John Adey

Just to record that Peter has generously sent me copies of these photographs for me to print out so that we can have a display at Kilve in March. A public, well semi-public, big thank-you to Peter.

Yes, I certainly know what it's like. You get all excited so what you are looking at morphs into what you really want, then some boring voice says, 'are you sure, you'd better look at others and compare...etc.' I have to say I love the pitch of the baritone and playing it in a band setting, as well as when accompanying a friend who plays anglo. How many concertinas does a concertina player 'need'? Answer: Just one more!

I'd echo Dave's comments about trying this out and seeing what Chris A has to offer. Having bought a baritone EC from Chris about a year ago, the price asked for this fully restored instrument is reasonable if, and only if, you like it after playing it and it will do what you want a baritone to do. Some soft toned baritones are lovely for song accompaniment, but you might want a brighter sound for band work. It's a case of horses for courses and only a trial will tell you if it's right for you.

Christian In a fairly recent (about 6 months ago) conversation with Colin Dipper, he advised the use of a very small amount of 'Parade' shoe polish , made by Kiwi, on the bellows, about once a year. John

This year is the 25th anniversay of West Country Concertina Players, so there's a celebratory theme for the Kilve weekend to be held from 14th to 16th March. Tutors include: Iris Bishop, Sandra Kerr, Mick Brammich, and Claire Wren. Bookings are being taken now, prices and contact details on the WCCP website at: http://www.wccp.info/index_files/weekend.htm A great weekend of music with like-minded people. John Adey

Steve, Thanks for this; I stand corrected. However, the range should still be from C, not from E. John

Patrick, The description of this instrument as a tenor treble is, I suggest, suspect. A tenor treble would usually have 56 keys and run from the C below middle C upwards for 4 octaves. A treble would most frequently have 48 keys and the range would be from the G below middle C upwards for 3 and a half octaves to C. The range given, from E to C, and the number of keys suggests to me that this is probably a treble and that the seller has not in fact found the lowest note. I wonder what else he doesn't know much about ? The ledger entry doesn't throw any light on things I'm afraid. Buyer beware, or at least be cautious! John

Here in the UK it stands for 'Repetetive Strain Injury'.

Whereabouts are you David?

The October Kilve meeting differs from the original, and continuing, March weekend in that it is specifically for begginers. So, it seems a good place to try different systems and see which you fancy. The duet tutor is Brian Hayden himself, inventor of the duet system of the same name. John Dipper is teaching begginer English, and there are two different levels of anglo catered for. In addition, Colin and Rosalie Dipper will be there giving mainenance workshops and advice, plus lots of experienced players more than willing to chat and advise. All this in one place for a whole weekend!

If you want to try hear and try different systems, talk to other players and gets some tuition, there is a West Country Concertina Players begginers weekend at Kilve in Somerset this coming weekend, 19th -21st October. Details on the website at: http://www.wccp.info/ John

Chris and Anne brought this instrument into a WCCP meeting this last week at Sidmouth. I tried it and can confirm that it is a lovely sweet toned instrument that plays very welln and is in really nice condition. John

I'll be there. Can't wait. Me too; four mornings of concertina band workshops at the WCCP mweetings for those who, like me, share the taste for them Looking forward to the exclusively concertina concert on the Tuesday afternoon. Chance to hear Jody live, amongst many others.

I've come to the conclusion that Groucho got it wrong. What he should have said was, 'Who'd want to belong to a club that wouldn't have me as a member'. It seems to apply here. John

Too bad. I bet that's for some royalty issue. International distribution of music is a mess. Try making one up. Here's a US zip code 12528 for New Paltz New York. Thanks Jody.

Wow, great; this could prove addictive! Thanks for the lead. John What a shame; you can only register with a US zip code.

Wow, great; this could prove addictive! Thanks for the lead. John

Dan, I mentioned J Kp's views to Colin Dipper when I picked up an instrument from him a couple of days ago. He, Colin, quoted various instances of instruments being recorded as being on board ships and one of a concertina that was recoverable after being washed up on shore from a vesssel that sank. So a call to CD might provide one source for your research. John

Does anyone have any thoughts on the identity of this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Collectable-Antique-...1QQcmdZViewItem

Brian is a long time member of the West Country Concertina Players here in the UK, meeting tomorrow at Ruishton near Taunton. His name is pronounced 'Hay-den'. John

Hope someone can help. I'm looking for a top quality English treble or tenor/treble concertina. I'm thinking of an Aeola or Edeophone or something comparable (if you've got a spare Dipper hidden away for instance...), preferably metal ended. If it needs a bit of work to bring it to top condition that would be OK. It would need to be in the UK so I can examine/play it before decide. Any leads would be much appreciated. Thanks, John

.. whilst it was a very good sounding concertina that was very well made it was very heavy. Thanks lester, I'd heard somilar reports about weight from others. I'll bear that in mind. John

... Finally, a post for a fine english concertina in concertina.net's Buy and Sell section wouldn't hurt. Good hunting! Greg Thanks Greg. I've looked at those links. both are in the US and I'm in the UK. I think it's essential to handle and play at this quality, slight variations make all the difference between very good and excellent. I'll follow up your suggestion with a wanted posting. John

Paul, I thought I'd be making others envious; your comments make me green! John