StephenTx

Geoff, I am going to give that a try as it does make anatomic sense in taking pressure off the thumbs. What feels strange at this point however is it puts my fingers further up (obviously) and some adjustments to reach the notes below the strap. Thank you.

I just finished reading the post from back in 2010 regarding thumb/lower arm pain. As a newbie (July, 2011) but one who is spending considerable time playing, I am experiencing the pain described by others. I am in the 60 group and have not had any arthritis problems?? But at this age I do realize we all have it to some extent. I am wondering if anyone has come across new treatments/remedies? In previous discussions the recommendations have been for anti inflammatory, massage, acupuncture, rest, soaks etc. Anything new out there. I play the English and I am wondering about what is the best way to hold the concertina via the thumb straps. Should you keep your fingers so that only a third or so is in the strap or should you insert your fingers all the way. What are the relative advantages of each as I have seen accomplished players using both. Stephen Texas

What a small world . I am from Tyler too and I was just thinking wouldnt it be nice if there were some concertina players in the area. Stephen Tx

It is interesting that despite the division of wealth changing considerably, the average wage did not rise significantly between say the mid 1800's and the 1930's. Talking to older customers in the shop, it was not unusual to discover that when they bought their instruments in the 1920's & 30's that their wage was still only about £1-0-0d per week. It is therefore incredible to think that those who bought large Duets could or would spend the equivalent of about 30 weeks pay. Geoff Geoff C., Thank you. It is amazing when one takes a look at it from the context shared by the Geoff's. It makes me appreciate even more the fact that I am now entrusted with the care and privileging the instrument. To change the subject Geoff. What is the ideal humidity range to keep a concertina at? How would you recommend achieveing this short of purchasing an expensive humidifier cabinet? Stephen in Texas

I really think that 15 guineas in 1852 would buy a lot more than that conversion would suggest.. but then there was a huge difference between the have's and the have-not's. I also have an instrument that was made in 1852, although it is not a Concertina, at that time it cost £50 which was a whole years salary for a person with a very good job. So, I would question that conversion table Stephen. Geoff. Geoff, Great point, I had not thought of it in that context. Appreciated. There is such a great group here on cnet...I was thinking wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all get together.StephenTx

Of course; the price was simply 15 guineas wasn't it. Interesting, I found this Historical Conversion table on the Internet that will convert currency into current US dollars. 15 guineas in 1852 is converted to $1807.92 or Euro 1368.78. Considering after restoration I have about $2900.00 in her coupled with her "vintageness", I feel fortunate to have her in my possession and to play. She has a wonderful sound! Stephen Tx

Friends, I am so excited, I found my concertina in the Wheatstone Ledgers To think she is 160 years old and still squeezing along. I pray I can do her proud. She came home recently after being fully beautifully restored by Greg Jowaisas. I am excited as it was not until the third round of going through the Wheatstone Ledgers online that I found her. I have some questions and would greatly appreciate your interpretation of some of the numbers and any other additional insights. I have upload the screen shot below. First of all what do the numbers 15-15-0 make reference to? As you can see it was sold along with others to Hammond & Sons. I goggled Hammond & Son's England 1800's and the name came up in Wikipedia under "Folk Music from England". Do you suppose these two gentlemen may be the same Hammond's? See below copy and paste: "From the 19th century accordions have been a popular and accepted part of the local folk sound. Folk songs from the West Country include ‘Widdecombe Fair’, ‘Spanish Ladies’ and ‘The Seeds of Love.’ The region was important in the first folk revival, as the Devon-born antiquarian Sabine Baring-Gould invested effort in collecting regional music, published as Songs and Ballads of the West (1889–91), the first collection published for the mass market. He later collaborated with Cecil Sharp who, with Charles Marson, produced a three volume Folk-Songs from Somerset (1904–09).[149] Other collectors included Henry and Robert Hammond in Dorset, the Reverend Geoffrey Hill in Wiltshire, Percy Grainger in Gloucestershire and, perhaps the most famous, Ralph Vaughan Williams' 'Folk Songs from Somerset', which provided themes for his English Folk Song Suite.[150]" Are any of you familiar with the names? Finally, what might you have to say about a concertina produced in this time frame. Mine has wooden ends (rosewood?) metal buttons (with the notes engraved on the two inner rows and steel reeds. Thank you so much for reading and any additional information is greatly appreciated.

Geoff, Thank you I did not realize that " "Londonderry Air" was an alternative name. It it the real Irish name?

I would love it thank you so much. Stephen

Greetings from deep in the heart of Texas. I am looking for the sheet music and lyrics to "Oh Danny Boy". Thank you Stephen

Gary...you are absolutely correct about East Texas humidity....no one responded as to the best range of temperature to keep them at??????! I am originally rom Hawaii..and considering moving back their or most likely to San Diego in a couple of years loved the weather there. Stephen

[ Interesting discussion. Is there a humidity range that is recommended or is it 50% period. Stephen

US Texas and I ordered one ...how can you pass it up. In case in States folks are wondereing it is Five pounds to have it sent to the US.

Hi Gary, Do I need to register other than informing you that I am attending? It would be great to have access to some of the music before hand! Looking forward to meeting you. Stephen, Tyler Tx

... Stephen, (great name and spelling btw), Thank you for taking the time to write you comments. As a first time participant in any gathering where there was another concertina player...I really did not know what too expect. I have renewed enthusiasm .... Stephen Tx (only about 30-40 miles from Palestine)

[quote name='Dirge' A 'power bulge' in the ends ('raised ends') is quality, and they're usually pretty good actually. An odd number of sizes, 8 or 12, is even better; they're top of the range, aeolas and edeophones. Hi Dirge, Could you explain what you mean by "An odd number of sizes, 8 to 12, is even better, they're top of the range, aeolas and edeophones". I have a raised metal ended edeophone Serial 48055...how do I determine the model number? Thank you, Stephen

I say "here-here" to Greg and Randy’s and others positive supportive comments. I just made reservations for the Palestine Texas gathering in March...I have only been squeezing since Aug. 2011. Lessons from Pauline de Snoo..I can find my way around the keyboard but admittedly have great opportunities ahead of me with speed, rhythm, chording and expression. Plus I am no way near playing by "ear". But I figured hey the way to learn is "jump in there". I received a nice acknowledgement of my attendance from Gary Coover for the Palestine group which I appreciated. In his email he said he "was looking forward to hearing my playing". This made me nervous! I thought to myself "damn I have a lot of practice before then..." Pardon my long winded story to make the following point. It is good to know there is alot of support out there and CNET has contributed very positively to this for me. Now I need a lesson on concertina players ettiquete asI know there are going to be many accomplished concertina players at Palestine. Should I limit myself to the beginners (book or no book)? I don’t know!

Randy, I second your comments on Greg J. he has refurbished two concertina's for me and he is a pleasure to work with, very educational to a newbie like me, proposes you with options and is one hell'uva nice fella. God Bless him. Stephen

I am planning on attending for my first time as this is my first "concertina" year. (Actually, maybe my second since I started in July, 2011. :-) I live in Tyler, Texas which 53 miles from Palestine. Flying into the Tyler airport is another option, we have American Eagle and United/Continental service with regional aircraft Stephen

I am learning myself, I know that is a hard instrument to play, but I have a good ear and a lot of patience, I hope someone can help me to play English music, I found it interesting. Thanks Kind Regards Congratulations Juan, I purchased my first concertina a Lachenal a short 6 months ago and I like you am thrilled to be part of the family so-to-speak. Now what you will have to control is the urge to buy more concertinas. I was told this but did not necessarily believe it. But here I am in Texas now with three concertinas my original Lachenal Tutor (whose mellowness of sound I love), A Wheatstone and a Lachenal Metal ended Edeophone. I am looking forward to chatting with you. I am taking lessons online via Skype from Pauline de Snoo in Holland and learning alot from all the experts here. Oh what a small world we live in. Looking forward to chatting with you. Stephen Knoll, Tyler, Texas

Randy, Thank you this will be fun to sink my teeth into.

I just downloaded this wow full of information --thank you so much

It's available as a PDF download on free-reed.co.uk: http://www.free-reed...tinaworkhop.pdf