richard
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Posts posted by richard
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Hello
I think I have a valve problem.
On the same button on the left side (lower pitch notes) when I alternate bellows direction there is an echo-like, fluttery sound as it alternated between the two notes. I have always assumed it is a valve problem. Do you agree?
Does any body have suggestions for how to fix it? It has been through the hands of few repair folks. The valve itself I assume is not old or poor quality. ????
Thanks for any suggestions.
Richard
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Hi Chris
You get a lot of music out of that Lachenal.
Is it me or is the video of the Lachenal and the Carrol a reversed mirror image ?
Richard
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Hello Bob
I hope you and everyone there are OK after the storms.
Richard
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Hello
I attended Irish Arts Week 3 years ago and had Edel Fox in the morning and Tim Collins in the afternoon. It was an incredible experience. I recommend it for concertina players and lovers of Irish traditional music.
Taking two workshops with two great players for 5 days is a fantastic opportunity. All the other music in the form of sessions and concerts each night (all night at times) make the whole event a bountiful smorgasbord. You'll meet very nice people, good musicians and share the sidewalks and cafes (and sessions) with some of the greats of Irish music.
Having Greg there to take folks inside the concertina should be a great addition.
Richard
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Hello
I would like to see this episode.
I can't find it though.
Could someone please offer a link directly to the episode?
Thanks,
Richard
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"all those repeating g's and d's defeated me and I ran out of bellows in both directions."
Try using the air button.
Richard
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Hello
Here's my 2 cents. I have some experience but not as much as a lot of other very good players. Others please chime in!
I think there is an optimal distance between the two ends. I will go out on a limp and say between 4 inches and 5 1/2 inches. Not only because if they are too close you can't play any more push notes and if they are too far apart you can't play anymore pull notes. At the optimal distance one has the most control of the instrument as far as quickly changing between a push and pull note, or vice-a-versa. Also it is always best to have moving parts move less than more, that is called efficiency. Others can explain more scientific phenomena that occur inside the bellows involving air pressures, the volume of the bellows, etc.
If you watch good players you will observe this with wonderment as I have.
Over time with the goal of keeping your bellows at the optimal length one learns to intuitively use the air button on push notes to shorten them and use the air button on the pull notes to lengthen them, while you are playing. I have heard people use the term "feather" the button which is a very light pressure, the least that is needed to allow air in or out.It becomes an automatic part of one's playing. It takes care of itself.
Easy to say but like anything it can become part of your muscle memory overtime if you go very slowly and work on it, patiently. There is muscle memory in your thumb that works the air button and also muscle memory of your arms that gauge the distance between your two hands and inform your thumb to engage the air button.
The other part of the equation is which buttons you use to play your tune with. If you only use pull notes which theoretically are an option you will discover after the first phrase there is nowhere to go. I think learning to play the Anglo is about learning the best options as to which notes you play on the push and which you play on the pull for any tune. Choosing the best notes for push and pull will also serve your phrasing and the balance of using notes both on the right side and the left side of the instrument.
Noel Hill's system of fingering is one way of coming up with a good choice of buttons to play for a tune that best serves the music and utilizes the strengths and avoids the pitfalls of the Anglo. There are other systems too. I think someone needs to pick a system (or combination of systems)to use so that you have a starting point, and to avoid reinventing the wheel.
The other factor is the quality of the instrument. Good reeds need less air and good actions respond to more subtle touch.
These are only my observations.
I hope it is some help.
Richard
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Hello Ido
It seems in most places concertina players are rare and good teachers are rarer still.That is why a lot of us make use of Concertina.net to share our enthusiasm.
Retail outlets to acquire good concertinas are rare also. So you are not alone in your situation. Many people including myself have found ebay a good source for finding a good concertina. Educating yourself, being patient and cautious will aid you in finding one that you will be happy with.The Button Box in Massachusetts, Greg Jowaisas (both in USA) are reputable sources for good (usually vintage)instruments, as well as Chris Algar (in England). It is not uncommon for folks to make international purchases in the pursuit of a concertina, and the internet makes that relatively easy.
Focusing on finding people who are into the kind of music you want to play on your concertina may lead you towards contact with another concertina player or others who would welcome a concertina player into their social swirl.
Welcome and good luck,
Richard
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Hi folks
I got in my car last night here in San Francisco and turned on the radio and suddenly I hear Bob Tedrow's voice introducing himself and playing the concertina and so on. How fun!!!
It suddenly seemed like the world is smaller and more concertina-centric as I hoped it would be.
Richard
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Hello
I am pleased to say I had a great time in Guatemala. I brought my wee Lachenal 26 button with me and neither of us were molested or interfered with, or even looked at funny. I played everyday and being able to play was a wonderful part of my trip. I spent a week at Lake Atitlan and I would play sitting on the porch of our hotel overlooking the lake. Many people (other tourists and locals) kindly commented to me that hearing the concertina was lovely and added to the ambiance of the beautiful magical place. I feel a bit embarrassed about my paranoia now. I recommend Guatemala as a wonderful place to see, and the people are warm, friendly and open.
Here I am....
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Hello
Many folks have shown interest in my Dipper Clare case. As I said I was just curious to see if anyone could be interested. I apologize for not offering more information at present. I will be happy to give more information when and if I decide to try to sell the case.
Thanks,
Richard
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Hi Brian
I Play Irish music, but I sure wouldn't miss your workshop except that I will be out of town.
I'm sorry to miss it.
Good luck,
Richard
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Hello
I am considering getting a smaller case for my County Clare concertina and wonder if anyone might be in the market for an original Dipper case that came with the instrument?
I am just testing the waters to check if anyone would be looking for such item.
Feel free to message me.
Thanks,
Richard
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Hi
Thanks for the good advice and personal experience. If I had an ipod I definitely wouldn't mind if it was stolen.
I am tending towards bringing my travel concertina and just being a bit more cautious when I carry it
around. Sitting in a hammock at my hotel in front of Lake Atitlan should be just perfect.
Apparently cameras, ipods laptops and such, are most the desirable and more easily transformed into $$ than funky push-fiddles. I will bring a camera and would gladly hand it over.
Richard
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Hello
I am going away for a bit over two weeks to a country in Central America that is known for its crime against Tourists and citizens. I have a special less "valuable" and precious concertina which I got for travels . But it turns out now I love this instrument too and don't want anything to happen to it or loose it.
The idea of not playing for 2.5 weeks scares me as if I would lose or forget something. Also playing and relaxing while on vacations is one of my favorite parts of travel. I have considered not bringing it along.
What happens when you don't play for a few weeks?
Richard
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Hi
If you look at the liner notes of one of his solo cds I bet there is an email address to contact him.
Richard
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TomB-R
Do you seal or finish the wood before you glue on the material, or contact cement it on the raw wood?
Richard
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Hello
I am finishing wooden concertina case that a talented friend made for me. I have a few questions in case anyone out there would share their knowledge with me.
Should I seal the wood? If so, what with? Should I seal both outside and interior?
What is that black stuff on so many cases? Is it contact paper? If I use contact paper should I seal the wood first?
Thanks,
Richard
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Hello
I need to add my high praise and recommendation of Greg's work and artistry. I just got back the third concertina that I have sent to Greg, specifically to lighten up the spring pressure to its full possible lightness, and he has done a wonderful job. He always offers suggestions and insight for other little tweaks that can be made to optimize the instrument he is working on, and I trust his input. His heart is in the work. His rates are very reasonable too.
Richard
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Hello
I think a reasonable intelligent critique of anything, especially of things aesthetic is a valid and interesting activity.
I am not saying that I like or dislike the concertina personally or that the Dippers or anyone is above being the subject of intelligent criticism.
I was just trying to say in my posting that to critique something that is displayed for the purpose of advertising its availability for sale is inappropriate and dumb. I think when you list something for sale you are definitely not asking people to chime in with why they don't want it and why they don't like it. Doing that could be perceived as undermining the other persons intent. It is naive at best and unfriendly at worst.
When I list something in BUY/SELL it is to announce that it is available and to hear why someone out in the ether doesn't want it is off the subject and would be tiresome to me.
Richard
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Hello
I think to contribute to a buy/sell posting to say you wouldn't buy what is being offered is in bad taste, unnecessary and inappropriate.
Why not start another discussion on these types of end designs(in this situation) which I have seen on other makes of concertinas as well. When someone is just wanting to offer something to somebody who might want to buy it, other people's editorial opinions seem self indulgent ill-will. Where I come from we would call it being a "party pooper"
I am reminded of an old Irish saying...."Never loose a good opportunity to say nothing."
Richard
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Hello
Chris just mentioned the titanium reed shoes in his new Carroll concertina.
I have always wondered what are the differences between the different materials as far as tone and playability or whatever. I suppose weight is a major difference.
Thanks,
Richard
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Hi Yvonne
I think.....
What it comfortable perhaps has a 50% chance of being a technique that will help you play well throughout your playing career, OR It could be something that just became a habit for arbitrary reasons or no reason at all and when, you as you play further and improve in other areas, what is comfortable now might hold you back and become an obstacle to playing and sounding as you would like.
In your video I see you pulling and pushing from your right side with your wrist. What I think is one should be playing with the upper arm,from your shoulder,(as "you know who" recommends) and not with your wrists as it seems you are doing. I think playing with your upper arms helps one play with more agility and control, especially when getting more up to speed and with rapid bellow changes. I think perhaps there is nothing efficient about using wrists as the point of pulling and pushing. You can see all the extra movement happening which I think is energy thrown away and not serving the music.
My free advice, worth every penny.
Yours,
Richard
Valve problem?
in Instrument Construction & Repair
Posted
Hello
Thank you gents so far for your suggestions.
Do the vague symptoms which I described inarticulately sound like the valve is getting "snagged" on something and being prevented from opening and shutting quickly?
Richard