John_D
-
Posts
13 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by John_D
-
-
So I've been playing for a couple days and squeeze some basic tunes of this box, although some challenges arise from the poor quality of my instrument. I was wondering how to begin training myself to play in octaves for simple songs like Oh Susanna. Do I just memorize both hands to the point where I don't need to focus and just play them together? I'm wonder because coming from trumpet it's a very different experience. Also all your advice has been very helpful, thank you!
-
15 hours ago, Devils' Dream said:
John D, I give a +1 for Easy Anglo 123. Unless you have someone nearby to explain "why" the anglo is the way it is, button-wise, you will start with the notes but not get the "idea" of how the diatonic magic works for (and against) you. Learning notes and scales is really no fun. Garys 123 book will have you playing a tune in 15 minutes.
Well if they're any other Concertina players in Vermont I'd love to know!
-
1 hour ago, Mikefule said:
It is possible to learn without a book. Using a book is only one of many options.
The 20b is less versatile than a 30 (obviously) and a bit harder to play, but it's very rewarding. I own two 30s and two 20s, and they all get played.
Find the main cross row scale options. Experiment.
Always try to release the button and press it again when playing two notes on the same button, whether in the same bellows direction or not.
Pick out tunes by ear: simple ones like When the Saints, Oh Susanna, Red River Valley, Donkey Riding, Lord of the Dance, English Country Gardens.
Practise for a few minutes every day. 10 minutes a day is better than 70 minutes once a week.
Most of all, have fun.
Well, I can read music. If that helps. The only trouble is I'm going from a Wind instrument (Trumpet). So learning the notes of the buttons will be half the battle. The scales on this thing include C, G, A minor and E minor right? -
So, last I posted my C/G Stagi is not in the greatest condition. Some reeds are sharp and some other valve issues but I believe it's good enough to practice on until I get one in better condition. So where do I start? What books should I be looking for and is there anything else I should know about a 20 button C/G anglo?
-
Tubing is in place, but some new problem have arisen, the thumb valve is sticking, the A/C key is sounding off, some reeds are sounding at the same time. This could be a problem with the valves so I think that's the next thing I should replace! All pictures and videos of my concertina is in this google drive folder:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1AUJFG13tc4nIwfqN2XUwEgGUf5yRqgKn
-
21 minutes ago, Don Taylor said:
All of the levers need to have replacements for those rotted black bits of rubber tubing.
Based on that thread you guys showed me they said the size they experimented with was an ID 3/32" and 1/8". My local hardware store has vinyl tubing that an ID of 3/16" do you guys think that'll work?
-
13 hours ago, Don Taylor said:
Fix the button sleeving first and then record a new file. Right now multiple reeds are sounding which might be because one or more buttons are not closing their pads completely, probably because the sleeves have gone.
Buy yourself a small enough screwdriver to get the ends separated properly so that you can see what is going on with the action mechanism (the levers attached to the buttons that raise and lower pads over holes in the action board). The holes, when open, let air pass over the reeds causing them to sound, if some of them are sticking open then multiple reeds will sound. Until the action mechanism is fixed there is little point in chasing other issues.
Take some pictures of the action and post them here.
I am having trouble posting images but last night I did open it up to see the mechanism (with a small enough screwdriver) and the pads are fine. I unstuck the crammed key and rerecorded playing every note. I also discover that there was a small wooden inlay on the outside of the concertina saying "Made in Italy" so that confirms it be a bastari/stagi. Also the particles turned out to be the rotted and dried rubber bearings that fell off.
The only way I can share all of this is through google so here's the link:https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1AUJFG13tc4nIwfqN2XUwEgGUf5yRqgKn
-
3 hours ago, Daniel Hersh said:
Yes, that would help. And I wouldn't worry about the valves until you have replaced the button sleeve tubing.
I think three of the buttons are out of tune and I'll tackle that after the buttons themselves are fixed
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10t4h2FRda6EgyhR1rWz5x_rL-4p_2Z8P/view?usp=sharing
I can't share on here directly due to it being too large. -
2 hours ago, Wolf Molkentin said:
No, curved means they are in a state of deterioration, which will most likely cause malfunction in two ways:
1. the opposing reed will start rather quiet, reaching its full volume only after a "flap" noise
2. the valve might vibrate on its own when playing the reed underneath.
Those valves have to be replaced.
Best wishes - ?
What exactly are they and how can one replace them?
I haven't heard any buzzing when testing the instrument and some just don't have that flap at all.
Would it help if I posted a video of how the instrument sounded? -
5 hours ago, lachenal74693 said:
Can see the picture now.
This article contains hints on how to fix problems other than the buttons and how to open the thing up without
damaging it.
Could the 'maraca' effect be caused by valves which have become detached from their reeds rattling around?
But the OP says that it sounds OK, so probably not?
The final short paragraph is instructive? Is it Italian-made ('early') or Chinese-made ('late') ?
If it is a Renelli, is that a model name rather than a manufacturer's name - is it made by Bastari or some other
manufacturer?
I did open it up last night, just taking the face plate off the bellows and the bellow are in good condition! Nothing seems wrong with them. Now the reeds, I don't know what there supposed to look like but I took a picture just in case. I couldn't get into the valve mechanism due to not have a small enough screwdriver for the second set of screws. Are those strips attached to the metal supposed to be curved?
-
18 minutes ago, Don Taylor said:
It is probably the same problem, if the rubber has gone altogether then the button will stick inside the ends.
Any tips on opening a concertina up and replacing the tubing? I don't want to cause any damage to the instrument when I'm trying to fix it. Based on the thread lachenal74693 posted I can probably find some flexible tubing at my local hardware shop. I just need to know the diameter.
-
I'm very new to the world of concertinas and to begin I bought this Italian anglo (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong) for $67 just to start. Now out of the box, it sounds fine, the only issues are the buttons. Most are sagging but that isn't the real issue. 2 keys, one on each side, are stuck inside the panel. Now before I tinker with this instrument and open it up I want some information from people more experienced than I. Also, would it be helpful to know the brand? I can't find anything on this instrument of when it was made or who made it. Another worrying thing is a rotate the instrument there seems things are loose in it, like particles of something. Making it sound a bit like a Maraca
Where to start with a 20 Button C/G Anglo
in Teaching and Learning
Posted
Lovely advice MikeFule, thank you. I'll try those exercises. I'm trying figure out what I need to hit in order to be ready to move onto higher level stuff. I'm not close right now but I think it'd be helpful to have a plan.