gcoover

For single-note playing, double-reeded instruments give you much more volume, especially needed if playing for dancers or in a noisy pub, similar to playing in octaves. Now, if you play in octaves on a double-reeded instrument, would that be quadraphonic sound?!? Gary

I think part of the problem is in thinking that it must be logical to assume that since most folk tunes are in D and G, therefore a G/D concertina would make the most sense. That was me, many years ago as a beginner, before realizing which instruments are most common (G/Ds are still pretty scarce), and how playing styles are often influenced by the instruments they are played on. Early on I had the good fortune to meet up with John Watcham, and although he had several concertinas in different keys, I was amazed that not one of them was a G/D! As others have commented, for ITM the C/G Anglo offers more note options. And, being able to play in G and D "across the break" on a C/G leads to much better cross-row fingering and speed since you're often using fingers on both hands to play the melody and the ornaments. Gary

Yes, less practice and more playing! And try to plow (plough?) through your mistakes instead of practicing and emphasizing them. Take your concertina out of the box and put it where it will constantly be in your way and then pick it up lots of times throughout the day, if only to play one tune for fun. Make rhythm and continuity the most important things to maintain and eventually your fingers will most likely fall into place. It just takes an incredibly long time to get that muscle memory solidified and then you'll wonder what the fuss was all about when it finally clicks. For sessions, you could even figure out some basic chords and revert to them if the melody proves vexing. If you learn G, C, D, A, Em, Am and Bm you'll be able to accompany almost any tune. And make sure you enjoy the process and the progress! Gary

So the Lakes of Polbathic is where Rocket Man lives? I didn't know these Cornish hobos were so prescient! Gary

Maybe it's due to the double-springing of the long lever arms? First time I've seen that. Gary

Yes, fantastic book! And there's a most excellent CD also available with many of the tunes. Highly recommended! Gary

Well, the original idea was to help fledgling G/D players learn to play and to be able to hold their own in English sessions - lest the melodeons win! I suppose we can't just blame the melodeons since fiddle players prefer G and D too, but they're a convenient fellow free reed brother to pick on. And yes, horrible confession time, I also love playing my Hohner D/G pokerwork. And EC too. Different tools for different approaches to the tunes. None better than the other, and all equally confusing in their own peculiar way. So, temporarily ignoring the plight of the poor G/D concertina players who just might have to fend for themselves until Jody's book is out, perhaps a different book that would make sense would be English session tunes in G and D but arranged for C/G concertina with melodeon-ish chords so folks with the more common C/Gs can participate more fully? What say ye, oh sages of cnet? Doesn't take much for me to want to tackle a new book - I learn lots of great new tunes myself that way! Gary

Well, it's been three weeks since I first offered to assemble a G/D English session tune book, and to date the response has been overwhelming.... in its quietness. Yes, that's right - nada, zip, zilch. Except for dear friend Jody Kruskal, who responded right away with "Haughton House". I'll keep the door open, but maybe there aren't that many G/D players after all who visit cnet and who play in English sessions? But the really exciting news is that Jody is now working on his own book, for C/G and G/D, and from what I've seen so far it's going to be awesome. Stay tuned! Gary

Maybe dye them dark brown to match the ends? Or black to match the bellows? The light leather will probably look soiled fairly quickly. Gary

For me, by far and away the best EC tutor is the one by Frank Butler, available as a pdf download at concertina.com if memory serves. Gary

Is it work like a buckle, on the bottom of the handrest? Gary

We can certainly put in some introductory bits for those who may be starting on G/D as their first and only concertina - good suggestion! Gary

Yes, there are probably a million tunes out there in a lot of different books, but our goal with this book is to help G/D Anglo players join in on the most common English session tunes. I don't play G/D myself, so I need to rely on the good graces of those who do and who are also willing to share their playing with others. Come on, all ye G/D players - I need dots, tabs, mp3s, photos! (send to info@rollstonpress.com). Gary

Yes, let's see how the G/D players out there play the standard English session tunes. And it doesn't have to be beautifully notated like Jody's tune, here's an example of one of the many tunes I worked on with Adrian Brown for "A Garden of Dainty Delights" - pencil scratching is perfectly fine, and you can just send a photo (like Adrian often did). Whatever's easiest for you, and I'll find a way to make it work. Gary

Perhaps it might also come from the piano/keyboard tradition of pushing a button/key and getting a note? Gary