arti

And to think I knew both those things!

I got to know Eric in the early 70s when he lived in Worth Matravers (Purbeck) He later moved to Swanage as he felt Worth to be rather isolated when he was older (Spring 1973?) That was the last time I saw him. About a year earlier we both attended the ICA meeting. I was a beginner and he was the most accomplished player I ever heard. As quoted elsewhere - more like a Duet player. He favoured what I guess you`d call light Classical and had a very harmonic style. He said he owed his skills to all night practice sessions when he was a volunteer Coastguard at 'Winspit.' At times he would swing his concertina but in a very measured/restrainedl way that enhanced his music. He liked nothing better than to fill the village hall with sound. I clutched my brand new Crabb and looked on in awe. For many years I kept a recording but lost it in a house move. Perhaps wrongly, I thought the ICA would have kept theirs as his playing was so well thought of. He definitely counts as a true English Anglo player - no links to Folk Revival as far as I know - repertoire from the early part of the 20th Century and a style that was unique. Glenda- if your father farmed on Purbeck I also met him on one occasion. I often wondered if he kept Eric's Wheatstone. PS: Odd that Tommy Williams doesn't get a mention - perhaps I missed him on the list

I don't usually get involved but can I put in a plea for thinking the best or cutting a bit of slack. I don't know if the OP is a native speaker but in any case 'acceptable' is a very wide term. Perhaps a quiet PM of explanation would be more helpful. I have made embarassing misuses in a language that was not my 'home' tongue - native speakers have always gently given advice not outrage. Example: Who could guess that adding the letters 'ard' to a French noun can make it much more 'offensive.' And should an American be challenged over his use of the word 'fa**y' -asterisks 'cos I'm careful. In a word let's be kind(er)

?? appaz7.free.fr/notes/Uzicko%20Kolo.htm or https://flat.io/score/5b0090a5928b411361f80a72-uzicko-kolo-harmonika

As well as the better known Stradella Left Hand, accordions may come with Freebass or MIII keyboard which mimics the treble layout. The Russian Bayan tends to have low to high as per the piano . In the West the commonest layout is low to high = sky to floor and a mirror of the Right Hand buttons. (as with the ‘uni-directional’ approach.) I find this set-up means the most mobile fingers have the least to do. Eg: with Index finger on a root note you have just two fingers left to play/stretch with + a not very nimble ‘pinky.’ It also feels a bit odd that as the left hand moves away from the right, the pitch of the notes becomes closer.

And The first successful design for a Duet concertina was patented in 1884 by a young performer, “Professor” John Hill Maccann. see www.concertina.com/maccann-duet/

My understanding of the transition period is the same as by Rac above - no change up to Jan2021. That said, despite claims to the contrary here, many European commentators say a comprehensive agreement is not possible in the time available - an extension must be requested by July 2020 and our Prime Minister says he won't request one. This could mean leaving with no agreement in Feb 2021. For my part, I'll expect the worse given how things have gone to date. Make no plans based on optimism or statements from this side of the Channel. nb: The Withdrawal Agreement does not include anything about the future relationship with Europe. In fact the latest Bill excludes commitments to Standards and Rights previously included.

As you are comfortable with melodeon layout, it could be worth checking the French 'Mixte' accordion for the Accidentals layout. This was around between the diatonic and the modern button (cba). Basically a GC box with a third row, they have had a mini-comeback among revivalist Musette players. I don't know if the 3rd row was standardised but there is at least one maker who still does them: http://www.accorddeleon.com/vente-conception-fabrication-accordage-accordeon/ - see first example.

pas 'hanches' mais 'anches' = reeds. Bonne chance!

Wow -- I really enjoyed that! What a breath of fresh air - and lightness of touch.

You (appear) to have a fine model from a well-respected maker. Anglo concertinas are even more sought after in Ireland. As for me, I’d hang on to it – but you have to want to learn to play I guess. A search will a throw up a number of on/off line dealers/repairers. Here: http://www.concertina.co.uk/stock-selection/ may give you more idea but remember these are almost always refurbished instruments and priced accordingly. Getting a quote for work needed from a respected repairer is almost certainly worth it whether you decide to keep or sell. Most players of a certain age will have a story of finding a good instrument at a throw away price. It would be a shame to become part of somebody else’s anecdote. Good luck with it! Arti

This: https://thesession.org/ may be useful to help you on your way?

If it is any help, I've found this a good source of EC tunes - and no doubt even better for a Crane: J.S. Bach: First Lessons In Bach - 28 Pieces (Schirmer Performance Edition) (Hal Leonard Piano Library) see here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/J-S-Bach-Lessons-Schirmer-Performance/dp/1495007316/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=bach+piano+schirmer+first+lessons&qid=1553101115&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Kan-ha-diskan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSWwHQXt0d8 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTSAHnR77hQ ??

I'm sure Sue is 'still around' but very sadly, I believe John is not. In any event, North Dorset (England) would be quite a long way to send a case for repair.