lesfix

Kevin. I fear you have got it wrong. A standard Baritone, as per the instrument illustrated, is in every way similar to a standard 48 treble, but every note plays an octave lower. No brain power needed to effect the change. If you look at the photograph the third button on the outer of the two midle rows is coloured red, indicating that it plays a C, exactly where a C should be, just an octave lower than the note a similarly placed C would play on a 48 treble. Simples! Give one a try at the earliest opportunity - you'll never look back. Les

Clearly not an honest description. There are signs of missing chrome, scuffing on leather straps and case, etc. etc. and the red bushing of the buttons seems a later addition. NOT new or unsued!

"Campaign Concertina". Does anyone know why this should be referred to as a "Campaign Concertina", and where did the term originate? I am also interested in the reinforced corners. I have a Lachenal Excelsior with identical reinforced corners, which seem to be original. I have picked up somewhere that such additions were fitted to concertinas intended to be used in tropical climes, and thus in need of strenghtening where tgemperature/humidity might be an enemy. Does anyone know the truth of this?

For Jim Hume see concertina.com/eydmann/life-and-times Chaptger 7, page 113, reference number 511. Les Branchett

Sorry Symon. Just realised I did not spell your name correctly. Apologies, Les

Simon: I have a few professionally photocopied spirally bound copies of the S.A. concertina tutor. Price £10 to include U.K. postage. Please send me a private email to squeezy@easy.com if interested. Les Branchett

Martin: Thanks for passing on the information Mary: Price is 15 dollars, or 10 pounds sterling, whichever suits you best. Look forward to hearing from you. Les

Martin: Thanks for passing on the information. Mary: Price is 15 dollars, or 10 pounds sterling. whichever suits you best. Look forward to hearing from you. Les

In the 1980's Mr Alex Richards of Gulgang, New Soth Wales, was writing a book on concertina history. Does anyone know if this was ever published, or even made available in another format. Les Branchett

Do you have a copy of the leaflet, lesfix? It would be fun (and quite nostalgic!) to see an image of it! Tom Hi. Unfortunately I don't have the resources at present to transfer an image to the web. But if you e-mail me at squeezy@easy.com I will quite happily send you photocopies. Regards Lesfix

Yes, I remember the Stamford Music Shop, as in the seventies I lived in the next county, Norfolk. They were always very helpful, happy to give free advice, even on one occasion advising me how best to renovate my concertina case. They also gave out a very useful two-sided leaflet, with drawings and descriptions of the different types and models of concertinas. It was this descriptive leaflet that set me off collecting concertina literature, before the days of the web. Sample price lists I have of that period show a "Whatstone Aeolo 56 key tenor-treble, raised metal ends, Metal Buttons, Steel Reeds, Modern Pitch, 8-sided, with case £400." Why on earth didn't I buy it?! Late 1981 they appear to have morphoed into Oundle Music, Nr. Peterborough. Of whom, sadly, I no nothing further. Stamford was a great inspiring, enthusiastic shop to deal with.

Do you have permission from the SA to sell these Les? AL HallelujahAl. Please see my posting on Teaching and Learning. Regards, Lesfix

Having studied law for many years, I would naturally not wish to do anything unethical. Similarly, it would not seem quite right to have to reveal all my sources. Suffice it to say that I merely requested and received permission to photocopy a limited number of each of the tutors. Thus eletronic means was not an issue. Whilst I am "komputar littterate" too many breakdowns still occur in this infant medium - I still cherish the printed word! You see I live in Gloucester, U.K., (birthplace of Sir Charles Wheatstone) where the Government Commuications Headquarters (remember the Gen. Belgrano affair?) is just up the road. Cynics like my self blame them for all breakdowns in airwaves communications around here. Incidentally, I do have connections, albeit remotely, with many contirbutors to the two tutors. Whilst living in Nottingham, I communicated with Herbert Hague, who contributed p. 28. He was at the time very ill, and his son, Alan, kindly invited me to his home for share concertina music. Whilst there on one occasion he introduced me to Reuben Shaw (p. 45 of the Richard Carlin Tutor), that doyen of concertina players. A gracious and encouraging gentleman, he frightened me when he honoured me by asking me to play aduet with him. I did not know Henry Hall who contributed at least pp. 41 and 45, but his sister, who was a Salvation Army Officer, was at one time the wife of my Divisional Commander. I did meet Eric Ball (in fact my parents knew his cousin extremely well) who used to accompnay Bram Thornett (see Triumph/Crane Tutor, p. 52) during his recordings. In fact Eric Ball was the Bandmaster at S.P.& S., the department that actually published the tutors. Handel is referred to on many pages in both tutors. I cannot confess to knowing him, but each day during my college studies I would twice stroll along the Pantiles, where he was wont to promenade. Well, to be quite truthful, my return journey would quite frequently be by the quickest sprint in town, as after yet another detention, I dashed to catch my normal train home so my mother would no know of my latest misdemeanour. How I wished his mantle would fall on me, but alas, it never has. Readers may know the 1936 ed., was a rehash/enlargement of the original 1924 original version (yes, I have a copy) attributed to Colonel Bristowe. His son Ralph was the long time and highly respected Bandmaster of the Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls Band, with whom I at one time played. Finally, thanks to Jeremy Hague for pointing out the Jenny Jones theme on p. 41. Somehow it never occurred to me before!

I have available professionally produced, spiral bound, lay flat, copies of the Salvation Army Tutors, for both English and Triumph (Crane) Concertinas. 12 Great British Pounds, including p & p U.K., or 15 GBP world wide. Cheques to L. Branchett, 25 Spa Road, Gloucester, GL1 1UY, England.

I have available professionally produced , spiral bound, lay flat, copies of the Salvation Army Tutors, for both English and Triumph (Crane) Concertinas. 12 Great British Pounds including, p & p U.K., or 15 GBP worldwide. Cheques to L. Branchett, 25 Spa Road, Gloucester, GL1 1UY, England.