Tiposx

There have been a number of notices on Mark's website going back over a year that I am aware of. The notices have mentioned his health, closure to do holidays and some other issues that I can't clearly recall. I have only bought one lot of spares through Mark in September 2018. I didn't find the transaction went very well, (I am being gentle here) but I did receive the order eventually. The materials bought were very good indeed, but I decided that I would not use this supplier again. This is a great shame, as I haven't been able to find suitable spares elsewhere. I wish Mark well, but this is my experience.

Ace ace ace video! I thought I was fuddy duddy - but I might be cool after all with my ec.....

Not my preferred music, but a really loveley performance. This duo is well known and respected over on Melodeon.net

Hi Seth I can't see the Stagi on ebay uk Edit Duh I just realised that your profile says USA.

As you are competent to remove the endplate you will have no trouble replacing the spring. They are made in two types - left handed and r/h. I can never work out which is which so I buy both. Just a bit of wiggling of levers and buttons is all it takes. I don't know where you would buy the springs from in your country though.

Exactly as Jody said, except that as an ec beginner player it might be tempting to transpose everything to C. That might hinder you later on when you play with others.

I will stick my neck out - I owned a Rock Chidley ec, 48 button, 5 fold bellows, tutor style. It was in great condition, having been professionally restored. It had nickel silver reeds, which may be what you have there. I only play itm. My experience was that the 'tina was very quiet, and very hard to play at "beyond hymn" speed. I persevered with my learning for a while, even though my best friend and mentor declared that the concertina was "a dog". Eventually a reed broke, ( documented on this forum) at which point I traded it in for a mid-range Lachenal. After 9 months with the Lachenal I am now ready for an upgrade to something more suited to my style of music. I have played a few posh concertinas now, and there is very clear difference in playability between entry level instruments and those above. So my advice is that the Rock Chidley may be hard work for high bpm music. For playing slow, sweet and quietly it might be ideal.

Concertina reeds sound different to accordion reeds. I can't imagine that being controversial.... After that it's down to personal preference.

Goldy Silver would describe the nickel silver reeds in the 1853 Rock Chidley I owned.

Sounds pretty normal for low notes played slowly on a modern instrument with accordion reeds and plastic valves, it is the valve/valves slapping. If you play it in a tune with a bit of 'snap' it will be less noticeable. I wouldn't worry about it but if it was a real pain then I would replace the noisy valves.

Thanks Don Taylor for pointing out that I originally posted this comment in the wrong section:- I looked at the Mcneela range some time ago before I switched to english layout. As I recall, the Wren has a fiddly metal action similar to a Stagi, possibly using axles, which may be the problem here. The Swan has conventional action with individual levers and posts. I think it has a riveted action and looks well made for the money.

Sorry mis-posted in error.

Thank you Jake and Alex. I hadn't thought of using a flame. I will try both methods on a few test pieces. The 3M Fast Cut is expensive and in big bottles for my needs, so I might try a different brand.

I am experimenting with turning buttons from acetal on my lathe. I can achieve a nice finish with sharp tools, but what I want is a high shine. I have heard of polishing with oiled wet-and-dry emery but not tried it yet. Has anyone experience of polishing acetal or delrin? I have been reading Alex Holden's blog which is a really helpful resource for construction and repair. Tiposx

I didn't even know such a thing existed, but I played a friend's brand new Wheatstone the other evening. An ec with 48 buttons, raised wooden ends and aluminium reed shoes. It was remarkably light and had great dynamic range and a wonderful tone. The thing that really stood out for me though was the action. It was so light and instantaneous that it let all the tunes out so easily. Overall it was outstanding and I didn't want to give it back. However I won't be ordering one - my friend had to wait 10 years for it to be made and delivered. Is there anything else out there, traditional or hybrid that plays as fast and effortlessly? I have played a couple of good Lachenals, which were quite fast, Crabb and a couple of Wheatsones which were fast and responsive. I would think that the age of the instruments is a factor. I need something to aspire to! Discuss.....