RP3
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Posts posted by RP3
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Quote from Bill McHale:
"Mmm.. Cool. Noel hasn't figured prominently on any CD in more than a decade. With the likes of Tim Collins and Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh producing some stunning CDs, I wonder if Noel is feeling some pressure to maintain his rep as king of Irish Concertina players?"
Any musical performer's reputation is built on how he or she plays or sings -- not on how many CDs they put out. And Noel's playing says it all. Having been a regular at Noel's US classes for over 10 years, I am comfortable in saying Noel's CD release has nothing to do with the "pressure" you describe. Noel has been extremely active in playing and teaching both in Ireland and in the US. Take a look at his concert schedule here in the US during his three weeks of teaching classes this summer and you'll see he's a very busy performer. Add to that his responsibilities as a single father to two young children and you will better see that time has been a big limiting factor in his life.
Ever since he did some preliminary recording for a new CD back in 1996 at Bucksteep, Noel has kept a new CD project in his mind but never had the time. Then there's the money involved is this process -- which he handled from start to finish.
At our 2005 NY NHICS class, Noel told us that he hopes that this CD is like a certain Dublin bus: nothing shows up for a long time, and then there's a string of them. So maybe we'll have a nice series of CDs to look forward to.
In the meantime, just enjoy this new CD -- there's some great music on it.
Ross
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Last year I took my cherished Dipper with me on my return trip to Ireland. I always had it with me - everywhere I went. I had purchased a small back pack and the concertina rode in that backpack everywhere. I wouldn't even leave it alone in our locked room at the B&Bs we stayed in. Inconvenient, yes; but I was always assured that my concertina was safe. The fact that it was disguised by the backpack probably contributed to its safe roundtrip.
But in talking about concertina security, I must relay a contrasting observation from an earlier experience. In 1995 I attended my first Northeast Squeeze-In at Bucksteep in Massachussetts. I was delighted to see the wide range of very rare and valuable concertinas casually displayed in the lobby, the Button Box sales room on the front porch of the Lodge -- to be appreciated and played by others. I am a poor sleeper and occassionally rise early. Saturday morning I was up and out for an early morning walk at half six -- when the rest of the free reed world at Bucksteep was sound asleep. Imagine my shock at seeing the very same rare instruments still sitting unattended and unprotected on the porch tables of the lodge. It is still to me an uncommon image of trust among a group of people who share a common love. Unfortunately, the greed of others can destroy that trust in an instant.
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Yep, I'm still here. I live in Tryon, NC and work in Spartanburg, SC. But in 7 days I'll be heading out to Noel Hill's NY class.
Ross
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As the proud holder of reservation #10, I'm happy to see that #7 has emerged from Wally's shop. He's working on both numbers 8 & 9 as we speak, so my own Bb/F isn't all that far away.
I haven't had the pleasure of playing one of the Edgley's yet, but I understand they are excellent. Hopefully someone will be beating an electron path to your e-mail in-box soon and the Edgley will be off to charm some new owner.
Ross Schlabach
Western NC
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While I do agree that I see the same "blue hair" trends at many concerts, I can report a more refreshing experience at the Swannanoa Gathering. This is a summer music program that runs over several weeks with each week having a different theme. At Irish Week there is a noticeable presence of young folks taking instrument classes. For instance, violin classes that week have more than doubled in the last two years and the young participants are already showing themselves to be committed, talented, and very energetic. Try keeping up with them on reels and you'll know what I mean.
Music, like almost everything else, has fads and fashion, and they change like the weather. There will be a point at which concertinas start to lose some of their charm for certain individuals and the demand for custom made instruments may plateau or even fall. But with websites like Concertina.Net and others, we've spread the word and the music and instrument will endure. As long as we welcome and nurture those "newbies" that want to learn about the instrument and the music, the future will be bright for the music and the instrument we love.
Ross Schlabach
Western NC
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Hi Darcy,
You didn't say where you live or what kind of concertina you play. I play anglo and live in Tryon which is about 40 miles South of Asheville. There are a number of players scattered around the state -- but not that many. Let me know what type of concertina you are playing and your location and I'll see if we can't introduce you to someone in your local area.
BTW, in early July, Celtic Week is held as part of the Swannanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson College near Asheville. The spouse of the college president is named Darcy. Not one and the same? If not, you should know that they have a concertina class lined up for this year and a number of concertina players are usually there -- if not for the classes then for the evening sessions. You might want to check it out.
Best regards,
Ross
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It seems that we have once more been invaded by the spammers and worthless merchants of the ether world. It wasn't enough that they had to render eBay almost useless to us for selling our instruments, but now they invade our favorite website too. I hope that Ken or Paul can block "Jonni" and his/her worthless e-mail promotions. Good luck guys and thanks for maintaining a great website.
Ross
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Bob DeVillis is a resident of the Chapel Hill area of North Carolina and does research and I think also does some teaching at UNC-Chapel Hill. I haven't seen Bob in quite some time, but I did call him last year to see how he was doing. Bob suffered a while back from an extreme case of RSI in both hands and was unable to play any musical instrument for quite some time. I think driving was even quite difficult and painful. His recovery has been slow and he has had to avoid the concertina for some time.
Like you Ken, I got a lot from Bob. I first met him at the NESI and we shared tunes during several of the Anglo sessions there. We also participated in several of the concertina classes held at the Swannanoa Gathering. I visited him a couple of times when work took me near to his home each June. Bob hosted wonderful sessions with some fine local musicians and I was thrilled to be allowed to participate in their tune fests. I met some delightful musicians there -- including another fine fiddle and concertina player, Julie Ross.
I wish him well and hope he's been able to get back to good playing form. He's a real fine gentleman and a credit to the concertina-playing community.
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I have decided to sell my 38 button Ab/Eb Suttner A4 model anglo concertina. This instrument is practically brand new with little use. It was produced for me in 2003 with serial number 178. It has the optional flat ebony ends, Jeffries layout, and the sound is exquisite. At today's exchange rate, this concertina would cost over $5,500 new and you would be looking at a wait of maybe 4 years before you got your hands on it. My asking price for immediate delivery is $5,100 plus actual shipping and insurance (required). I will consider an overseas sale but then payment must be by wire transfer.
I don't want to list this on eBay because I don't want the hassle and I'd rather see it go to a serious purchasor who will enjoy it -- even if that means a lower price for me.
If you would like a premium flat pitch instrument with no wait, then this may be the instrument for you. Serious inquiries invited.
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It's been a while and my memory isn't what it once was but I remember from my last e-mail conversation with Suttner, he told me that his production was about 25 instruments per year. Put another way, that's just a touch over 2 per month.
Since the serial number on my new (2003) 38 button Ab/Eb is only #178, and my first concertina from him was serial #48 back in 1995, I don't think Suttner has been at a 25 concertina/year pace for very long.
Ross
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Bob, I'm delighted to hear that the Southern Highlands Guild now has a fine concertina maker among its members. I don't live in Asheville but about 40 miles south -- just off I-26. If you don't get any Asheville responses and are willing to drive just a few miles, give me a ring - you should have my number from the SE Squeeze-in roster -- and we'll get some folks together for some tunes.Ross Schlabach
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I am having a Bb/F Linota model made and want to have the palmrests done up with the upper end of the handstrap anchored at the thumb-end of the handrest with an imitation ivory piece to simulate the style used on a number of the high-end Linotas of the period. On Internet searches I have seen a number of places listing different premade pieces in imitation ivory but found no sellers of small blocks. I will also need to locate a source for the metal strap adjuster pieces that go at the other end of the palmrest.
Can anyone help me to quickly narrow my search for these two items? Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Ross Schlabach
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Based on a message he left me on my office phone, the Dipper was sold and was supposed to be picked up last weekend. I imagine Steve will confirm that on the Forum shortly.
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That is a legitimate sale posting and that is Steve's correct e-mail. He ordered that Dipper after trying mine. He may be out of town or otherwise unable to check his e-mail. I will contact him tomorrow by phone (if possible) and let him know people are trying to get in touch.
Ross
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It was the identical instrument from the last bogus auction. The photos and even the description were the same. It just had another new seller name -- again reportedly from Canada. The bidder names were going to be hidden and the auction was set up for a quick 3 days. Thankfully -- with C.netters' help, eBay is squashing these as fast as they pop up. Ross
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There's another USA term: Pennsylvania Dutch. This term is used to describe a group of people who settled in the Pennsylvania area in the early part of our country's history. But actually the proper term should have been Pennsylvania Deutsch because these settlers were German immigrants. Nevertheless, the term Pennsylvania Dutch has stuck to this day and these folks are highly regarded for their farming prowess and wonderful food. One could do worse than be called Pennsylvania Dutch -- I am one!
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I thought it was interesting that the listing referred to both Paul Groff and Chris Algar as having evaluated this instrument. While it is possible, they are on the opposite sides of the Atlantic. Also, I remember reading that description somewhere else -- I just can't remember where.
Buyer beware!
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Ah, the dreaded phenomenon called short-term memory. What an oxymoron. It always fails one as soon as Noel asks you to perform a tune. As I can attest, this horror is re-lived every year. At least it has been for me since 1996! Then there's the associated ailment called rubber fingers!I wouldn't miss it for the world! See you all in August.
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For those who are considering NHICS this year, the last time I conversed with Linda, she said that NY was overbooked. So that class is really full and I expect the West Coast class is too -- it has been for several years just like NY. This means that the only possible vacancies may be at the Mid West class and I expect that's filling fast.
I can remember back to 1996 (the second year of the school) when total attendance was 11! But it was a blast -- and every year since has been too. I just really miss Bucksteep cause it was IMHO the best site and mid September was a perfect time for NHICS. The week was capped off with the NE Squeeze-In that concluding weekend.
But Noel has two growing children and it seems the switch to summer made all the difference as class sizes have exploded. It's to Noel's credit that he hung in with the same modest attendance for several years to get the class established, and now it's paying off! If you're reading this, thanks Noel!
Looking forward to meeting new players and sharing tunes in Erlanger!
Have Dipper, will travel!
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Hi Bob,
That's a neat little creature. When we first saw Noel's little Jeffries miniature years ago, someone asked him what it would be when it grew up? He answered "Piano accordion!" Now I wonder if yours has the same hopes and dreams??
I note that you said you might change the button pattern on your next one. I doublechecked the image of Noel's on Big Nick's Concertina Guide and saw that the Jeffries was laid out in what appeared to be two rows -- allowing the playing of all notes with only two fingers on each hand. With five buttons in an arch on yours, am I right in guessing that both playing it and holding it at the same time are the issue?
Keep up the good work.
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I have both a Jeffries 28 button anglo and a wooden-ended Dipper of 2002 production. The Dipper is clearly louder than the Jeffries which is quite bright itself.
I have also played several other Dippers -- including a 2003 raised wooden-ended model. My personal experience is that the metal ended Dippers are generally older ones. This may be just happenstance or it may reflect a conscious shift by Colin to wooden-ended instruments in search of a certain sound. The metal-ended Dippers I played were a bit harsh for my ear -- even though having had a number of years to mellow. All the wooden-ended ones I have heard sound very nice. The raised-end one was brand-spanking new and had a sweet tone. Both I and its owner expect its tone will richen as it breaks in.
FWIW, my recommendation would be to get a wooden-ended model unless heavy commercial use would dictate that you get the metal-ended model instead.
Ross
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I've been attending the NHICS for a number of years and play a Dipper and a Jeffries myself. There and at other events I have had the chance to try the Herrington, the Tedrow and the Morse -- but not an Edgley yet. I second Ken's recommendation that nothing beats trying them out in person. But since you have asked us, here's my two cents worth.
I have been very impressed with the Morse Ceili in all aspects but one -- weight. It is so light, it doesn't want to stay put. For someone who plays standing up such as in Morris groups, this may be no problem. For me sitting down, I'd like a bit more heft to keep it in place so that I don't have to hold it in place with one arm -- that's a bit tiring. The lightness of the production models is really surprising, because the pre-production prototypes brought to NHICS and the NE Squeeze-In over several years were more along the weight of a traditional concertina or slightly heavier. Tone on the Morse is fine and the action is nice and light. It's design and construction are very much in the traditional concertina vein with the accordion reeds being the only non-standard item -- but all four choices in this thread have had to make that same compromise for price's sake.
As others have echoed, I find the Herrington very heavy -- and the action is too. Note that my test drive of the Herrington is several years old and he may have made major improvements there. But based on my direct experience, not a top choice for me.
Bob Tedrow has been very prolific in producing concertinas and has made wonderful strides. I'm very impressed with the rich sound - especially when playing chords -- of his latest models (March 2004). He has done a very good job of getting concertina sound out of accordion reeds. The bellows design is a bit soft for me, but others may not be put off by that -- it's again just a matter of what you are used to. As to action, his newer models with bushed buttons are very nice and are preferrable. The older, unbushed models handle much like an unbushed Lachenal and are not as enjoyable to play. One real plus with Bob is that he is always willing to work with a buyer to produce what they want. You might want to give him a call.
So the current Tedrow would be my first recomendation to you with the Morse a very close second. Good luck -- whatever you choose.
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I too really appreciate the information shared on this thread. I had previously read the short Jeffries history written by Joel Cowan and published long ago in the second issue of what was to become Concertina & Squeezebox. The information discussed in this thread corrects some of the errors in his story and puts a more accurate date range on my own 28 button, C/G metal-ended C. Jeffries anglo. I'd previously been told by a couple of highly respected experts that this concertina was made in the 1860's , but the information discussed here shows that it was probably made no earlier than sometime in the 1870's and more likely even later than that.
Mine has very finely done filigree work on the ends -- much better than the work I've seen on Crabb's and Ball Beavon's from around the turn of the century, so I suspect that the ends may have been done by Charles or someone working for him and not done by Crabb.
Thanks again for all your hard research work.
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Stephen, I saw my first concertina while playing a gig at a local pub. I was playing a 40+ pound hammer dulcimer at the time, and the thought of a small 3 pound instrument that didn't have to be tuned was, well --- irresistable. Not too long after, I asked the same concertina-owning gentleman where to find one of those neat contraptions? He put me in touch with Mo Turcotte in north Georgia. Mo happened to be an early dealer for Suttner and a couple of weeks later I was the proud owner of a Suttner Linota model anglo. The inital cash commitment was heavy, but I have never regretted it. The only down side to this story is that the dulcimer now spends too much time in its case -- unplayed.
New Carroll Concertina
in Buy & Sell
Posted
Now, Roy, if you'd gone to class like you were expected to, you would probably already have that coveted #9 by now. And since you are truly a shutterbug, we expect a photo essay when it does arrive.
Ross
#10 and waiting