cannon

Well, here we go 1st post anywhere! Warts and all. Played on a Marcus G/D http://soundcloud.com/anobium/cnet-totm-0313-the-fiery/s-N24kP Stumbles occur every time I start to think. Must get out of the thinking habit! Technically, for anyone interested, I've recorded this on an ipad using the inbuilt mic using the soundcloud app. Seemed fairly painless but how does it sound out there?

Good to hear; that's the goal. I'm a not-very-experienced melodeon player, and the TOTM on mel.net has really pushed me to advance.I' d just like to echo Deans sentiments- this will focus my attention and hopefully improve my playing. I've dipped into MelNet and found that a great resource for listening to tunes played. My aims already are to (1) get my head around a tune within a month and (2), get my head around the technology and (...deep breath) post something. There I've said it now!

Reminds me of a car that used to be parked near the administration building when I was at university: a VW bug with a Mercedes emblem. (This was well before someone popularized customizing the VW bug with a Mercedes-like nose.) Apologies to the purists out there, but just to strike a balance, here's my Marcus CG & GD anglos. Both are Deluxe models, the CG(black belows papers) being my first decent concertina when I started 4 years ago, the companion GD (gold Marcus blocking and gold Jeffries papers) being my "golden" 50th birthday present. last year. I don;t have a problem with it, after all a modern hybrid is never going to be mistaken for an antique Jeffries by those who know, and those who neither know or care aren't bothered. All that matters is it plays well (more capable than my abilities I think) and I like it. Digressing slightly, the first car I owned, I built myself. From some angles it looked like a Morgan, from others an MG TF. But underneath it was a 1969 Triumph Herald! Used to have fun watching people try to work out what it was. (google Moss Roadster if you're interested).

Just an FYI to anyone who used to listen to Mike Hardings Folk Show on BBC Radio 2 in the UK, before his removal by the beeb powers that be. I've just discovered he now has a web based show here.. http://www.mikehardingfolkshow.com/

One last link for possible supply may be here . Seem happy to deal in small quantities. http://www.sapphireproducts.co.uk/

Yes that is it.... but getting the things in the size one needs Aggggg!! Originally, before and perhaps after the use of these B/F Rivets, a very small wood screw was used.... but getting them will perhaps prove just as difficult these days. I notice that Wim Wakker uses some very small screws to hold metal inserted sections on his wooden ended models. However, replacing these very hard to find Rivets with tiny wood screws hardly appears to be an option because of things like "hole size variation" ..bigger holes being in the bushing boards due to Rivet useage.. screws won't grip unless holes are filled and re-drilled.. if screws could be obtained etc etc. It can be a whole load of fun Shelly . Are machine screws with nuts an option? There are several options here, including some withLow profile heads ( micro fastenings) http://www.microfast...rewThreads.aspx http://www.modelfixi...hine_screws.htm http://www.lancaster...chinescrews2012 If m3 is not too big, these are readily available from Screwfix in the uk in stainless steel. http://www.screwfix....ack-of-50/32952 Just a thought, maybe suppliers to clock repairers may have odd fixings?

Hmmm, interesting.... perhaps '14' might be better, if that is '14 Standard Wire Gauge'... I will have to look at what hole size I have, which will mean removing one( perhaps ireplaceable) rivet. As I always think when it comes to old things that are not much utilised today "someone somewhere probably uses these, for something". I've found this site also http://www.clevedon-...d-rivets-7.aspx Looks as though they're industrial suppliers though may be worth talking to.If you look at the download page there is a full product brochure with a detailed table of sizes & specs for tubular rivets.

Am I missing something? As far as I can see, the smallest size on offer here has a head diameter of 5/16" - way too big for the job (and brass-plated to boot!) But if anyone knows of a source of nickel-plated rivets of the right size, I bet I'm not the only one who'd like to know. Could try this link http://www.wessexpic.../product65.html If I read it right 11 gauge is 3 mm?

I would assume that as concertinas were (generally) around before mass adoption of most thread standards that they are more than likely individual companies choice. This link gives a comparison of all sorts of uk thread standards.http://www.britishfasteners.com/threads/index.html

I just thought I would add my experiences of this company in 2012.I thought the little concertina kit looked interesting and so tried to contact them to order the kit.Firstly via email & then about 8 weeks ago by letter. Both were ignored. As stated elsewhere I don't think they're interested in overseas sales. Pity really.

I can't sight read music and doubt I ever will to any degree where I could read & play. So a lot of my learning has been by ear. Here's my thoughts 3 years in with an Anglo concertina. Start with simple tunes you know- it doesn't matter what they are, i found nursery rhymes, simple hymns from my childhood we're so ingrained I know them by heart. Don't worry if the tune in your head doesn't match the dots on the page. Forget the dots. Sing, hum whistle the tunes. I would say, initially, don't try to play along with a recording, you may not be able to match/ keep up with it- this will add to the frustration. Don't worry about playing the tune from start to finish- I tend to " find" a familiar section, a bit of chorus, b part whatever! on the buttons and then fill in the blanks! ( it makes it a fun puzzle as well as programming the brain to find the right note/button place on the box). Most of all, relax & enjoy it! If you're getting angry or frustrated, put the box down & go and do something completely different. Keep a box handy if you can. I have one by the coffee table in my lounge ready to grab when a tune pops in my head either randomly or maybe through something on the tv or radio! I have found that the more I do this, the better my ear seems to be getting tuned in to the sounds to the point that on two occasions I've grabbed the box and played a (new) simple tune through note perfect- once! Brain on autopilot everything fine, then I think about what I've done and disaster. But at least I know something is working in the grey matter! And it's getting better, slowly. I also think a relaxed attitude to learning by ear helps, not too much regimented learning time, more " go with the flow" or maybe that's just me.Oh and did I say relax & enjoy it!

I'd just like to add my condolences to Leo's family for their loss. Like many here I have found Leo's postings a great source of entertainment, education and fun. He will be missed.

I don't post here very often but I thought the email I received this morning from the ica might shed some light on this. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear member, If you have received this email it confirms that you have paid your 2012 subscription. There has been some confusion caused by the address labels on issue #451. The wording "Concertina World #451" was printed in red on all the labels whether the member had paid their subscription or not. If the actual address was printed in black then you have paid your subscription. I apologise on behalf of the ICA for any confusion caused and I hope that this email clarifies the situation. Kind regards, Martin Henshaw (ICA MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a leftie also, but since I've only been playing the Anglo for just a year and have never learned to play any other instrument, I don't know any different! What I have found is that my right hand dexterity is improving. As a child I used to be very left biased (hand, foot, left eye dominant) but have found myself becoming more ambidextrous as time goes on. I blame computers. For many years I was a C.A.D. draughtsman, using a mouse left handed & using my right hand on the numeric keypad & I think this has helped my left/right co-ordination.

Brilliant! I've been trying to play this for a while now but couldn't get the "second half" right (struggling with the left hand/ right hand bit).I've been listening to you play & thanks to your clarity of playing it has finally clicked & I now know what I am doing wrong. So once again, well done & thanks for the postings, it's great to see your progress & they're a great help and encouragement to some of us!

I second all that priscilla has said. As a newbie to the concertina earlier this year I have watched/listened to your postings & have found them most encouraging. It's been great and inspirational to see your progress. Well done LDT!

I had the same problem as Jenny said when I finally worked out what was wrong- "Confusingly bandstand@coxboxes.co.uk....www.concertinaband.org.uk"- hope that helps

I would just like to add my thanks to Alan for this tutor. I am closer to 50 than 40, never learned to play a musical instrument in my life & can't read music- so deciding to try & learn to play the 'tina a couple of months ago was an obvious choice!!!! Anyway, I find the audio tutor brilliant & with just a couple of weeks absorbing the first lessons I now have a much greater understanding of what I am doing, and what I am hearing when I listen to other players. A steep learning curve & no doubt frustration & exasperation ahead- but it's fun! p.s while I'm at it- thanks to all on concertina.net -a great source of info for numpty's like me!

Hi Ryan and all on this forum, I'm new to this (or any forum for that matter!) so apologies in advance for my ineptitude in the medium. Like you I have just purchased a concertina 4 weeks ago just "to have a go". I am in my mid 40's never learned to play a musical instrument, can't read music, but can hold a tune in my head & just about pick it out on a keyboard (one fingered). I hunted around the net for info & discovered this brilliant site. Like you I looked around Ebay but decided to buy one of the branded chinese anglos from a dealer. Now I know some on here are a bit sniffy about these but my reasoning for the purchase was thus- cost -around £100 if I didnt like it or it didn't like me I could sell it on Ebay & probably get half my money back-so no great loss. buying through a reputable dealer I would have some guarantee and comeback if there were any problems. Given my lack of musical prowess this instrument would probably be faster than me! Well my Scarlatti 20 button Anglo duly arrived and it's brilliant! I've started out with Mick Bramach's Absolute Beginners Concertina- I've found that really helpful as a music illiterate. I can now just about play a couple of simple tunes and ,yes, family members can recognise them! So have a go it's great fun (well I think so) I already have a jar to put the spare pennies in for a future upgrade! (I think the tina bug may have bitten!!) Regards to all NigeC