Wolf Molkentin

John, and 1/3 comma mean tone produces „just“ minor thirds AFAIK

1/4 comma mean tone is really sweet (just clashing with ET, should that be present too) Best wishes - ?

a good Lachenal (particularly rosewood or metal-ended, with inserted endplates) 30b + Anglo shouldn't be ruled out as well... ?

not at all ? I just find the extent to which tonal differences between different types and instruments are reduced when recorded (or amplified) quite disillusioning - even pro musicians keep mentioning their inability to tell one from the other when listening to own albums... Of course you could choose conditions under which differences would occur but still no reliable representation of an instrument‘s sounds...

thank you, of course you're right, that's a typo (which I'm going to edit know), whatever the reason... ?

not really Rüdiger ? I think there has never been any doubt about the English being my "primary choice" since having it taken up, and then joined theses forums... (but I'm really fond of my secondary and tertiary choices, which would be, I think in a likewise firm order, 2. the Anglo and 3. the larger Crane) all the best - ?

my Lachenal New Model Baritone has harmonium reeds in the lower register, as usual (hence the extended hex shape) - works fine. best wishes - ?

I once replaced the long screws with machine screws, by carefully drilling through the soundboard, in order to really secure the thumb straps. Worked really well ever since... (and I wouldn't hesitate to do the same with other instruments in case of any issues with the thumbstraps as well). Best wishes - ?

He's possibly not aware of the expensive branch of the family we are dealing with... ?

Hi Jack, I'd like to emphasize two aspects: 1.: a recording would tell you next to nothing IMO. 2.: for ITM you might very well be looking for a 26 or 28 button (vintage) instrument - they tend to come very considerably cheaper than the 30b (+) ones (which I much preferr, but only because I'm playing in the English/harmonic style and there love the buttons 1a and 2a on the LHS, which would be missing on the resp. instruments (no 1a with 28b, no 1a + 2a with 26 b). Best wishes - ?

Hi Don, albeit having been able to acquire another beautifully-playing wooden-ended instrument (my very special "model 6") in the meantime, with which I am very happy indeed, I have now left the Excelsior with a repairsman who I know (because he overhauled the "model 6" for the seller, and perfectly tuned my "model 24" too at some point later) is truly reliable (Nigel Sture of Devon), and am much looking forward to have her shipped back to Germany, which surely will happen within the new "flextension" timeline (given the "flex" part will not be applicable in the nearer future). All the best - ?

Yes indeed. You'll find everything re the "Hohner Club" system/layout here. Look for the 25 key version. However, this wouldn't tell you the keys of the two (home) rows. AFAIK , Hohner produced them in C/F and Bb/Eb (outer/inner row), not sure about G/C, but I find that unlikely regarding the overall size (even smaller than a Liliput). D/G like, apparently, the advertised and now sold instrument has, may well be a later modification to suit the "English" needs. To determine the key of a given instrument push the third button (counting from left to right) of the outer row, which will indicate the key of this row, most likely a C or a Bb. The other row could be determined by likewise pushing the respective third button, but is has to be a fourth above the outer row anyway. You might encounter a modified instrument, particularly a "de-clubbed" one. If applicable, we could that discuss later on. However, fellow-forum melodeon.net would undoubtedly provide you with more (and more insightful) replies. Best wishes - ?

from the pic it’s rather an “Inimitable“, not an „Excelsior“

agreed - I was just musing about the preferences of a player who would be coming from the D/G melodeon - and hight might rather be inclined to prefer G und D like yourself, and should not be extra-discouraged by referring to the ITM single-melody style IMO...

Mike, just two considerations or remarks from my side: 1. Are you referring specifically to the D/G melodeon? I'm playing C/G and Bb/F myself, and I often play in the upper octave, but that may be just me of course... 2. OP would come from the D/G melodeon. Given that would he really be playing a G/D concertina in the key of A? I would rather think it would be G or D, with maybe a preference for G, in the harmonic style... All the best - ?

That's already common practice, John...

but neither so around here... ?

I would tend to think of Duet concertinas - vintage instruments, that is - as rather being less expensive than others - there have been smaller instruments offered for aroung 500 GBP over the last year, you just would have to search the usual places and be patient to some extent until the right instrument will emerge. Best wishes - ? P.S.: You might indicate an interest for a certain system in case you should have already made up your mind in this regard - your post migth work better as a "want to buy" advert then...

With a probably much lesser amount of experience, that's what I'm doing as well (two stands, two condenser mikes). Best wishes - ?

what Ken says, however more elaborate fretwork would in fact be an indication of probably better quality when the instrument had been produced...

You would almost certainly need a C/G then...

I think one needs to see it in the flesh (or even give it a try) - either you like it (many do) or you don't (like myself, true for the Jack/Jackie as well). It's a highly personal thing...

The importer says the "Blackthorn" will be available in C/G and G/D, but I would expect retailers to provide the C/G model in any case. It can be bought from several dealers, possibly in the US as well?

just three chapters as a giveaway, it seems