Stephen DOUGLASS

David,That may be the first step at attempt, but from what I have seen on other concertina's (and there is a recent Baritone for sale below as an example) is a strap with two separate fixed points, each side.

Caj...I'm looking for extra support to relieve stress on the left thumb which is starting to develop 'twinges'. Want to mitigate before things get worse. Don't want to stop playing. It sounds like your fix is for Anglo or Duet, if not, or you have a solution for English without drilling I'm 'all ears'.

Yeah Wunks...I think adding a strap with what sounds like 3 points of anchor (thumb and wrist torque) in the same place might add too much stress. I'm currently researching threaded inserts for wood. But still not sure about how, or even if to proceed.

I am considering retro fitting wrist straps to a concertina to see how it feels. I have done some searches 'here', but haven't found anything directly related on how to actually do it. The making of the straps, I think is absolutely doable, but drilling holes into the side of the concertina, well... that fills me with trepidation. Could this be a 'home' fix or do I need and expert?

This is an interesting take, I'm not sure whether the Anglo became adopted by folk trad etc because historically it was significantly less expensive than the English, but I use my English for 99% 'traditional/folk' music without thinking I would be better off with an anglo. I wonder if there is indeed a reason why an Anglo would be more suited to that genre? Is it convention or otherwise?

Interesting to add the other side at a later date. I'm just starting to get to grips with a Crane (still playing English). I know this sounds counterintuitive, but I think it would actually be more effective for a duet to build left side first. You could practice melody (if the range is enough), chords, 3rd and 5ths etc. I think this would give you a better grounding for Duet work, rather than just learning melody on the right side. (I know you could do harmony work on the right) but for me the left hand is the tricky part, in conjunction with the right. Which still makes me wonder if it's a good idea for a duet. Why not get to grips with both sides from day one.

In an attempt to mitigate some thumb pain, I recently replaced thumb straps with Wim Wakkers 'off the shelf' design. They are sturdy, comfortable and well padded. Your friend could enter into some dialogue with him and see if the strap could be extended if they are not comfortable making their own. It does require sending the original straps for correct fitting so the concertina may be out of action in the interim.

'conductive paint' the wood ? I'm no expert, but just a thought. https://www.stewmac.com/electronics/shielding/conductive-shielding-paint/?mtm_source=google&mtm_medium=cpc&mtm_campaign=|+GOO+|+SHOP+|+NBR+|+CatchallUSA&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw3624BhBAEiwAkxgTOhbS7m53Skbkwo3Zpl9fS2UrzcrDECCpuq8Ex86NXQOlSmGctYUZ3hoC7SkQAvD_BwE

Nice! The second tune has 'ancestry' in the Dixon manuscript 1733 ish. 'Lasses Bushes Brawley'.

English Explanations.doc 407.5 kB · 1,163 downloads This was posted by Geoffrey Crabb March 19th 2010 on this site. Useful stuff here.

Looks like water damage with a possible 'tide' mark half way up. This may have been sitting in a flooded basement for some time. Dr Frankenstein might be able to help.

A couple of years ago I picked up a 48 key Aeloa style Crabb concertina at an online auction. Risky, I know but it 'looked' lovely. On arrival it was pristine, but certainly needed some love. I cleaned all the reeds and then sent to Bob Snope for some professional help. The result was 'quite lovely' and is my 'go to' now. But what intrigued me was a label on the inside of the box, with the previous owners name and address. I couldn't help researching, and ended up 'down the rabbit hole'. The story that emerged was compelling, if not draped in pathos. The previous owner had passed away, (as we all do eventually), but he had spent many years in China as a missionary with his wife, where they seemingly 'lost' their children during the war years. Yet they diligently spent many more years there, using music to 'preach the word', finally returning to Maine to retire in the late 70's. I am in no way religious, but the story that unfolded added a rich seasoning to the concertina. Not that it spent time in China during the war years, but was a testimony to the owner/s adventurous and tenacious spirit. I have a few other concertina's, and it would also be nice to know their history 'through the hands'. I'm sure most have a fascinating story to tell, if only they could. I was just wondering if anyone had found something in their 'box' that allowed their concertina to 'speak'. I actually can't bring myself to replace the previous owners label.

Silence is powerful in music, if the change is 'glaring' to you, then possibly try a gradual decrescendo to the bellows limit, then allow the 'note' to marinate in the memory.

Oberon, some fitted snug with just the camera wrap. If there was play, I used redundant camera bag/case 'spacers'. But In the end I removed these, as I found the 'play' was minimal and the wrap was sufficient protection. You could also double wrap if you want a very tight fit.

I use Nanuk for my concertina's, great product. I have experimented with padding, but for me the best solution was to line them in 'camera wrap' so that the corners reach over the case at the 'middles'. This allows me to unfold and retrieve instrument with ease, leaving the wrap in the case. No danger of buttons catching on foam, but snug enough to keep secure when returning to the case. The velcro at the corners also hold the bellows closed. I have used 'Domke' products for cameras over the years and transitioned to concertina's. They are quality 'stuff' and would work in most types of case tbh, but there are plenty other options out there.