Kelteglow

Although I have been on this site for a number of years I have never posted a recording of my efforts .I have tried recording on my phone and on my PC it sounds awful .I play live in Folk Clubs and have been told that my sound is good ,so I hope its not just me .Can any one suggest what equipment I should use to get a better result .Thanks Bob

I started playing Anglo 2004 and the first instruction I got for Harmony play was from Johns blog How to Play Anglo on his his website .Later on I attended one of his workshops at Kilve and when I play the tunes in the English Choice book I tend to play Um pa style keeping the Um as low down on the L/H side as possible .So I hope that's right .Do any of you play it differently ? Also I try to play all the tunes in the book although some are specifically for Anglo . Bob

Listening to Sir John Kirkpatrick playing how does he get his rhythm and punch in his tunes his chords seem to have an almost ( explosive build up ) I cant find other words to describe it .There also seems to be an underlying almost constant tone and I am not talking abut the Guitar accompaniment .I wonder if its because I am unable at the moment to play the tunes at full speed .I am presently going through Johns Brilliant English Choice book I also have the CD , I have had them for several years but only now got around to reading and playing .PS I have been waiting over one year to attend one of Johns workshops but Covid has delayed it all . Thanks Bob

What a Brilliant Topic Although I have been playing for a few years there is always something more to learn when you go back to basics .That's what I have been doing through Lockdown .Thanks bob

Great to see you encouraging young musicians who can carry on the tradition of Concertina .Wish I had started when I was younger. Music has brought me so many friends. Bob

Can someone more clever than me tell me in his U tube video. What notes Tim Edey is playing on his Melodeon run down the keyboard .It sound Brilliant. Bob

When I play at a Folk Club I like to play standing up if possible with a step or chair close by in case I tire .It helps I feel , that the audience see the concertina as well as hear my Anglo Concertina . When playing for Morris I always stand and use a folding step ( like guitarist use they are about £10 to buy) .Often with our Pensans Morris we play while walking in a procession .I then use plastic ratchet straps which I put all the way around the wooden ends of my concertina with a key ring attached to clip a shoulder strap to. When I had my new34 Key G/D made by Colin Dipper I asked for it to be made as light as possible so I could play it without support. He made the reed frames of Aircraft Aluminium Alloy . Bob

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All of you .I hope we can return to some sort of normal in 2021. Back to the subject .I have bought almost every tune and instruction book going Keeping Gary in Gin and Tonics. I play as much as I can using the suggested tablature .Left and right finger positions .In the end I just end up singing my song and finding the best accompaniment that I am able to produce. I wish I had Jodie's skills but I am going to need another lifetime to get there .So in the meantime I will just have to use the skills I have acquired so far and do my best . I can sing better than I can play and I often use a trick learnt from one of John Kirkpatrick's workshops if you forget the chords .Just Sing a bit louder. I love my Concertina's and it has brought me hours of fun in my retirement introduced me to so many friends and final a Big thanks to this site that has allowed me to talk with so many like minded musicians. Luv To you All Bob Glanville

Lovely Music from you both . I do like the bellows reversal which I must do more often in my playing .Have a great Christmas and New Year ,Hoping your trip to UK is on for next year. Bob

Can you tell us more about your Maritime Music eg Do you play along with Chanties etc .Stay Safe , Bob

With Festival s and Workshops all Cancelled .Up and to the start of the latest lockdown I have had the Pensans Morris players Max of 6 in my conservatory ,We all miss performing and this is the next best thing .I have also tried using Zoom but I don't get the same buzz from it . In the latest England 4 week lockdown ( no gathering allowed ) , I have pulled out my numerous song and instruction books as every time I look through them I find something new to practice. Hoping we all pull through safely . What music have the rest of you been doing /practicing ?. Bob

Hi Gary Nice book it arrived Yesterday .I am already realising that I have been playing for a long time without taking full advantage of the right hand G row for the melody There are some interesting combinations of Harmony notes .One thing you say is John Watcham uses his little finger to play a (walking base line) .Which tunes in your opinion display this best . Thanks Bob

Nice tune it reminded me of s Barrel organ playing so many notes from one instrument .What equipment do you use to record ?

Sorry I missed it hope you run it again .Bob

In a session I am ok if I start a tune .If someone else starts the tune even one I know I have difficulty playing along with it sometimes.

Wondering why it is that I find it easier to Lead a Tune than follow a person playing even a tune I know.Am I no good at listening or what ?

Sorry my Mistake

I play Anglo . Are you playing with other Bb instruments .If you are trying to accompany your singing you may be best to look for another version of the song eg https://chordu.com/chords-tabs-the-coast-of-high-barbary-id_0Zs-Zr95aw8 There are many other possibilites if you Googal the title. Bob

Hi Peter your G/D seems to be a Jefferis System .I have a Wheatstone 34 button G/D and have worked out every Chord for the left hand(I doubt I will ever use them all ) . You may be able to adapt these chord charts to your concertina .any two buttons make a chord that includes the melody note you may be using for the tune . PS the forth picture includes chords I missed .Bob

Seeing the Double Concertina case for sale reminded me to tell you about my purchase From Currys PC World UK .When I go out to play especially if I am in a parade .I carry my two concertinas C/G & G/D in this a Camera Bag its a Sanstrom Canvas Backpack cost £29.99 .It has room for two concertinas and lots of pockets for music ect. Although its shower proof , I would cover it if it was raining .I dont keep my concertinas in this bag at home I have another stronger case .I have reduced two pictures below. Bob

I found the site and booked up .Just hope now that travel restrictions and contact are lifted in time.Bob

I Have joined Zoom but I am not the cleverest when it comes to computers .I would welcome any further tips on how to use it .Thanks bob

Here in Cornwall its the same with lots of empty shelves in the super markets.I have tried playing my concertina but without the need to practice prior to a performance seams to make it harder .I am sure I will get used to it . There are many musicians stuck at home and when the weather improves we are going to meet two meters apart in the local park for a session .Unless its banned.

Thanks see you there.Bob

Are you coming to the UK for 2020 and do you have a programme ? Bob