Barry J

The kind of music on your website - traditional sea or boaters songs.

Its a bit far for us on a workday, Gavin, but if you are planning to do anything with a nautical theme, I'd appreciate a copy of the music to have a go at (sort of distance learning)

Is it the same as this one ? http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=11978

Jones, Lachenal and Wheatstone sold thousands and thousands of boxes in the golden years. I've read the papers on this forum about the various histories and so on. It seems that the cost of a basic concertina was a couple of Pounds in the mid to late 1800's. Thats an incredible cost in todays money. What type of people bought concertinas at that price in poverty stricken 19th century England ?

Gnossienes No.1 tormented me for weeks. Not sure how they would sound on anything other than a piano though ??

I like Irish music, especially slow, haunting airs. I've now discovered that I like to improvise with them to get the flourishes and melody sequences that I like. Its very relaxing..

This has had a lot more airing on the melodeon forum. As I understand it, the plan was to limit the exposure outside of the music groups so that it wasn't leaked to the media, etc, in order that some sort of surprise attack could be registered on the Liverpool shoppers this Saturday afternoon. Obviously, it was necessary to let players know in advance, so that the performer numbers could be achieved. I think everybody is waiting in anticipation for Brian Read to post a video of the proceedings on You Tube.

I had a Rochelle and the air was quite noisy compared to more expensive boxes. It didn't whistle, just wheezed. I don't know if its a standard thing with them.

I didn't realise the AABB related to the repetition, but ya live and learn. No, I doubt I'll make it - I'm based in the South, but I wish you all well.

Ah the penny has dropped. One of the tunes is Davy Davy Knick Knack..

I have just received the latest newsletter about the planned Commando Trad in Liverpool England next week. The organiser says: "A couple of points, same key because the time change is a little tricky, notice I use the "lead in" notes to move from one to the other, also be aware of the "rest" in the B of DDKK, if we can manage that then the effect will be electric! I am planning AABB for both tunes (not sure if managed that on the recording), probably 3 times each tune then move on, then back to the first. Start with DDKK" What does he mean by DDKK and AABB - I'm not used to this method of notation ?? - can anybody explain for the hard of thinking (me)

Yes it was a Clover I was making the size comparison with. I have played some other top end concertinas, but wasn't able to make measurements.

Congratulations - what range does a baritone play ?

I was in a similar position to you, but chose the Anglo. My Rochelle came with a book which was very useful, but understandably didn't have a large selection of tunes. I have bought various books and a DVD, but to be honest, there are loads of free sheet music sites on the net, providing you have some idea what you are looking to play. I got a lot of hints from You Tube and then just searched for the sheet music. Have fun.

I've had the good fortune of squeezing two of John's "Connor" instruments. One had brass reeds and the other, alloy ones - there was definitely a difference in weight... I believe he handcrafts the reeds himself and files them. Beautiful workmanship, right down to the hexagonal case.