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Stephen DOUGLASS

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  • Interests
    English Concertina, Northumbrian Smallpipes, 'Border Pipes', SSP
  • Location
    New Jersey

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  1. Bilt Hamber Deox-C is not toxic and has worked well for me with rusty reed rehabilitation. The fiberglass brush on the other hand......
  2. Generally when this happens the tunes you conflate tend to work well with each other. I identify the offending interloper, and play then them back to back to see which combination has the most pleasing transition. From then on I probably always play together.
  3. Possibly the folks at Wheatstone (and possibly others) were looking at improving tensile strength, and mitigating cracks in low humidity, and the idea 'stuck', whether it worked or not (the aesthetics are appealing). The 'physics' of domed V flat, may have been a factor in the original design.
  4. Bringing it back to the original post. There is an interesting thread in bagpipe maker Jon Swayne's page, which relates to air speed and temperature. Scrolling down there is an interesting table on change of pitch depending on temp. As a skilled 'pipemaker' he will have done his homework. https://www.jonswayne.com/_files/ugd/6788c4_901e3df0e96f41c8a1a3a169b9700740.pdf
  5. This is fascinating stuff, I went down a rabbit hole after seeing the first video (shades of 'Cannon and Ball', Johnny Handle and Alistair Anderson). There is a more extended concertina piece in this clip if anyone is interested. Thanks for posting.
  6. When we start the journey on a new instrument we mistakenly get caught up in the rush to rapidly improve. The early hill of the 'curve' should be the most enjoyable, best enjoyed through wandering the new paths, while surprising ourselves with the new discoveries. The only way is up!... It is the 'plateau' that I find the hardest, (I'm sure you have been there with other instruments). It is flatter terrain, so not as easy to see where you are heading, easier to get lost, and then we realize that there is no end, just a continuous gently undulating 'steppe' that we learn to love. Don't forget!... Don't rush the hill, the plateau requires much more energy and commitment.
  7. I'd be interested to know if the 8 sided Crabb's reflected a deliberate attempt to produce an instrument with an 'uptick' in quality construction methods (similar to Wheatstone and their approach with the Aeola), or was it more 'cosmetic'? From the photo's, this looks like a 'fine' concertina David.
  8. I don't think it's overkill Peter, I think it's being prepared (for the unknown) 'as a good scout' knows. I didn't think I needed waterproof cases until I got flooded (If I'd been asleep....disaster!). Unless I'm playing them, my instruments are latched and sealed in cases similar to the one above. I use 'Nanuk' stuff.
  9. I have over the last couple of years, had several concertina's repaired by Bob since Button Box closed. I was very happy with the work he did. Though I will miss the relative proximity of his workshop in Mass', I'm delighted he is still 'fixing'.
  10. 'Tile' have a slim product that is already on the market. The also have other stuff (as do Apple) and I use them in instrument cases, especially KEYS and wallet, which i can never find. They rely on other users 'pinging' them for location. If this technology is different and doesn't rely on nearby locators then it might be worth considering. Dog tracking technology is satellite supported but expensive. If only stuff didn't get stolen, lost or just wander off.
  11. Simon, I get the 'gist' of your post, but lets also not forget that of its time the concertina, would have been considered new technology/machine, also with a potential for failure. After plenty hours/years of practice, I could still never say I have a talent, what ever instrument I'm playing, rather for me, they are a conduit to connect with the music. If something new comes along that helps to assist with that, and works, I'd embrace that 'technology'.
  12. Re Horniman Ledgers, It worth noting that dates of manufacture may not correlate with date of sale, especially in later years. In the SD02/03 Dickinson 'books', up to 1934 it seems that manufacture date was in the left column, then around that date it seems the date of sale was also added. (#33150). Around 1941 it shifts away from manufacture date to a reference in the first column (35333) (if anyone has info on these references I'd be interested). A random check of a page with serial numbers #35461 to #35483 has a sale date spread from 1943 to 1958 but presumably made around the same time. This follows the Second World War which may have something to do with the spread. These are just my interpretations so I'm willing to be 'put right' here.
  13. Over the last couple of years I purchased and received a couple of concertina's from the UK that were shipped via UPS. The delivery person, asked for a cheque at the door before releasing. Value of each was around $2000 ish and I paid less than $50.00 fees for each (shipping /insurance had already been paid). No receipt given or breakdown of charges, other than verbally 'they were import fees'. It may have been that UPS charged a fee for processing through even if no duty was charged. Nevertheless, when you have the the box sitting right there, to quibble doesn't seem sensible as the driver will leave with it until you 'sort it'. At customs, I would employ a similar approach, and if you get 'tugged', fess up and pay the 'small fee'. Why take the risk when you've invested so much already.
  14. Phil. The more/longer we play any instrument the more the frustration can take hold. This is not always a problem with the instrument, instead we find ourselves looking for 'more'...a certain sound, learning tunes by ear, perfecting techniques etc. It never gets easier as we try. But getting 'better' is a nebulous concept that can get in the way of enjoying playing. Also making a connection with an instrument is a lovely thing, how it sounds, resonates in the hands or the body, amongst other qualities. But ultimately for me, it is the connection with the music that is primary, and helps push through the frustrating times. Play music you really like, or find a genre that 'cranks your tractor'....and hey...we always need some alone time. Sometimes though, we just have to put our 'toys' down for a while, but think hard before selling, especially if it's a nice sounding concertina. I would have been disappointed if I'd sold some of the instruments I laid down in frustration, but eventually, and happily, picked up again. Just take some time fella.
  15. Thanks for the good advice David. Coincidentally this concertina came from a Missionary who worked in China, though picked up London, and I believe brought to Maine on his retirement. It also needed work, as I think he passed shortly after arriving home to Maine and sat unused. It was therefore pristine on the outside, but after opening, It did need some proper work. But is a lovely 'thing' now.
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