Reed Bellows

I have never played a Jackie so really I do not know how much power is needed but I cannot imagine that Wim Wakker would have designed an instrument for begginers that was heavy work to play. From my own experience with my Jackie, I do feel that the bellows are quite a bit stiff, but I suspect that with regular play and practice that they will 'break-in' and become easier to maneuver. Prior to my purchase, I searched the c.net forums for as much information on the Jackie as I could, and the common (occasionally subtext) consensus was that this box is a bit tough, but once you master the knack it makes playing other EC's seem like a piece of p... I mean, cake. I would classify the Jack/Jackie as a 'beginner-learner' EC because it's a bit tougher to work than a true vintage or high-end concertina, so by the time you're ready for a quality instrument, your hands are well-trained to make the best use of it, and so playing becomes easier. Keep at it, Nisse!

Not my best picture, but it does have me with my Jackie (with my not-so-classy shoestring neck strap) Also, for those of you who are sharp-eyed, yes, I am a member of a Star Trek fan organisation as well.

Stephen, no official registering is necessary, I've already got you on the list. As soon as we get the workshops sorted out, which I hope will be very soon, we'll send music and maybe even mp3's to everyone's who has expressed interest in coming. We've already had 15 people sign up, some of whom will be traveling thousands of miles, so it's going to be an exciting weekend! Gary Not to be a bother, but have the workshops / music been sorted yet? I finally got around to booking my room and was anxious to know so that I could start practicing!

Great performance, Jeff! I always enjoy your concertina videos. Thanks for including that your Wakker Hayden Duet uses the Wicki layout. I had previously not delved deep enough into concertina knowledge to know about it. The Wicki layout makes more sense to me than the others, and when I eventually decide to branch out into the world of duets, that's the layout I'll get. Heck, I'd only need to sell plasma 200 times to be able to afford a H-W1!

I have my thumbs inserted to the first knuckle; that gives me the best bellows control and finger flexibility. I'm still a newbie so I have the pinky guards on, but as I progress with hand strength I'll probably remove those as well.

Doing a search on Spotify for "concertina" yields a few things. If you have Spotify installed, I've provided the clickable link directly to each album. In no particular order, we have: Naked Concertina by Jody Kruskal Poor Little Liza Jane by Jody Kruskal The English Concertina (Various Artists, but compiled by Richard Carlin) In Come a Bumblebee: Traditional Songs and Tunes on English Concertina by Richard Carlin The Poppy Leaf: English Concertina Tunes by Richard Carlin Champions of Ireland - Concertina by Denise Shiels I'm sure there are more jewels to be unearthed, whether in complete album form, or a song here or there...but this'll get most folks started

I use Spotify at work to listed to tunes while I'm at my desk, and I was wondering of anyone here has pre-made playlists of concertina music. Otherwise I'll just be hunting them down myself. Cheers!

Hi there Nisse! I also have a Jackie, and I found the included tutor to be more of a guideline rather than a fixed rule. (also, I recall one of the diagrams had extra buttons that weren't on my instrument! ) As far as holding the concertina, you want to find a position that's most comfortable for your wrists and elbows while playing. The "V" that Wim talks about in the tutor is more implied than expected. I recommend watching Pauline de Snoo's video tutors on YouTube (click here), and also keep an eye on the Concertina Videos & Music forum here as our very own Leo posts links to new concertina videos every Friday. Happy learning and discovering your new instrument!

Hi there! My best advice would be to attend the The 11th Annual Palestine Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival on March 29-31 in Palestine, TX. There's going to be a fair contingent of concertina players there (myself included), and you'll be able to see, hear, and (good graces willing) check out the different styles of concertinas. I play a Jackie (English) myself, Jody Kruskal will be there with (I'm assuming ) at least one Anglo, and from what I've read, other styles are also represented. The website is www.oldpalmusic.com if you'd like more information, or message Dan Worrall or gcoover here on this forum and they can also fill you in.

Just for clarification, I didn't mean to infer that you would have a contrasting opinion. Just that a player of a different system might have a different viewpoint, and you were the first forum member that came to mind. See you next month in Palestine!

As a singer, I would recommend the English for one specific reason: bellows direction. With an Anglo, you'll be having to remember which way to push/pull the bellows in order to get the proper note, whereas with an English, all you have to remember is where the buttons are located. Since you're somewhat pressed for time, it'll be quicker to learn. Also, if you're accompanying yourself, you'll have less to think about as you play and sing simultaneously. Although, others may have differing opinions...such as Jody Kruskal, who is a wonderful Anglo player and frequents these forums.

Instruments I can play: Voice (primarily baritone, but I have a fair amount of range if you count falsetto and what I term 'male whistle tone'...for laughs I call myself trans-sectional) Basic Guitar (major/minor chords, not that good at it, but good enough for campfire sing-alongs) Instruments I have played in the past: Trombone (played for four years until high school, haven't touched it since) Piano (took for two years when I was still in single digits, then again in college...haven't kept it up) Violin (took for two years when I was very young, I know the way to hold one, but have forgotten everything else) Instruments that I dabble with: Ocarina Digeridoo (I'm having difficulty with the proper embouchure and the proper breathing techniques) Instruments I'm currently learning: English Concertina (my Jackie, which will someday give way to something greater...I dream of a Dipper) Instruments I'm considering learning: Anglo Hayden Duet accordion (two of my favorite music artists feature them - They Might Be Giants and Weird Al Yankovic, but I figured the concertina was a better instrument to get under my belt first)

Any chance we can get sheet music / Tune-o-Trons of these so we can practice a smidgen before the festival?

It might be a tad cheaper to drive the 53 miles. EDIT: Just realized you might have meant for me to fly into Tyler and drive from there. I actually live in DFW, so I'll be driving from there.

Most information should be obtainable from here: http://www.oldpalmusic.com/

I'm not sure that the concertina is exactly the right instrument for jazz, but if you're looking for that New Orleans flavor, I'm sure that it would fit in just nicely in zydeco music, as well as blues in lieu of a harmonica. I have no doubt that others here will have a more informed opinion...accept my 2p for what it's worth.

I'm hoping to make it out this year...it'll be my first, but then again I've only been playing for about a month. I thoroughly expect to be stymied and flummoxed by the skill of everyone else.

Yes. I remember a few threads when it was finished. http://www.concertina.net/learning.html#saec Thanks Leo Ah thanks, completely missed that part of the site!

Any news on this? ^

Thinking outside of the 'box.... (groan) Organ music (depending on the piece/composer) can also give you aural clues as to chords vs. melodic line. (also, this is my first post, be gentle )