[A Self Teaching Method]

This is a great idea. As a slight alternative, many MP3 players these days seem to have a voice recorder built in--I use mine occasionally for such a purpose, and it can be in equal parts enlightening and depressing. I've found it particularly good for getting the feel of a piece and not focussing exclusively on getting the correct notes in the correct order.

 

*SOOO much better than notecards to think of songs to play

 

Not sure what you mean here Steve--do you play the songs in the order in which they come up on the recorder?

[Right Side/left Side Volume?]

I have a similar problem with my Stephanelli (Chinese) anglo. In my case, because I try and play softly at certain hours during the day, I find some notes sound and others don't for a given bellows pressure. This generally applies to the right-hand (higher-pitched) reeds, which take more bellows pressure to sound than the left hand.

[Hello And Question]

You can certainly do any of those on a c/g as well, just with different fingerings. either choice has both strengths and weaknesses, most of which having to do with notes available for you to play. I find that I can play in F and D easily, as well as C and G, and play in other keys as well.

 

Thanks, I think that settles it--a Rochelle it is!

[Hello And Question]

As a follow-up newbie question (thanks for bearing with me): In a thread from last year (http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=3419) Jody Kruskal suggested the following:

 

Boney, all of the styles you mentioned "I'm more interested in early ragtime, old-time, and traditional songs. I'd also like to play simple classical stuff, waltzes, and the like. Also Northumbrian tunes, klezmer, Swedish...you get the idea" are great on the Anglo G/D.

 

Much of these styles are certainly styles I am interested in playing, and have been experimenting with on my current G/C anglo (along with some French & Breton--perhaps not so appropriate). Would there be any difference between a G/C and G/D in terms of appropriateness for such music?

[Hello And Question]

PeterT: thanks for the advice. I've been trying to talk better half into buying/renting a cello, something she has wanted to do for a while. Perhaps after hearing my outstanding efforts on the concertina she is inclined to try it.

 

dirge: not classy clifton, but further into bristol. we are only renting--we're actually from Australia and are still getting over the house prices in UK

 

woody: I have taken great inspiration from your verse. For the moment I shall have a think, and carry on with the Chinese with the best of hopes:

 

"Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee." (Psalm 38)

[Hello And Question]

I'd be surprised if the Jack or Jackie were significantly quieter than the Rochelle. On an English the chords will shift from one hand to the other and you'll have to mix them in with the melody. Sounds like you would like a duet but even the Stagi Hayden isn't cheap to buy. You may find the 30 keys on a Jackie a bit limiting after a while but you can always trade up afterwards at Concertina Connections without losing any money; the same applies with a Rochelle of course.

 

Hello yourself and welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks for that tallship. Given the funds my girlfriend is I am allowing myself to spend on this, I think the choice is between English/Anglo. Given that neat trade-up option I think my choice is between the Jackie and the Rochelle (I don't see any sense buying a Stagi et al. with these options).

[Hello And Question]

Hi,

 

I've been lurking for a while but this is my first post, so hello!

I purchased a cheapo Chinese C/G anglo about a year ago and have been making my way through Bertram Levy's book, as well as fooling around with some classical and Klezmer music. I've really been enjoying it, but have been a bit put off by the poor quality of the concertina. I played a friend's comparatively nicer concertina recently and immediately decided that I needed something a bit more decent (it isn't solely my poor technique!). I am quite tempted by the Rochelle, which seems pretty highly recommended on the forums here. However, before buying I've also been wondering about making the switch to an English. Without starting any flame wars, I wondered if someone could help me by answering the below:

1) Several web pages I've read imply that the English concertina is somewhat quieter and mellower than the Anglo. If this is the case, does this apply when purchasing a new concertina (e.g., Rochelle vs Jackie)? This is a consideration as I live in a converted Georgian terrace which, though lovely, has paper-thin walls and floors.

2) One style of playing I love on the Anglo is playing melody on the RH and accompaniment on the left (for example, the Constant Billy arrangement in Levy's book). Some posts I've read here suggest that this isn't as straightforward on the English given the buttons are split by on/off stave?

3) If I went the English route and bought a Jackie, would I miss not having 48 keys?

 

Thanks in advance!