SteveS

If the instrument can be demonstrated to be more than 100 years old - that is classed as an antique for customs purposes - then it should be free of VAT - only import duties to pay. Please do check the latest customs regulations on this though.

Excellent project write-up. Thanks for sharing.

I'm in the process of getting together some hardware & software for a small home studio - kit identified so far is Shure SM57 dynamic mic (x2 - instrument) Røde NT1-A condenser mic (vocals) Scarlett 18i8 (computer interface) Magix Samplitude (audio software) Shure SRH440 monitoring headphones My question is about members' experiences with using studio mics for concertina. Have you used 1 mic per instrument - pointing at the centre of the bellows say? Or maybe 2 mics - one at each end? How far away to place the mics from the instrument. Of course I'll conduct some experiments to see what's best for me and my setup, but I'd like an idea of any collective wisdom, pitfalls, any other advice, etc, will be much appreciated.

It's been ages since I last posted tunes in this thread. I've been busy in the interrim - for your edification I present 4 new polskas: Enkronaspolskan efter Omas Per a better variant in my opinion that the one I previously posted. Polska Efter Jonk Jonas Polska Efter Snickar-Erske 1867, Polska efter Alfred Nilsson I hope you enjoy them.

I have a concertina with glued in reed pans in the resto pile ☹️

I have a concertina with glued in reed pans in the resto pile ☹️

Never heard of similar courses for concertina. However, I did myself also make a 1 row melodeon on a course with Emmanuel Pariselle.

The only sort of smokers requistes i buy

The English is great for Nordic music - much of the fiddle repertoire goes well on the EC. Myself I use a TT Aeola and play many different varieties of polska, as well as Finnish waltzes (and the odd Finnish tango). If you're into Nordic music, take a look at the Nordic Tunes thread.

I've just landed after a trip abroad - I always say to the security person that I have a small accordion in my bag - 1 time in 5 or so it'll be examined by hand (and I've even held a mini concert a few times 😀 over the years).

Having done a bit of research, I'm thinking these mics might be good: Shure SM57 for the 'tina Røde NT1-A for vocals Does anyone have experience of these mics?

I’ve been offered a gig at a festival next year - a concert and playing for dance. Although it’s a year away there is plenty of preparation to do. I want to learn a number of new songs, and add some new tunes. The festival organisers have asked for a demo recording. I’m thinking to do this myself. I have some good audio recording and editing software, but lack experience in mics for both concertina (and other instruments) and voice. Any suggestions of suitable hardware is appreciated. Another option is to use the services of a studio - any recommendations?

Thanks for this. Such a large variety of instruments they offered. I'd love to acquire a portable Wheatstone harmonium 😉

I wasn't aware that Wheatstone also made harmoniums - thanks for that info. My bass also has gills underneath - though maybe these are a later addition. I don't have access to the bass right now, but I believe it to be a 44 key C bass. It's unplayable and needs restoration, but the reeds look to be in good condition.

I recently acquired a Wheatstone single action bass for restoration - I estimate from around 1850 - havent yet found the serial number. Looking at the reeds yesterday I noticed that they had French note names impressed into the reed frames, along with the usual C, C# etc. All reeds are square edged, and are screwed to the reed pan as is common with large reeds in bass concertinas. Set me wondering if these could be French-made harmonium reeds?