catty

I would expect that someone will be able to answer your questions, B... Unfortunately, I lack the knowledge to provide a response, myself.

Greetings and welcome, Boeregroete- With such an instrument, generally, cracks in wood and a slight air leak here or there in the bellows isn't as likely to be as significant as sticking buttons, out of tune or bad-sounding reeds. I suggest playing the instrument, along with a companion who is familiar enough with music to have a basis for comparison. You could also take along a few inexpensive harmonicas in common keys (C, G, D) to compare how the concertina sounds. With this, you can assess how it functions by manipulating all of the keys (to ascertain whether they move freely both upon depression and release).

I too find the Jackie's voice quite satisfying.

Of course, it depends entirely upon the music. But I'm a bit biased: as a bassist and string player...I would say doublebass and anything else. And, fiddle and anything else. But if it's jazz or a dance band...I'm often playing drums or tenor banjo to make the band swing. Oh..I see now that the thread is titled: "Ideal Group for Concertina." Nevermind..

Me as well. If it hadn't been for a cheap $100 Hohner 20-button I found randomly in a second-hand store, I'm quite sure I wouldn't be a concertina player--I'd no aspirations for concertina other than general curiosity as I have with all instruments. But there it was before me, and I was able to begin learning impulsively--which is always the best for me. That little box has made a lot of music, performed for and made lots of people happy. I've since acquired a second cheapie Hohner--I keep both in the living room for others to try and for the kids to learn on.

Of course, they're readily available from the major importers in the US. Here's the LITM page: http://larkinthemorning.com/search?q=harmonium&x=19&y=12

As George said: "Everyone I know who is into ukulele is crackers." Here's a uke group I host: http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117 I have developed an appreciation for "going small." I gig mostly with a double bass or a full drum kit, so I enjoy smallness. When I travel for leisure, I carry a double case with fiddle/mandolin and a concertina. A uke is also a nice compact stringed instrument. Mostly, I use mine when entertaining and if I don't bring a tenor banjo.

I haven't been playing my boxes much in nearly a year, and I've got other musical projects that I'm pursuing...since english concertina seems to be among them, I'm thinking I should sell a couple of my DBAs. I've got an old honey-colored pokerwork A/D that's in excellent condition...except some rattling on one bass button (bottom, inside). Otherwise, this appears to be in pretty good tune, and with no mechanical problems. $300 + shipping. If someone is interested, I would be happy to send photos as well as play it over the telephone.

PM sent

I expect that my grandchildren's children will also have spindly little arms. I guess the upshot is that we're fostering new generations of the concertina-able.

Indeed a sobering reminder.

Amen!

So Catty do you think you should be on the list? The number of instruments you play is of no importance (I play whistle, wooden flute, bombard, biniou and concertina). I do play other music on concertina too (Breton music and like to improvise). But if you play mostly jigs and reels than you should be listed! To do so we need your real name, if you do not mind (I remember a thread long ago about people being afraid mentioning their real names...). Sorry...thought my Myspace page was adequate. Randal Wolfe, Missoula MT USA

I'm in the process of switching from anglo to EC. For me, concertina is about my 7th or 8th instrument -- so I'm not pursuing seriously. When I travel for leisure I carry a double case with fiddle and mandolin, and another double case with EC and AC. On concertina, I play mostly jigs and reels, but I also enjoy being able to play ANYTHING with EC including Satie, Rebikov, Bach. Someday, I expect to leave the anglo at home. I play guitars, banjos, conrabass, fiddle, mandos and drums in various styles in various bands. For me, EC is one of the most elegant instruments.

Concertinae are generally louder than harps...especially outdoors. OK, let me clarify; from the parking lot, across the road, across the grounds, up to the second floor of the church, and through the brick walls. NNY Yikes...that IS a respectable distance, I'd think.

Concertinae are generally louder than harps...especially outdoors.

I concur...English

Yes, I did. Sometimes, my pinkies would be up on the edge of the metal bracket...other times in the bracket as proper, I suppose...but I would tend to exert too much pressure on my pinkies inthis position. Eschewing the brackets entirely permits me much more hand movement without interference with the brackets, while the pinkies are still able to help stabilize the instrument..

Oh my...I'm such a happy camper with EC now! I've been desiring to play EC for several years, but was never comfortable with it. Albeit, I play with improper form (after removing the finger "rests"--using my knee as a brace rather than a just support...but it's allowing me to finally enjoy happiness . I've been playing EC nearly every day for the past several weeks. I haven't enjoyed concertina this much since becoming smitten with my first anglo! I'd spring for a nice EC, such as yours Rod, if I had any money..

Never was for me. Not in the beginning... and not later, either. Not even with heavy playing. Interesting characterization: "pinky stirrups". Makes me wonder if you were trying to use them to support your little fingers, rather than using those fingers to help support and control the instrument, as I do. The latter. But as a long-time player of stringed instruments, I've a strong reliance on using my pinkies for playng notes; I could never get on with having 25% of my possible noting elements immobilized. I feel quite liberated now...it's enabling me to finally develop the romance with english that I always desired.

That's the second thing m3838 and I have found agreement on! Finally, I've removed the "pinky stirrups" from my english -- making it now viable for a fiddler ... no longer does it sit in its case unplayed.

Thanks Michel...that gives me a few tunes.

Ah, thanks Leo. I'm just wanting folios of popular holiday music with single lines.

Please.