Gregor Markič

It all began a year or so ago. I bought one of those pitiable DDR concertina for 90 euro. The bellows were kaputt. They were litteraly glued together. I tore it apart and the fiber in all corners which should be air tight was reduced to a leaky cloth. Black scales were falling away. I sprayed the corners with a sealing asphalt spray. It helped a little, but in whole the instrument was unplayable. The reeds are in excellent condition though. It seems it was never played. Now, for the last three years I attended an origami workshop and it always seemed to me that bellows could be done in origami techique. Origamists were invited to help planning solar pannels for the space probes, architects use origami, so why not bellows? Last nighti came across this video: https://youtu.be/ldmCQayLieI?si=re5ReLLLurah_taN I rolled up my sleeves and with modicum tools that I own I managed to do it in only one day! I began with smaller models (the yellow little in the photo bellow), measured, and adjusted the proportions etc. Tools: jigsaw, hotglue pistol, scroll saw Materials: wood plank, cardboard folder, thick black cardboard, black strong adhesive tape Skills: next to nil The result is ugly. Of course it is leaky, it's made of thick cardboard which upon few foldings rips- and with not much care. Only leather can remain flexible and airtight after milions of foldings. Guys, I believe I will restore this concertina 100% to its former glory. (In words we-know-who: MAGA- MakeAccordionGreatAgain)!

I'm practicing these days irish music with quick fingering. I'm fully aware I'll never be able to play as fast as Simon Thoumire, but it's worth failing. I promiss, I'll report about progress :-)

Well, my rendition leaves much to be desired, but nevertheless- I reckon this AI music ain't that bad.

In FB Michael Eskin published this tunebook for 20 button boxes. https://www.facebook.com/groups/concertinasarecool/posts/10161354149303278/ It's just what I was looking for, since I got my hands on a rather old Lachenal.

Thank you, Wess. This is an impressive age! First I couldn't believe, then I opened it and upon seeing proper concertina reeds (until now I only owned hibrids), I believe it is really this old. The only thing which rises my eybrow are the buttons. They look very "plastic". Did in 19th century plastic even exist or is it a result of a later refurbishment?

76924 My latest purchase. Not top notch, I still like it a lot. It's the smallest box I've got, it's quiet. It's a keeper. Help anybody?

Thanks to everyone. You were very helpful ❤️

I played both. I own Clare and it is worth every penny. Yes it's twice the price of McNeela, but its three times superior.

I bought this concertina and I would really appreciate help with it- does anyone know where this is from? The button layout is Chemnitzer-like. Smaller than the previous regular Chemnitzers I owned, very responsive, interesting and likeable sound, rather quiet.

I also got burned. For a 1200€ worth instrument I paid 300€ customs fee. Pay it and take it or they will shred the parcel they said. Buying from UK for EU residents- red flag!

Beautiful.

Lovely. When I was in Dublin I visited him. He was kind enough to show me around in his shop.

Thank you, Kathryn.

Thanx. 🙂

Anglo or duet? Anybody? https://www.ebay.com/itm/115700000678?hash=item1af041e7a6:g:r7IAAOSwdctj49ru&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoMzVPbVKT21i3KhsQTLP4EpH8dNCZB6rzhbk6aAZWiEf9ZeWJxoeOr1Q6%2FqO3f5oXQfT05RU9ulsOaet74j%2BEh4n3PvdV%2B%2BKUCrgIMVdmP3MO%2FkBp8aWAn5cqibjrDQRmqQKfHrzrAykxF42tuW3C7Y%2BAQrIy%2BTJfS3dH%2BjcGkfNWhQ%2FmnzsdoTQDuzH4ZCcLSrzvJpkAa6Jz4du1DhEg9Y%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR67rjfDJYQ

I would love to learn this piece in its entirety. Could somebody please play it for me or just say if it's worth trying? https://musescore.com/user/1198636/scores/5122742

I love your playing.

Ausgzeichnet !

I found and stitched together something better- at least in the ight key. Still missing the whole score 😞 Godfather.pdf

I would love to play this tune and I found a beautiful rendition in Youtube. Unfortunately I will never be able to reproduce it by ear, has anybody got a score to share? Thank you all in advance.

Outstanding!

Soundtrack from a beautiful slovene movie (1973). https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069936/