Alan Day

Interesting idea Richard certainly you would have my support. My concern behind writing this posting was mainly that I am concerned that our music will die out unless it gets heard.As we all know if we play in pubs or dances people love what we are doing ,they love the music and have fun with the dances. Ireland has kept it`s Folk heritage,but here in the UK it is hanging on by it`s fingertips, in fact Indian Folk tradition is now probably stronger here than our own. Most stations here have been purchased by local radio networks and the old folk programs have gone with the sale,like you are experiencing in America. Going our own way may be the answer. Al

Many years ago I wrote to the Mail newspaper complaining about the lack of Folk music played on the radio and was subsequently backed up by readers agreeing with me.The BBC reaction was to play a Worzels record the following day which ,although I enjoy listening to the odd Worzel recording was not what I had in mind.The Irish have got it right a little bit of Irish traditional music mixed in with the usual mixture of modern and new tunes/songs is what I had in mind.I certainly would not like English Traditional music rammed down peoples throats but certainly a few bits here and there would be nice. It was a sad loss to lose John Peel who died of a heart attack this week, he at least would give all music a chance. English traditional music has suffered over the years,even American Country music gets more plays than our own traditional music.I think that it is only traditional players like some on this site and Folk festivals that is keeping our old music alive.I think that we get a raw deal and apart from the very occasional folk featured programms the BBC has almost forgotten us. Al

Sorry Dave I missed that can you repeat it. Ta Al

Yes Jim The reeds get stuck in your teeth. Al

Dave is this part of your on going experiment of concertina dipping ?The first being your Jeffries in the Manchester Ship canal. I am sure we will all be interested in your final report on this subject? Al

A Classical peice I would recommend to play on the concertina is in fact the only the only classical composition written for the Hurdy Gurdy and Cello it is Suite No2 by the 18th Century French composer Michel Corrette.The first time I heard it I wanted to play it and is on the Rosbif Bourree A Six record it is not long and a fun composition to play. Al Edited to say sorry I missed the songs bit,there are no words to this, but you could drone along.

Fantastic Mark, An early Xmas present and what could be better than a new concertina. Did you upgrade from a cheaper one or dive straight in for this one ? Please let us know how you get on. How long have you been a Boxer Helen? Perhaps you should change the dog in your Avatar. Al

It is a shame Zimbo that the Canadian sub situation was so tragic, it does sound as if Del Boy was involved in this deal. My only fear with wooden ended concertinas stems from the time I saw someone pull the fretwork off the end with the handle when the fixing screws pulled out of the handle joining the reed pan. Please note woodworkers that my Wife`s Stepfather died of cancer and the cause was put down to working with Mahogany.USE A MASK!! Al

I admire you Rhomylly for hanging on in there and joining in and it sounds like they appreciate your efforts.In return you must play them what you like, say one or two numbers, which for the first couple of sessions you will play solo.As these tunes are heard by the other musicians they will gradually join in.After three or four sessions they will all be playing with you.Then sneak in some more.Some will take off others will not, but you will find that if you love particular tunes, others will love them too. There is a fine dividing line between dominating a session and not ,but it sounds as though you are being made very welcome which is great and more importantly you are enjoying yourself.

Dan, I have had a chat with Netsounds music and he is looking into the Rosbif re issue on CD.If it happens I will let you know. Al

Thank you Daniel for your kind words re GIGCB and Rosbif. I only played melodeon on a couple of tracks on the first LP and managed to talk Mel Stevens into the delights of a concertina with the hurdy gurdy, so thankfully for us all, my melodeon playing was made redundant from then on. The Rosbif Waltz so called was collected by Mel in France and as far as I know had no name but I will talk to Mel this evening and check that out.Mel the driving force behind Rosbif went to many Folk festivals and concerts and wrote out the music for all the Traditional French music he heard.At that time no French traditional or traditional style music books were available.Mel wrote two books called Massif Traditional French music and amazingly many are sold in France.If I can get Rosbif re done in CD format Mels book is useful in conjunction with the music if you like to have les dots. I have tracked down the distributor of the records and I will report back if A) He has some records left, or if he is interested in releasing them in CD format. The coincedence here is that last week I got an Email from someone who took my picture at Sidmouth requesting that Rosbif be in CD format. Spooky substances!! Al The answer to A) would appear to be that yes some records are still available contact www(dot)netsoundsmusic (dot) com Edited to say my B has turned into a smilie,I like it so it`s staying

At the Bradfield Folk weekend recently I had the pleasure of playing a number of concertinas owned by Mark Davies and one was made in South Africa.It was a modern made concertina and I was impressed as was Mark to the quality of the instrument.I hope Mark responds to this debate as he knows the maker and purchased it in South Africa recently. I would also be interested in the South African style of playing as would many, if not all on this site and I hope you will provide some details in a future posting. Welcome and look foreward to hearing from you in the future. Al

Tread very carefully Bazza, brass reeds are normally brittle and will snap if you over bend them. Al

The reed pans sinking is usually due to the little triangular blocks unsticking.I agree with you Jim that some sound should come out of it.From the description it would be something I would take a chance on if the price was right. Al

There are many new concertina players joining this site every week and may have missed some great moments on this site. Jims 1000 posting ,the wonderfull story of the Holiday club owner singing in Japanese etc.I am not as clever as some to find these moments, so that you can click on them,but I am hoping if you join in this you will. What discussions,funny moments,hints etc. have you most enjoyed since Paul started all this. Al

I am glad you told me what the Avatar was Steven,I thought it was two trains passing each other. I can understand your excitement Paul and welcome to the concertina world,Steven thinks your absolutely crazy,so you should fit in well here. Al

Thinking further on your information Chris,Would I be right in saying that in certain lower temperatures the notes would sound sharp? The concertina should be in tune with itself however unless some reeds are warmer than others. Have we a market here for concertina electric blankets or Wendy`s crotcheted wooly covers ? Al

Very interesting Chris,you answered the theory with the technical information to back it up.A close fitting reed of say a Jeffries does seem to be effected by temperature drop as I have experienced.Only certain reeds however and as you suggest, probably more tight fitting than others may be.I wondered at first if the reeds were producing condensation and the moisture swelling the wood around the reed,but on reflection the problem would not be solved so quickly with warmer air being pushed into the concertina.On average it only takes about five minutes for the reeds to start playing again.So the expansion / contraction theory seems to be the most likely. Your thoughts Brian on speech being effected by the cold,is possibly muscle tightening which I suggest is possibly why so many athletes suffer from muscle pulls during sudden temperature variations.I do not think enough work has been done on this subject.Even playing the concertina on a cold corner of Sidmouth Sea front and I suffered a muscle problem in my hand,for the first and only time. Thanks for an interesting discussion. Al

Many thanks Henk, Al I agree with Henk, JOIN THE BIG BAND we are prisoners waiting to break out. Henk is poised with his computer running and mixer ready to mix, so far nothing. How about it everyone.At least have a try.

I have loaded new concertina tunes for you to download and listen to. They are Allison`s "Chocolate Rabbit" (with a sexy bass line) Limey Pete Planxty Irwin I hope you enjoy them. Al

I have an old Regal Melodeon, (Brass reeded) in need of repair or can be used as spares.If it was taken apart ,cleaned and made airtight it looks as though it is in working order but does need a lot of time a carefull work.The time I have not got or the inclination.A couple of buttons are missing, so that would be the first job. It was purchased in a job lot with a few other instruments for which I have covered my expenses. If anyone on this site would like it(No Charge) and is prepared to pay the postage,please contact me. Al

I think that the approach to by ear playing is to start off with a simple tune and gradually progress.The theory comes later when you reach a certain standard. The most important thing is to just get on with it. The only difference between those that play by ear and those that do not, is that the by ear players have started and those that do not play by ear, have not. Al

I wonder if the old makers suffered problems of manufacture due to cold weather or evening drops in temperature,I doubt if they would have had heating overnight.I would suspect that it would not have taken them too long to find out what the problem was however. It would appear that heat does not effect the reeds but cold does. My thoughts on reeds going out of tune ,was recording in a cold office early one morning before the heating kicked in and hearing that certain notes sounded out of tune,but later checking them on my meter thay were spot on,but nobody has agreed with this yet, so it remains a mystery. Al

As a suggestion that has worked at another weekend I have been to,keep the big band workshop and work for the concert spot on the Sunday.It gives longer for the practice and a major target to work for. Al

Robin, Sing it like Beckham ? Al