again, if and when I decide to play standing up. They are very adaptable, and there is no neck strain (which is the main reason they are designed in the first place). Here is an exploratory link: https://www.google.com/search?q=binocular+straps&tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:CTefivmOCstLImBC8FOl4acGozmeXAYVn_1p6fJRAexvV3c1RmKwnxnE5mcQdd_1xb5azBTgqIYIDIhXQIe6vbvws2NmMfdbwKtIEXBrPFuBnCho5kN76sxi_10n812yTy0hEuakxB8KBwYGk4qEglC8FOl4acGoxFghilP-RY-cioSCTmeXAYVn_1p6EdgTod78NAmaKhIJfJRAexvV3c0RxTEc0M-R4MMqEglRmKwnxnE5mREfsTU3K_1El4CoSCcQdd_1xb5azBEYgg_1YQkNY9oKhIJTgqIYIDIhXQRvJNyWmqB6BsqEgkIe6vbvws2NhGS9xVuGt1RoSoSCWMfdbwKtIEXEeEZfT_1uERFHKhIJBrPFuBnCho4R0vGlJ7A5NBYqEglkN76sxi_10nxGedg_1hHDCqrioSCc12yTy0hEuaEYEgWYKC2mPBKhIJkxB8KBwYGk4ROtC0mCwPUmQ&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwikz4jNi7XkAhWhm-AKHS_-DewQuIIBegQIARAz&biw=1425&bih=1123&dpr=1

Welcome! And thank you for the introduction. When my son texted me the clip, he added the comment, "summer job for Dad". It was, of course, a tease. But your dexterity and command of the instrument got my attention

You are right. I'll correct the first posting. Thanks!

The link is fixed. For some reason when uploaded it was designated "private". It's now "public". Sorry about that. (The clip is ont14 seconds long) https://youtu.be/95vtkmQd12c

My son is visiting Quebec and texted me a very short video clip of a fellow playing an English Concertina is some square. Does anyone know who he is? Thanks!! https://youtu.be/95vtkmQd12c

I found an impressive video by Simon Keegan-Phipps. I would like to view more of his playing, but cannot find any online. Does anyone know where I might find more examples of his playing? Thanks! https://ruslar.pro/video/YrM45PT9nRE

A question about the ledger. Just yesterday I had looked up my Wheatstone, likewise made in 1912. I see the Date, model number, description, and serial number, but could someone fill me in on what the number in parenthesis refers to? Thanks in advance!

Sounds like a humidity issue to me (the seasons are changing). Don't do anything until you know that this is not the issue. Also, your Ceili is still under warrantee (I think) so you may also want to contact them, but I would rule out humidity first. Perhaps this "Concertina Care" thread might help:

Celtic Sounds MIDI Module works great with musix pro. Thanks, Michael, for letting me know that it exists. I don't have an iPad, so the MIDIHayden will have to wait for the moment

The MIDI controller for iPhone and iPad has and wicki/hayden option. It is a beta version, and instrument sounds are limited. Options are numerous, and there are many key layouts available. • Can play in all key signatures • Keyboard can be "moved around" for key • Press harder on key the sound will be louder. --> Many more things to explore https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/musix-pro-epic-isomorphic/id585857087#?platform=ipad

I've attached a photo of how I attempt to tackle the winter humidity issue. I have a glass cabinet that fits my concertinas and on the second shelf, you will see a round hygrometer with which I can monitor the relative humidity. On the bottom shelf, not clearly shown, are some glass containers. When the RH gets less than 55% or so, I will fill the vessels with water. This jacks up the humidity. This works! I am also considering this winter to putting material in the cabinet that has a high MBR (Moisture Buffer Value [ 2 - 3.5 ] ). Interestingly Hempcrete Bircks have a very high MBR, they are very light and very inexpensive to buy (in Europe), or to make in the US . I have been enjoying Adrian's recent uploads. Today I noticed on "Jenny Pluck Pear" at 1:18 to his lower left a glass case that contained three concertinas. I actually enlarged the image to see if there were any signs of humidity control visible. I couldn't find any, but if not, that is the perfect type of cabinet to store concertinas in and help control environmental conditions. It is on my "to do list" to make a cabinet dedicated to concertina storage and controlling the RH, which is why his case caught my eye.