Tiposx

I can report that it is getting easier. I am using a jig tune that I can play fluently on the ec to ease myself back into that system each session. The problem doesn’t show when I start to play the Anglo, as it is so new to me. Further to some other posts about playing different instruments, I don’t have issues when moving between melodeon and piano accordion, just the concertina systems. I can see a way forward now though, now my initial worries have eased. Cheers Tiposx

Thanks everyone who has replied. I am interested in the Jim Lucas suggestion of practicing the switching of instruments and of playing the same tune on both systems. I was deliberately avoiding this, but I will try it as I can’t really spoil anything at this stage. I always practice slowly at first until I can play without mistakes, (well for the most part) so no worries there. Cheers Tiposx

Hi I wonder if anyone would share their experience of playing both systems. I have been playing Itm on English concertinas for a couple or so years. I have recently bought a 22 button Anglo and spent a few days getting used to it and learning a tune or two. I have only attempted tunes that I haven’t played before. This was challenging and I enjoyed it, but then it was time to practice on the English again. To my horror I couldn’t get a tune out - the rows were in the wrong place, and one of the thumb loops had crept forward by a few buttons. It took me quite a while to readjust my finger positions, and even after that I seem to have forgotten how some of my tunes started. It feels like I have gone backwards. I am on holiday for a few days now and won’t be playing any instrument, but have time to mull it over. So I am a little worried now - has anyone else on the forum made a success of it? Will I get used to it eventually? I have a friend who plays Anglo, English and two kinds of duet concertinas successfully, but he is what I call a “proper” musician.

I received my 22 button Duckling this week. I am already an ec player but I like a challenge. I intend learn some new Irish tunes with the help of Gary Coover’s book to get me started. I was attracted to the Duckling because of the design, particularly the mechanism. I think it is very clever in giving a conventional piston type action to the buttons. This has always been my issue with Scholer ‘tinas and the like. The buttons on them move through a tight arc, which doesn’t suit me. I have worked on several of these and found the playing experience pretty poor. As a hobbyist maker of traditional bellows I am also very impressed with the Duckling plastic bellows. I was quite sceptical but in practice they work very well and hold air without leaks. The whole instrument has a feeling of good design, engineering and construction. My first ‘tina was a restored Lachenal 22 button Anglo, which was over 3 times the price of the Duckling. It was very hard work and I got rid pretty quick, then went down the ec route. The Duckling is so much better. It is just amazing value at little more than the cost of a (very) good case! It took Paul 7 months to make to my specification, and I feel very privileged to own this custom built instrument. I am pretty sure that it is the best learner/ beginner Anglo available. ps after two evenings I can just about plod through my first tune. Thanks again to Paul Harvey of Vegan Concertinas Tiposx

Yes please!

I am eagerly awaiting delivery of my new 22 button duckling, possibly next week (no pressure Paul…) I am even more excited now! Great review and playing by Cohen Regards Tiposx (aka Michael)

Ordered!

Hi Bob Delrin is often used as a bearing material against metal, without any lube except perhaps for water. So I would look for the stickiness somewhere further inside - I would regard the sticking button as a symptom of something else. Regards T

I came across an original Wheatstone that smelled terribly of cigarettes but also made the player gasp and cough. It was as if they were infected somehow. We tried deodorising, airing and so on, but eventually new bellows were required. This completely fixed the problem. I put old bellows in my draughty garage for some reason, and after a week it was stinking the space so much that they had to go in the bin. The bellows appeared to be “nicotine stained” inside but a few of the cards had started to soften, which could have been another source of the stink.

Really nice work. I would like to make one, but haven’t thought of a good design. The 9mm thickness of yours may be the key - I was looking at 5mm or so. A few questions - how did you make the lip; what joints did you use; and did you make the lid separately or did you cut it off the larger box. Many thanks Tiposx

It sounds as good as it looks.

Papawemba has a nice Jones for sale in the buys/wants section complete with videos. He has mentioned how he loves the tone several times in the last few years.

Yes I have been watching the threads, it has stirred my interest in what will be a long term project. A couple of posters on here have mentioned that they have some harmonium reeds, but my dm's haven't been successful. I have restored a lovely baritone tina with the french reeds but I need the big ones!

Looking for a set of 29 or more single reeds in the range F1 or F#1 to G3 or above. I have seen some nice brass Wheatstone ones with French writing on, that would be my preference i.e. vintage. Thanks

I couldn’t keep up with my friend playing Irish music melodies on any other instrument I had, so I bought an English. It would have been a lot cheaper to try a whistle!