Halifax

Don and Alex: You two are cute! But while I think your suggestions of finger cots would certainly solve the slipping problem, I do have my dignity to think of! Thanks all who've illuminated this discussion. I am in the queue for a new concertina that has brass buttons. It will be interesting to compare the delrin to the brass to see if the slipping is more of a finger problem and less of a button issue. Thank you, Dana, for the thoughtful post on what makers have to consider when creating buttons. This week, while practicing, I'll try to make a mental note of when my fingers slip. When I'm tired? When I'm not confident of the choreography of the buttons in a tune? When I'm reaching with my pinkie? Again, I've very much enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. Y'all are the best. Christine

Thanks for your reply, Ken. It occurs to me that I might be playing into the trope: 'tis a poor carpenter who blames her tools.

Hey, All: My concertina has Delrin buttons and sometimes they seem a little slippery. Or maybe it's my fingertips that are smooth and worn from all the typing I do on the computer? Anyone ever consider using a tiny bit of rosin or something to keep fingers from slipping off buttons during the fast bits? Or is it just me? Are bone and brass also slippery? Thanks. Christine

Congratulations, Lefty52! I'm on the waitlist for a Carroll, so I understand the anticipation you feel!

CZ, I have to second Ken's advice. A physical therapist can tell you if it's developing arthritis or an overuse strain. Bring your concertina to your appointment; it's likely the PT won't know what a concertina is, and less likely that he or she will know how playing it could cause physical stress. A quick web search turned up this PT in Tuscon who used to be a musician: http://www.performingartspt.org/for-musicians.html (Please note that I have no affiliation at all with the above, and I can neither recommend her services nor caution you against them) Good luck. Christine

Oh we are on the same wavelength! I've been listening (on repeat) to Noel Hill's version on his new album: The Irish Concertina 3: Live in New York. You can buy the track directly from the publisher (Jack Talty's Raelach Records) or just listen a few times here: https://raelachrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-irish-concertina-3-live-in-new-york Christine

That's excellent information, Myrtle's Cook. Thanks very much. I think this technique could help reduce stress levels is so many aspects of life. Best, Christine

Myrtle's cook, I play a Wheatstone-layout Anglo. It's a good little box, but as I'm learning more tunes, I'm using that pinkie f# on the left more and more. And, like many of us, I am working on my laptop for hours a day. I think I need to remember to stretch throughout the day, do some hand yoga, and importantly, I need to relax when I'm playing. What are some tips you use to get into a zen-like relaxed playing stance? Thanks, Christine

Mdarnton: Thanks for your reply. Yes, I do tend to play tense and have to remind myself to bring my shoulders down from my ears from time to time. But now that I think of it, the only real difference last night was that the button accordionist who usually plays next to me (covers me) was away, so I was perhaps feeling a bit exposed. Christine

Great session last night. I was, as they say in Nova Scotia, givin'er. After one set, a dull pain started in the palm of my left hand, just left of centre. Felt like a pinched nerve or something, I iced it (lucky we were at a bar), took an Advil, and the pain dissipated, but left behind a faint bruise. Today the hand feels mostly fine---the bruise is a bit tender. Weird, hey? Any amateur diagnosticians out there? Christine

As of last March, Wally Carroll's wait time was a mere 1.5 years. That's only 18 months, it'll go by in a blink.

Smile beatifically. Like it was an inside joke and whoever noticed is in on it. Nobody's keeping score. (I hope.) cdm

Google has some misinformation on me. I'm getting ads for cute clothes for women (okay, makes sense) and cute Asian women for dating (erm, no thanks...).

I asked the same question when I got my Morse. I was told NOT to not oil the leather bellows because the oil could seep into and destroy the card stock that gives the leather shape. Do use one of those soft cleaning cloths (chamois?) to wipe the dust out of the bellows once in a while. Don't play and eat Doritos or anything else that will affect the finish on the wood. (Also because, ew. Doritos.)

Thanks for the url, Bill. Watched it last night; it's a beautiful film.