richard

I think I am glad to know that. Richard

Hi Dave My Lachenal miniature is 3.75 across the flats. It isn't the smallest mini but it is very versatile and useful. With an air button. It has 22 buttons and I can play a large portion of my normal repertoire on it because of the range. It is in D/A and has the equivalent of the C# on the right and the G# on the left. It is also fitted with (easily removable) straps and handles. Randy Merris included it in his paper on miniature concertinas. I love playing it, and the sound it makes. It does improve my air usage skills because of the limited bellow capacity. Richard

Hi The hard wooden case keeps the bellows compressed. It couldn't be any smaller. The other bags are for temporarily carrying the mini around at my work with old folks and people with dementia.Having a light weight bag that protects the instrument enough is useful for carrying the instrument around and having it ready at hand to put a smile on someone's face, Richard

Hi I find this concertina (and button box) performance astounding and supremely delightful. I think Liam O'brien is really getting at and expressing so much of the wonderful qualities and character of what a concertina can do. I really admire his fluency and musicality.

Hi I love your efforts. I have been obsessed with making containers, bags and receptacles for my miniature Lachenal since I got it last July. It is for practical reasons but also seems a bit like a concertina related obsession that I can't explain, but makes me more of a mystery to my wife. Richard

Hi I think having 30 tunes under your belt is the good time to set a new goal of polishing those tunes to your strict aesthetic musical standards. Really working and focusing on individual tunes in all aspects of playing it better will then be reflected on all the other tunes you play and hope to play. imho The repertoire will get bigger organically over time as you discover tunes you want to feel between your hands. Richard

And when substances are removed from the reeds wouldn't they sing a slightly different frequency of sound? RG

Hi When I saw this item on ebay I felt a twinge of deja vu. https://www.ebay.com/itm/183-Brass-Reeds-Beckwith-Pump-Organ-Antique-Used-Parts-Crafts-Upcycle-Repurpose/153703236444?hash=item23c96d435c:g:VdAAAOSwe2ZduLDI:sc:USPSPriority!94121!US!-1 Richard

From what I know I would say it is good to have 1/4 inch of daylight between your palm and the handle when you pull your hand away from the handle. That would be with average size hands. I know a player with very large gorilla hands and he has a lot more. You would want all your fingers to easily access the respective buttons that they are assigned to push, on all 3 rows, especially your pinkies on the outer lying buttons of each side. Richard

That is a stupendous performance on your video and you get a lot of music out of that concertina. Richard

Hi Linda I'm sorry for your loss. There are a few variations on the arrangement and specific notes someone might have on their concertina. Especially a Dipper which originally was custom made to the customers request. Attached is my own layout chart for my Dipper. You can start with the chart sitting in front of a piano with the concertina and check out and match each note up to the piano notes. You could share a photo or two of your husbands concertina to maybe get more information, and because people here love to see concertinas. Richard SF Dipper County Clare Layout.doc

I have a 22 button metal ended Lachenal (miniature) in D/A, and it has a very lovely tone and the pitch does not feel shrill. I have recently tried a C/G piccolo .......Now, that was shrill like an angry baby. I'd love to hear Barleycorn's D/A for myself. Richard

Hi Susanne May I say I feel you are over thinking this decision. Noel is one of the great concertina players and has also been truly devoted to teaching people of all ages all these years. His love, respect and knowledge for the deep roots of Irish traditional music, styles and past players is vast. To study with him is a great opportunity for a concertina player of any level. I have been in Noel's workshops (and lots of other teacher's) and of course he offers instruction in the manner and approach that he knows. But his system or approach is really based on pragmatic methods to make music on the concertina and he will explain any choice and/or technique that he recommends. Each student can take it all in and then decide what to take or leave. His classes do not have an authoritarian dogmatic atmosphere as far as following his suggestions, but why else would someone choose to study with someone if not to get that particular perspective and submit to it so to give it a chance to offer the personal/musical growth we are seeking. His classes are actually not only full of the love of the music, and technique, from as close to the source as one can get, but also they are a great time of good will, humor and laughter! Studying with Noel is very good for beginners because it can give one a smart practical point of departure without re-inventing the wheel or mistepping into bad habits. If someone has habits and approaches that have become or will become obstacles he can show you why and offer well thought out strategies that he believes in. Of course we are all welcome to take it or leave it. I have seen that those willing to take a long term approach to their music making may find many benefits to examining which habits are helpful and which can be replaced to the benefit of your music making. Some of that process will take time, more time than the week or so you actually spend in front of a particular teacher. So I recommend that you attend Noel's workshop, and any other players' workshops whose music you enjoy and appreciate. imho.... Richard

Hiya I've been playing a great concertina that has a wonderful sound, great reeds and in need of no improvement. The problem I want to believe is me... The reeds of this instrument take more strength to push and pull the sound from than my main instrument. I am assuming if I strengthen and build up the muscles that I use to push and pull my ability to get some music out of the challenging instrument will improve. Does anyone have any experience with strengthening exercises for concertina playing? I assume it is the pectoral, lats etc.....? I can imagine a lot can be achieved using rubber band exercises.? Any stories, thoughts or ideas? Thanks, Richard

Hello I am looking for a nice sounding nice playing and nice looking 20 button or more Anglo for an elderly lady friend of mine who is very enthusiastic to get her hands on her own concertina. She has a limited budget and I am guiding her towards finding a concertina. Anyone? Thanks, Richard