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Dieppe

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Posts posted by Dieppe

    High Barbaree

    in Tunes /Songs

    Posted

    All comments welcome.

    I've not played for singing before.

     

    I'm probably only marginally more experienced in this area than you, though there's a lot of people here with centuries more experience than either of us. SO, take any advice I say with a grain of salt.

     

    When I play with a singer I try not to (if they're a good singer) play exactly the same notes as they sing. Well, like 80% of the time. I like the little musical bridge you did between the verses, a nice touch! What I do is try to play a 3rd, or sometimes 4ths or 5ths from the note being sung. A little easier is to play the melody, but include the higher 3rd. (You're on an Anglo, right? So just do the next one up.)

     

    BUT, I try not to over do that, doing it on the chorus for stronger emphasis perhaps. Also, when the main verses are being sung I like to lighten it up a little bit (play less strong), and for notes that repeat (if playing along with the singing, or vice versa) I'll just hold. Or say it goes C-F-F-G-C-C-C, I'll do C---G-C--- (just as an example, dunno if that's a tune). Not quite a drone, but more like playing the song slower with the important bits held. Or something. (Sometimes though I like to quickly do it as a scale, CDEF-G-GFEDC, sometimes.)

     

    Naturally, playing along with another musician or a singer is a difficult beast all to itself if you're not playing from the notes, but adding or expanding your own playing of a song. Annnnnd... everyone does it different, of course! I have to say you've come a long ways in the time I've been hearing you play! B)

     

    Patrick

    juliettedaum.com

    in Tunes /Songs

    Posted · Edited by Dieppe

    Sorry for the delay on this book.

    Will has been chased to put it all up for everyone, but he is heavily involved as Musical Director of a pantomime at the moment. I will continue to pressure him to make the book available.

    Al

     

    I recorded the first part of "Turkish Music" from "The Caliph of Bagdad" from the book, and have it available Here (Page 45). It's on my Wheatstone EC Baritone... I'm not happy with the timing, but I've also played it more since I made the recording. :rolleyes:

     

    I also like the "Redowa Polka" from page 33 too. B)

     

    Patrick

    Lachenal 48 button just given to me, value?

    in Concertina History

    Posted

    The amount of money you will make from this will be nothing to the value of the pleasure you would get from learning to play it. You may think your life is too busy to learn, or that you are not musical. I can almost guarantee, if you spend a couple of weeks at it, it will be a companion and pleasure for you for many years to come.

     

    ...

    Think hard before you sell.

     

    Simon

     

    Orrrrrr... maybe his musical skill is rubbish, and the original poster wouldn't mind being able to pass on an instrument to someone who would really play it, treasure it, and cherish it! I cringe a little when I think of people coming across their grandfather's instruments, and putting them back into the attic to rust for another 50 years.

     

    Well, cringe a bit more when people have the "Oh, I see new concertinas selling for $6,000! Surely, this old concertina must be worth that!" and they aren't willing to put it up on eBay to get a fair shake at the real world market price.

     

    Of course I like when people come to the concertina forum, and hope that someone who will fall in love with this instrument will make them an offer that sounds fair, that they can live with, and someone can get a nice possibly vintage instrument to have restored and to play. I'm just saying that yeah, it might be nice for a person to learn their family history, but just because I have my grandma's wedding dress, doesn't mean I need to wear it. :)

     

    Patrick

    Who are the folks who play at the Auld Dubliner in Long Beach?

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

    What the title says... Who are the folks who play traditional Irish music at the Auld Dubliner in Long Beach (CA) on Sunday evenings? Once in a while I see someone there with a concertina, usually an English, but sometimes an Anglo. Lots of fiddles, a pipe once in a while, and tin whistles. Need more drums! Do they practice anywhere, or just meet up? Do they have a song set list, or just pick random Irish tunes?

     

    Patrick

    English or Duet?

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

    ...But a significant non-technical factor for many individuals is the availability/accessibility of teaching materials or even live teachers.

     

    Dead teachers being a problem, but it's the undead teachers I'd keep an eye out for! Concertina Zombie Teachers!!! AAA! :o

     

    Patrick

    English or Duet?

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

    This is the question that's been plaguing us since at least 1894!

     

    At least it was answered then, I suppose in "The Musical Herald," Nov 1, 1894, "Questions and Answers"

     

    "Clarinet. Lachenal's Duet Concertina"

     

    Which would be the better instrument to learn, the English concertina, or Lachenal's duet concertina? — G. W.

     

    Ans.— You cannot do better than have Lachenal's duet concertina if you intend thoroughly to master the instrument, as it possesses advantages over all others of this class. It has a separate scale on each side, so that a melody can be played on either, and the other can be used for accompaniment. This is the one most generally adopted by professional players, and gives the best result. With this, one can play in any key, and any ordinary pianoforte solo or accompaniment is quite within its limits.

     

    So... we're still asking that question! :)

     

    Patrick

    EnglitinaXL for the iPad

    in Teaching and Learning

    Posted

    Michael, there's Canntina, but I can't find it searching from the iPhone App Store. Is it just delayed?

     

    Patrick

     

    Hi y'all,

     

    Just got word today that Apple approved my EnglitinaXL 48-button treble English Concertina app for the iPad:

     

    http://www.tradlessons.com/EnglitinaXL.html

     

    On the USA iTunes App Store:

    http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/englitinaxl-48-button-english/id387316019?mt=8

     

    I've put it on sale for the first week for $0.99.

     

    I'm very happy with how it turned out, really sounds great, and is very fast and responsive. I think it will be a great learning tool.

     

    Next up for approval is the wireless MIDI controller version:

    http://www.tradlessons.com/MiditinaXL.html

     

    Cheers and many thanks,

     

    Michael

    commando trad

    in Concertina Videos & Music

    Posted

    New out .... Commando Trad 5 (the rest are on youtube already.

    Idea : Invade a public space and PLAY (and dance)!

    Great fun, but I'm not too happy about the "commando" label.

    Makes it sound like an assault, not something to enjoy. B)

     

    It probably doesn't translate well from the original French is all.

     

    Patrick

    C. WHEATSTONE CONCERTINA, 44 KEYS FOR SALE!

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    post-8585-12724560499757_thumb.jpgpost-8585-12724560537734_thumb.jpgpost-8585-12724560570542_thumb.jpgHI FOLKS, I HAVE JUST ACQUIRED AN C. WHEATSTONE CONCERTINA FROM A PAST RELATIVE THAT I DONT KNOW MUCH ABOUT, LOOKING FOR HELP. LOOKING INTO THE HOLES IN THE END DESIGN YOU CAN SEE AN C. WHEATSTONE & CO., INVENTORS, PATENTEES, MANUFACTURERS, LONDON, W.C. OVAL SHAPED LABEL WITH A SCRIPT STYLE FONT. I CANNOT SEE A NUMBER AS IT IS HARD TO READ STUFF DOWN IN THERE, EVEN WITH A GLASS! (UPDATE) I JUST TOOK THE END OFF AND FOUND #1522 ENGRAVED IN THE WOOD! IT LOOKS LIKE A CURLY MAPLE? NOT SHURE? IT MEASURES 6-3/4 INCHES ACROSS FROM FLAT TO FLAT WITH 5 FOLD BELLOWS IN GOOD CONDITION. 5 ROWS OF BUTTONS WHICH ARE METAL, (44 OF THEM). I THINK THAT 44 KEYS IS ODD, AND THE EXTRA 5 HOLES ON EACH END IS ALSO ODD!! ALSO, IT DOES PLAY!! THIS PC IS FOR SALE! ACCEPTING ANY AND ALL INFORMATION I CAN FIND OUT ABOUT IT AND ALSO ACCEPTING OFFERS FOR ITS SALE?? PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!! MIKE BELL, INTERLOCHEN, MICHIGAN, USA

    post-8585-12724544543372_thumb.jpgpost-8585-12724544582696_thumb.jpgpost-8585-12724544614934_thumb.jpgpost-8585-12724544645389_thumb.jpgpost-8585-12724544674035_thumb.jpgpost-8585-12724544755166_thumb.jpg

     

    No idea what those 5 holes were for. A misguided attempt to help alleviate sweaty palms? The holes would be under the palms after all. I think it looks a lot like my Wheatstone Baritone, personally. For people who look for older Wheatstone Baritones who might be interested.

     

    Patrick

    Looking for Beta testers of a wireless Concertina MIDI controller app

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

    Hi y'all,

     

    I'm taking the iPhone apps to the next level and developing a wireless polyphonic English MIDI concertina controller app called "Miditina" based on Englitina. This app uses WiFi to send MIDI control data to either a Mac or Windows system running a small server application, the MIDI data can then be delivered to sequencers, software synths, or routed to external hardware synths connected to the system via a hardware MIDI interface. It supports note transposition and optional realtime control messages like volume, expression, modulation, and breath control using the accelerometer built into every iPhone/iPod Touch.

     

    In my home studio, I'm able to test the Windows configuration, which is working really well, but before I release the app, I'd really like to get some feedback and some testing on Macs and other Windows configurations, so I'm looking for anyone who might be interested in being a beta tester.

     

    Here's the requirements:

     

    You must have an iPhone or iPod Touch (2nd generation or newer) running OS 3.0 or newer.

     

    You must have a Mac OS X or Windows based computer and are familiar with use of MIDI port routing on the platform, use of software synthesizers, sequencers, and installation of drivers, etc.

     

    Ideally, you should have a hardware MIDI interface on the computer connected to an external MIDI synth.

     

    You must have a home network that is visible to both the computer either via WiFi or Ethernet, and the iPhone/iPod Touch via WiFi.

     

    If you meet these requirements and would be interested in being a beta tester, please contact me via private message.

     

    Here's more information about the application:

     

    http://www.tradlessons.com/Miditina.html

     

    I would like to complete the testing in the next couple of weeks, looking for two or three beta testers.

     

    Once this version is done, I can also easily adapt the underlying engine to do a MacCann and Hayden version if there is interest.

     

    Cheers and many thanks,

     

    Michael

     

    I would love to beta test! I have the iPhone, etc., etc.

     

    Patrick

    "Englitina" - English Concertina for the iPhone/iPod Touch

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

    Just got word from Apple that "Binglitina", the Baritone with one range from G2 to F#3 was approved and should be on the iTunes store shortly. I've listed it for $0.99 at launch. It's something I had hoped to have built into Englitina but ran into technical issues with the number of samples I had in that app so I split this range into a separate inexpensive app for those who want it.

     

    binglitina_icon.jpg

     

    I've downloaded it and I like the key range! I'll play with it a bit more, but it does sound nice. I might want to hook it up to a stereo and see how that sounds. :)

     

    Patrick

    "Englitina" - English Concertina for the iPhone/iPod Touch

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

    I'm thinking of labeling the layout starting at G as "Tenor" instead of "Alto"? What do you think? Anyone have a better suggestion?

    I don't think 'Tenor' is the right word, because the traditional meaning of a tenor English concertina is one on which the bottom range extends down to C below middle C. See, for example, Wim Wakker's English models, where a standard treble has 48 keys, with the lowest being G below middle C; tenor starts on the C below that; and a 56-key tenor-treble covers the range of both.

     

    I suggest sticking with Alto. Or else label the button Range:Low or Range:High.

     

    Speaking personally, I'd prefer the Range Low/High myself. One of the things that struck me most in both of the Wheatstones that I've had resurfaced (Thanks Wim!) is that the wear on the surface was most on the lower button area. I tend to play most on the lower buttons, and if improvising I might go to the higher range depending on where the music takes me. Of course other EC player might have different styles so I can't speak for them. As an EC simulator though it's most excellent, of course it can't be perfect but I've found myself a few times needing a tune and playing the Englitina for it. :)

     

    Patrick

    "Englitina" - English Concertina for the iPhone/iPod Touch

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

     

    Not a real time octave switch, more of a "I like to play the buttons on the bottom columns rather than on the top columns better" sort of things.... Starting with the G below middle C (for the treble) and up an octave.

     

    Actually forget what I typed earlier. If I'm holding it with the right hand on the right side (over the "button") and my left hand on the left side (over the phone ear part) I'd say just shift everything up a row or two. The low D on the right hand just needs the C on the left hand.. maybe shift it down to the low G. Not real time or anything, just would be a better starting place for me, but other players may feel differently.

     

    Patrick

     

    Cool, the whole area of range shift is interesting. Would having a third range on the settings page that shifted the low D down to a G meet your requirements? That would be extremely simple to add in the first update and I could just have a second guide page for that range. As I come from playing traditional Irish music on the Anglo, the D4 to C#6 range is perfect and was suggested to me by a few people on the board along with the Baritone option.

     

    I'll have some time to work on the first free update in a week or two, this is a very easy feature to add, would show up as an "Alto" option between Treble and Baritone. Is this something others would be interested in as well?

     

    Shifting the low D on the right down a fifth to a G results in this image as a proposed Alto layout guide (pretty sure I got the note naming right, please let me know if I made a mistake):

     

    What do you think? I'm not going to consider doing arbitrary row offsets, that's just too much work at this time, but having an alto setting like this might be a nice middle ground and something I can very quickly (as in one night's work) add to the app.

     

    Cheers,

     

    Michael

     

     

    Perhaps as an Alto setting that might be nice. I'll admit I like playing the very low G and other notes on my Baritone, of course the iPhone doesn't do it justice. I'll play around with it more though, I'm getting better at it.. just can't play it much at work.

     

    Patrick

    "Englitina" - English Concertina for the iPhone/iPod Touch

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Dieppe

    Thanks for the suggestions, I very much appreciate them! These are the sorts of ideas I can add to future updates.

     

    You do have the Treble/Baritone switch on the control page (touch the "i") that changes the whole range, but I'm guessing you're asking for a real-time octave switch while you're playing. I'll have to give that some thought.

     

    I'm definitely interested in eventually using the accelerometers for dynamic and expression control, you can expect that in a future update as I have time to work on them.

     

    Here's a quick demo video I put on YouTube:

     

     

    I think it's not too bad considering I've never actually played an English concertina... :-)

     

     

    Cheers,

     

    Michael

     

    Not a real time octave switch, more of a "I like to play the buttons on the bottom columns rather than on the top columns better" sort of things.... Starting with the G below middle C (for the treble) and up an octave.

     

    Actually forget what I typed earlier. If I'm holding it with the right hand on the right side (over the "button") and my left hand on the left side (over the phone ear part) I'd say just shift everything up a row or two. The low D on the right hand just needs the C on the left hand.. maybe shift it down to the low G. Not real time or anything, just would be a better starting place for me, but other players may feel differently.

     

    Patrick

    "Englitina" - English Concertina for the iPhone/iPod Touch

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Dieppe

    Michael and others,

     

    Thanks for the reports! It's one thing to test a program yourself or with a small group of beta (in this case only two) test players, quite another to put it on the open market. Glad to hear its as fun to play as had been my experience with it.

     

    I don't want to get in any trouble for posting too many commercial-style messages, so if anyone has any questions or comments please let me know. I'll only post more on the app when I have a significant feature update.

     

    Cheers and thanks

     

    Michael

     

    P.S. - If you have the app and get a chance, please post a review and rating on the iTunes App Store to let others know your experience.

     

    Okay, I have played around with it now! One comment or two.

     

    1: I usually play farther down the columns on my English, and it seems to be on the higher octave. Maybe an option to shift down an octave might be nice. (I start with the middle C on my left index finger, and then to D on my right index finger. I'm sure others play with a different style.)

    2: This might have been mentioned, but it'd be cool if when I shook the iPhone, I could get a little vibrato as if I shook the bellows. Just a ponder. I don't know how much of the application can detect movement of the phone? I haven't tried the Anglo applications so I don't know how they handle bellows directions? If I held down a "note" and tipped it forward it could stop and restart as if I've changed directions? Tilting forward and back could do bellows changes, but obviously have the same note..

     

    Also... maybe (and I haven't tried this yet) but if I'm holding the note longer than 15? seconds or so.. have the notes die/fade. I mean I can't pull out the bellows forever after all! :)

     

    Otherwise sounds good!

     

    Patrick

     

    Patrick

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