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Hallamtrads

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    Beginner Needs A Wheatstone Maccann System Duet

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    Hi, yet again one of my beginners, having played my loan instrument to destruction - needs to buy her own. Well strictly, her Dad's going to buy her an instrument for her 18th birthday which is imminent. Not content to keep squeezing away on a 46 button Lachenal, the gifted child wants a Wheatstone of 55 keys plus. Can anyone out there help?

    Wanted Maccann System In Playing Order For Beginner

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    I've got two friends who foolishly decided they'd like to play concertina. So I lent them my spare 46 key. The older of them was playing for dance after three weeks whilst her daughter is, apparently, even better! So they're in need of something of their own. They're not 'folkies' particularly and so have few, if any channels of action other than Ebay. If anyone thinks they can supply something playable at a reasonable price I'd love to pass the info on to my star students. Thanks.

    Good Value Small Maccan?

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    this looks good value...brass reeds might be considered the downside for some.

     

    Frustrating because it looks more or less what my little 46 is going to end up as, but I'm already committed to going all round the houses. Mine's going back to England to have new bellows (already waiting. See?) and as much of an upgrade as is sensible; I was going to talk about bushings and perhaps metal keys. I wasn't thinking Wheatstone action though! This one looks like it's had the 'hot-rodding' as it's been called here, as well as a below average price.

     

    I've had a lot more fun out of this little beast than I was expecting hence the willingness to invest in it, and for me the brass reeds are a plus because I don't worry about taking it out in the wilderness, figuratively speaking.

     

     

    I saw it and have to confess it doesn't look like a Wheatstone end to me. The strap attachment looks like a Lachenal, I guess it might have Wheatstone innards but I really don't get how you can tell from the pictures (one very blurry) provided. Looks dodgy to me.

    Is this a g/d Jeffries on ebay

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    Alex, I have a Jeffries in the process of being restored with an initial repair estimate a bit over $2k. The reedpans on my instrument are pristine as are the reeds. Judging from the photos, this instrument on eBay is in far worse condition, so I think that my $3k estimate is very close! And we haven't even seen photos of the action pans to assess that part of the instrument.

     

    Ross Schlabach

     

    Are you having the buttons handmade in 22-carat gold? And are the bellows to be made from the skin of the unborn ocelot?

     

    That does seem a high price - if the reeds and pans are pristine then the rest must be pretty good too.

     

    (David, are we too cheap?)

     

    I can only conclude that you're getting your restoration done by a very expensive restorer. I have had four concertinas restored over the years and still have to find a restoration which tops £500. If your reeds are good then its nearly a DIY job, even if you had to have a new set of bellows handmade to order you'd stil have loads of change out of a £1000. Find another restorer!

    Playing tips for duets and other systems

    in Teaching and Learning

    Posted

    hi Stefan,

    Just an observation here. When I started playing the MacCann system I had been playing a G/D melodeon with the thirds removed from the basses. Now this is common practice among melodeon players because it frees up the left hand end of the instrument. So, when, like you I wanted to play left hand chords on my MacCann, I worked out what two note chords fitted most easily under my fingers. This meant that I could then add the additional note in either hand creating a style which relies heavily on suspended chordal playing but which meant that I could accompany my songs fairly easily. I stayed clear of chord charts for this reason. They are only another person's take on what works for them.

    I tend to play the melody in the right hand but, having learned on a 46 key I notice that speed and precision are easier on that instrument than on my 58 key Wheatstone which is bigger and heavier and more difficult to play standing. If playing for dance I suspect that the 46 key is much better whilst for more orchestral stuff 58 keys and above seem to be the way to go.

    Playing tips for duets and other systems

    in Teaching and Learning

    Posted

    Hello  everybody,

     

    first I want to thank all the concertina players who posted on this forum and elsewhere, also Robert Gaskins for concertina.com which is such a helpful source of knowledge. Without you all, my fascinating and addictive journey witht he concertina wouldn´t have been possible. After getting so much from you, I feel that it´s time to give something back. 

     

    This thread is inspired by Geoff Wooff who shared so much of his valuable knowledge and had the idea of swapping playing tips.

     

    Maybe I should introduce myself: Since April 2009 I play the Maccann, currently a 46key Wheatstone made in 1925 (by the way – I´m still looking for a good 57key – anyone has one?). I´m a part-time professional musician, my main instrument is (or was?) electric bass. I also play saxophone, guitar and a little bit of everything. Also, I did a lot of recording work and mixing. 

     

    I try to play contemporary music with the concertina, in the direction of Pop Rock and Blues, mainly to accompany my singing, therefore my approach might be different to yours. I will give  some playing-tips about what was helpful to me, but be aware that I´m a mere beginner and if you more experienced players disagree with me, please post your comments. 

     

    Here are some random tips:

     

    Chordplaying:

     

    When I started, I first wanted to be able to play chords. For the Maccann, these chordcharts where helpful: http://www.concertin...oncertina-3.pdf

     

    The fingering is good because it leaves free fingers for extra notes, mainly the7ths of the chords. I disagree though with the fingering of the A-chord (or similar), because there, one finger is used for two keys. I still find it difficult to control the sound or play um-pah chords like that. Also I find it strenuous for the hands. Even though it´s kind of difficult, I finger (A-chord,left hand): A-ring finger, C#-index, E-middle finger. 

     

    Scale playing:

     

    Even though I´m no fan of too much scale playing, this little exercise was helpful (scale of C): CDEC-DEFD-EFGE … and so on. Then the same downwards, then the otherside, then both sides simultaneously, legato, staccato ……

     

    Instead of practicing the scale of C, I often play this tune (Tune2, Family Jig) or my version of it: http://www.concertin...mples/index.htm  . It is also very helpful for practicing fingering of consecutive notes on the same button, I mean not using the same finger twice on one note. I´m sure you have your own favorite tunes.

     

    Finger bodybuilding:

     

    Sometimes,I still find it hard to get an even and smooth sound. The concertina feels wobbly and I hit wrong notes. That´s mainly because the fingers don´t exactly know where to move and some are too weak (or I had a beer too much). Two exercises helped me lately:

     

    Practicing without a sound: When I cannot play loud or sometimes when I watch TV, I have a little exercise. I play a tune or a scale, only by placing my fingers, not even pushing the keys down. I place the fingers slightly above the key and pull the key towards me (not too hard though), that gives me a feeling of control. It helps me for my “micro-fingering”.

     

    Strength:  Another exercise is, to play, by pushing down the keys real hard and holding them down. You should do that very slow though because it can harm your hands. 

     

    I like to play standing, mainly because I want to be able to move on stage but also because I have the feeling that I get a “livelier” sound. The above exercise helps me here: try to play standing, while holding down one key on each side. If you hold down the keys firmly, you can also hold part of the weight of the concertina with the keys. To avoid an ambulance you probably should not try this with an 81 key. 

     

    For playing standing up, I use my handstraps like this:

     

    post-7695-0-98512300-1324921136_thumb.jpg 

     

     

    My thumb goes under the strap. It´s a little strange first and the airbutton can only be reached with the index finger, but I got used to it. Like this, the thumb helps for stability and to carry the weight.

     

    Reuben Shaw video:

     

    For the Maccann players (and of course everybody else) there is a video of Reuben Shaw available here: http://www.garlandfi...reubenshaw.html.  It costs 11,50 pounds and is absolutely worth it. 

     

    Mr. Shaw talks about his beginnings of concertina playing and how he thought it was “impossible to master” this instrument (he even sent his first Maccann back to Wheatstone). He demonstrates his concertinas and some recordings. Then he plays tunes, mostly from Henry Stanley. The music sheets he is playing from are available here: http://www.concertin...anley/index.htm (also Stanleys tutor). So you can watch and hear Mr. Shaw playing, while reading the very music he is reading. Thank you Mr. Gaskins, sometimes the internet is great.

     

     

     

    Maybe you have some playing tips too?

     

     

     

     

    Current players of The Maccann ?

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

    A couple of observations; Firstly, the sale of Maccann duets on EBay isn't a lot of use in discerning how many players of the system there are. I own two but only play one at a time (multiple ownership is fairly typical I would have thought?) Secondly, there are a number of people who are registered on the Maccann players site who are 'interested observers but who don't actually play the system. Thirdly, there are a significant number (given the world population of Maccann concertinas, aeolas etc.) sitting awaiting an owner in dealers and retailers shops as well as those in collections. This again gives absolutely no indication as to how many players there are. But…it does perhaps, point to the need to evangelise a bit? If only to liberate 'captive' instruments languishing on shelves.

    Current players of The Maccann ?

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

    Reporting a new addition to the ranks ... Paul Davenport in Sheffield, who has been playing a Maccann for a few months, and has got the bug - has now upgraded from a 46 to a 58 key Wheatstone 6 sider.... Welcome to the ranks of the seriously strange, Paul!! LOL ;)

     

    So, having updated my spreadsheet, with another couple of additions from above, it's now showing 79 known players of whatever standard ... wonder how many others there are (and I'm pretty sure that I've met one or two who aren't on there ... shame I have no idea what their names are).

     

    I'm a bit worried about the 'seriously strange' (how is that different to 'frivolously strange by the way?) But find it astonishing that we're talking less than 100 players in a world population of 7 billion (or thereabouts). I just wondered whether you'd got John Horsey of Sheffield on your list? Happy New Year.

    Wanted Maccann duet

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    That's a great idea too Dick, many thanks for the kind thoughts and support. However, of this afternoon I am the proud guardian of a Wheatstone 57 key duet. So, Christmas may now commence.

    best wishes,

    Paul

     

    Excellent! ... Congratulations! I'm sure you'll be very happy together! ;)

     

    So I guess it's Party Time! 5.gif

     

    Cheers,

    Dick

     

    Thanks for the partoon! :-)

    cheers

    Paul

    Wanted Maccann duet

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    I've got a 55 key Lachenal that i could be tempted to part with. It's a real beauty, wooden ends but very bright and chirpy. I now play a 67 Chidley system (uniform maccann) and it's a bit of a faff switching between the two (slightly different) systems, so it's probably time to let it go. The bottom note on the right hand side is a G I'm afraid, but you can always play over both sides (if it's good enough for the anglo players...). I'll put up some photos tomorrow. Could even try and post a sound sample if that helps. Are you by any chance a Davenport?

    Nick

     

    Thanks Nick - I'm about to go out to look at a 57 key but might get back to you later. Yes, I'm the senior Davenport, have we met?

    cheers, Paul

     

    I think we may have been in a couple of sessions together, I'm a mate of Gav's that's why I recognised your username. Good luck with the 57 key, and let me know if you want any more info on my one.

    Nick

     

    I think we were playing together at the AFO in the evening? I've managed to acquire a concertina to my delight. All is good.

    Paul

    Wanted Maccann duet

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    I've got a 55 key Lachenal that i could be tempted to part with. It's a real beauty, wooden ends but very bright and chirpy. I now play a 67 Chidley system (uniform maccann) and it's a bit of a faff switching between the two (slightly different) systems, so it's probably time to let it go. The bottom note on the right hand side is a G I'm afraid, but you can always play over both sides (if it's good enough for the anglo players...). I'll put up some photos tomorrow. Could even try and post a sound sample if that helps. Are you by any chance a Davenport?

    Nick

     

    Thanks Nick - I'm about to go out to look at a 57 key but might get back to you later. Yes, I'm the senior Davenport, have we met?

    cheers, Paul

    Wanted Maccann duet

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    Ideally I'd like to acquire a 55 or 57 key.

    And you're aware that on a 55-key the low note in the right hand will almost certainly be G above middle C, yes?

     

    Yes, I'm sort of resigned to that at present.

    I think what I'm really saying is that I need a 57 key.

    Wanted Maccann duet

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    Ideally I'd like to acquire a 55 or 57 key.

    And you're aware that on a 55-key the low note in the right hand will almost certainly be G above middle C, yes?

     

    Yes, I'm sort of resigned to that at present.

    OK, it's time to sell my first concertina

    in Buy & Sell

    Posted

    Having built up confidence in playing my new concertina, I've decided it's now time to put my original one up for sale.

     

    It's a 64-key 'New Model' Lachenal Maccann duet, dating from about 1898, with raised wooden ends and steel reeds (concert pitch). Range is middle-C to high-G (2 and a half octaves) on the RH end, with the LH end the same but an octave lower. I played it regularly for about 12 years before I got my new, bigger, one and it is in tune with all notes playing. There is a very small amount of cosmetic damage on the outside, although the bellows are fine and it has a very nice tone. I have the original Lachenal case, but this is in poor condition and I had a new padded case made for it - both of these are included if desired.

     

    I had an expert independent valuation of £2000 but would take a reasonable offer. I was also advised as a point of interest that the concertina may originally have been an exhibition model, as the size and layout does not seem to be particularly common.

     

    Anyone here likely to be interested, or know someone who might be? Otherwise I guess it's going to be Ebay or a dealer.

     

    Did you sell this yet? I'm interested in obtaining a larger Mccann than my present 46 key one.

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