Noel Ways

A beauty of the concertina is its portability. When the size becomes "excessive," perhaps one should consider a free reed organ?!? https://www.youtube.com/user/ReedOrganSociety

Here are two young lads doing a bang-up job!

This piece that you wrote Kathryn so reminds of MrManfid's, "For Levon":

A little more background … When I first started exploring the Hayden system over a decade ago, I, too (like Stephen / Robert mentions above), thought the F# was an error on the key layout diagram. The word “Typo” came to mind back then. I thought that the diagram would surely change in time, but like others also observed, it did not (and I did check). Fast forward to the present, and I have now become a “steward” of one of these bastari instruments (as of a few months ago). I had forgotten the above layout issue - until I began to play in a few keys anticipating that lower Eb. Ouch!! Since then, I have been considering having the note changed from F# à to Eb, but before moving in that direction, I sought concertina.net’s input – which you have provided. Thanks again; this has been most helpful. I am leaning strongly to move in that direction.

Can anyone tell me why the original Hayden layout (for the left hand) has an F# next to the lower F and not a Eb? I'm sure the answer is straight forward, but it just does not make sense. Many thanks in advance. Screen shot of layout attached.

Delightful:

Hear are videos of this instrument in action

Below is a nice documentary of using the concertina in education and in a group setting.

That was a feast! The music had a particular depth and feeling. I have never been a connoisseur of poetry, but there have been a few exceptions. The recitation of the poem at the end is one of the few. I am also amazed that the music was done on a lowly 20 button anglo (maybe I should not consider it "lowly" anymore)!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xtqEGqiiWQ

Keep your dog!! Perhaps this thread will provide some encouragement:

There are several videos by this group which are sweet. This one boasts a concertina. I suspect that this group is new to most of us, so thought it worth sharing. Best

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.