richard

Hi Does anyone have tips on what to use to clean the cigarette smell off a concertina? I am mainly aiming for the bellows. What would be effective and not harmful to the leather and/or other parts. Does this odor diminish much over time? Thanks, Richard

Hi Doug Are there any videos of you playing your baritone on view online? I'd love to see and hear it! Thanks, Richard

Hi Is it possible to post a short video of this interesting instrument being played to give some sense of what it sounds like? Thanks, Richard

Hydride too much.

Your playing sounds very good. That instrument is not beyond you.

Hi I am wondering about the Lachenal Anglos that have the SA initials cut into the end plates. So these were made to order for the Salvation Army, I gather. Would those particular instruments be of a certain quality that distinguishes them from other comparable model concertinas? Thanks, Richard

Hi That sounds very nice, especially in that empty wood floored room. Is that a Lachenal? The tone is rich. Richard

Hi I think if you are playing an instrument that you enjoy playing and pleases you profoundly in all the aesthetic categories (playability, tone, volume, visual look) than you have a right to be content. Trying out other makes of instruments can be fun and if you are not careful set you up for some developing dissatisfaction with your current instrument if it does not compare favorably. Something that is wonderful about concertinas for me it is a man-made object that can truly thrill and gratify, unlike so many consumer items and mass produced products. When ever I pick up one of my treasured instruments( each with its own character and magic) I am thrilled and delighted. Not many "things" in this life can do this. I think that whatever instrument you are playing that should be the goal, whatever anybody else says. Richard

Now go for the G.

Hi I have been careful to make sure my hands are dry after "sanitizing" them before I pick up a concertina. I am concerned about damaging the finish on the wood or metal. Am I being over protective? Has anyone else had a problem, or concern? Richard

Michael Eskin who I believe is on this forum created the concertina app for ipad etc. His app has concertina samples so maybe he could offer some help.

I have learned something.

Hi I am saw this Wheatstone English concertina sell on ebay. Though I am not an expert I thought such an instrument must be a very very early model and would have a much higher value at auction because of it's historical significance, rarity, and all the other qualities it probably possesses. Would someone with more information comment on the results of this auction. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Concertina-musical-instrument-c-wheatstone-regent-039-s-street-london-squeeze-box-/203295832804?ul_noapp=true&nma=true&si=k5ADKgpX4c9mIQadV3FGrvYS2U0%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 Thanks, Richard

Hi I never thought that Michael was trying to undermine the efforts of the seller, or that he did undermine anything. I think there is the potential on this type of forum for contributors to unfairly negatively influence a potential sale for the person posting the ad. If I had a question about the quality or pricing I think a private message, in this context is more appropriate. Richard

I have heard that Cage's music is much better than it sounds.