SteveS

Thanks for the reply - very much appreciated. Whilst your suggestion is good and is correct for arranging for say strings, I believe that concertina arrangements were historically all written on the treble clef - then only the treble clef would need to mastered by band members, and anyone playing treble, baritone or bass range instruments in a concertina band could theoretically play any of the parts without having to learn the viola and bass clefs. This is because on band instruments, the middle C on the treble clef and treble concertina, then that position will be occupied on a baritone by C one octave lower than the treble, and a bass 2 octaves lower. I would appreciate comments as to whether bands did in fact write all arrangements on the treble stave, irrespective of the instrument range. This is what I was told many years ago - and I feel would make a lot of sense from a band perspective.

Sampling my concertinas is an option. My recording facility isn't setup at the moment so I was looking for another source of samples.

I've been able to configure each stave with the relevant note range of each instrument, and the sound font I'm currently using plays those notes back at the right pitch. But using strings for example, the final product with concertina is difficult to gauge - so I'm also looking for reasonably quality concertina sound fonts. (MIDI free reed sounds are pants.) Yes much easier to arrange as 4 separate treble staves since the fingering for each concertina in the arrangement is the same being transposing instruments. So far, I've got most of Treble 1 arranged, which will undoubtedly change as things evolve, I'm now working on the bass line since this must underpin the whole rhythmic side of things. I'm not sure if this is the right approach. I'll see if it works for me. I also don't want each part to be too difficult to play.

thanks - i'll give it a go

I'm in the process of trying my hand at arranging for a concertina quartet - my first such arrangement. I have a couple of piano scores that I'm working from as inspiration. The parts I'm arranging for are Treble 1, Treble 2, Baritone and Bass. Being transposing instruments the grand stave is arranged as 4 treble staves. Any tips on arranging for a quartet? Thanks

Thanks everyone. I'm in the process of arranging a couple of piano scores for a concertina quartet (my first such arrangement so I'm on a steep learning curve) using Musescore and it would be nice to have concertina sounds on playback rather than relying on either terrible MIDI free reed sounds or strings - I'd like to hear something that is closer to how the final product might sound. And any tips on arranging for a concertina quartet would be gratefully received. I've started a new thread.

Anyone know of any freely publicly available instrument sound samples of concertinas? Thanks

Try this video for a starting point:

I waited just over 4 years from placing an order to spec:ing my Parnassus TT.

This is exactly what I did to make a new brass reed - cold hammered the brass sheet to work harden it.

There was a baritone in Bb for sale on this forum in the last 10 days or so.

I agree, never mention the word 'concertina' - it can be considered a munition. Also when flying, I always say to the person attending the loading of the conveyor that I have a small accordion in my bag/case. They may then alert the x-ray scanner person. I have occasionally had to give an impromptu concert!!

I'm surprised Barleycorn didn't know the maker. Rock Chidley concertinas have one typical diagnostic - there's a bird's eye cut into the fretwork on each side - look below the little finger rests.

I've used emery boards - the type used for filing finger nails.

I parted with the instrument about 5-6 years or so ago. I wish I had another available.

I've seen bandoneonistas bounce the instrument on their knees so as to emphasise the rhythm (something I've experimented with on EC). This instrument could never be bounced in the same way, IMO leaving tango a little flat.

From memory, I believe the lowest note was C, making it a C bass. I no longer have the instrument.

Wheatstone price lists are here Wheatstone English Concertina Pricelists Wheatstone model numbers can be found in the price lists. Lachenal New Model - Lachenal price lists here Lachenal Concertina Pricelists

New Model concertinas are great - I'm a big fan. I have a Wheatstone Aeola TT which I rebuilt from a box of bits and made new ends for - this has terrific 'brass' reeds - however they don't take a lot of hard playing before needing to be touch-tuned. I use this 'tina mostly for song accompaniment.

A Wheatstone Twelve-Sided "Edeophone" Concertina with Pre-MacCann Chromatic Duet Fingering

Hi Richard - I've sent you a PM. Cheers, Steve

I have a 56 key Aeola Tenor Treble for sale. Ebony ends, fully restored about 3 years ago by me. Plays amazingly well with a fast action and responsive reeds. Currently in UK.

I'm selling a Wheatstone Aeola 56 key tenor-treble, ebony ends. Serial number 30104. In terrific condition, fully restored by me about 3 years ago. Restoration included fret repairs and French polished, new thumb straps, new pads, new valves, tuned to A=440Hz, action rebuild, metalwork polished, new bushings. Plays like a dream with a super fast action and great dynamic sound and range. I'm currently in UK and the 'tina is in the UK with me. The concertina is located in Chesham, Bucks. CNet will not allow me to post more pictures - please request more pictures. No case I'm afraid - it will be securely packed in transit - or local pickup. £4000 or near offer. Reason for selling - I have a Wakker Parnassus tenor-treble.

It's been quite a while since I last posted any Nordic tunes. Here are a set of tunes that Gill Redmond (cello) and I played for dancing about 2 years ago. The set also features shruti box and härjedalspipa. also this waltz https://www.dropbox.com/s/tdrv1quaz7uuvpv/IMG_5397.MOV?dl=0

Great article - thanks for the posting the link