Jim Besser Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 (edited) Had a chance this weekend to give the Buttonbox's prototype Anglo baritone a pretty extensive test drive. Although I have and use hybrids, I prefer the sound of traditional reeds, which is all the more reason I was really impressed with this instrument. Somehow they've largely conquered the problem of low reeds responding slowly. There's still a slight delay on some of the notes, but it is barely noticeable and does not impede playing. When I switch from my Jeffries G/D to my Morse G/D I have to adjust my playing to compensate; I didn't have to do that at all with the ESB (I'm guessing this is not the permanent name, but what do I know?) The sound is sublime. Experienced players will recognize these as accordion reeds, but personally, I didn't care; the sound was unique and quite wonderful. Again by comparison: it was less accordionish than my G/D hybrid. The low notes were richly organ like. The other surprise: this instrument is light and easy to play. The action is just the same as the regular Morse hybrids. I thought I wasn't in the market for any new concertinas, especially hybrids; this puppy might just change that. They're building C/Gs and D/As. These instruments may be useful for some in accompanying singing. It's not a Morris instrument; the low register doesn't cut thru noise like the regular C/G. But I see intriguing possibilities for using this in various bands and for solo playing. A hearty 'well done' to Doug, Will and the rest of the BB team. Edited June 8, 2014 by Jim Besser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sqzbxr Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 ESB = Extra Special Baritone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Molkentin Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 ESB = Extra Special Baritone?Can't be English System Baritone, which would make sense otherwise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Mansfield Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Extra Strong baritone? In my professional life ESB is an Enterprise Service Bus, but I'm guessing Morse haven't branched out into software architecture ... I've got a Morse Geordie EC baritone and that is a really lovely box, so the ESB should be really nice for those of an anglo persuasion. All of the various Morse boxes are named after members of the Morse family, so maybe it's Endeavour Morse who's being honoured this time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Laban Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Over here the first thought would be of an electric concertina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sqzbxr Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 To me, ESB = Extra Special Bitter: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Besser Posted June 8, 2014 Author Share Posted June 8, 2014 To me, ESB = Extra Special Bitter: That's it, I believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Although I have and use hybrids, I prefer the sound of traditional reeds, which is all the more reason I was really impressed with this instrument.Experienced players will recognize these as accordion reeds, but personally, I didn't care; Judging by Jim's response, it could well be Even Sceptics Believe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayman Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Further suggestions for what ESB might stand for are welcome (and amusing!), but the official answer is "extra special baritone" and the inspiration for the name was indeed my drink of choice when singing in the pub -- a great place to play an anglo baritone. You can hear Jody Kruskal play some tunes and sing some songs with the Morse ESB prototype here: http://www.buttonbox.com/framepage.html?var1=http://www.buttonbox.com/ESB-preview.html (The fourth sound clip is my favorite!) We expect to start taking orders later this summer. At the above link, you can also join an announcement list for ESB information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimLucas Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 To me, ESB = Extra Special Bitter... That's it, I believe. Nothing bitter about your review, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceemonster Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 i would order a geordie baritone EC with TAM reeds, but i really think i need that high "b," b-flat," and "c," in a bari. love the attenuated trebles, love the attenuated tenors, don't love the attenuated baris.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael sam wild Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Thanks Jim I have been thinking about a baritone for accompanying singing. I don't really use a low vamp much but might be persuaded, the recordings of Jody are nice. If I sing in C I like bits on the right side to highlight the song as my singing voice is in the left hand range on a tenor treble C/G Anglo. Any more song recordings with an ESB in C/G or D/A welcomed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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