"Phantom button" rolls on push notes

[Michael Eskin]

I've been having the most interesting and productive conversation with a fellow Anglo player about executing rolls on the push E above middle C on the left side C row on a C/G instrument.

He uses the "phantom button" technique, where you sustain the note and slap the wood on the top of the right side to articulate an additional note. 

I'd generally play EGE (left side adjacent button cut) or EcE (right side first button cut).

I've typically often done "phantom button" single button rolls only on draw notes, commonly the note A, and generally roll notes on the push cutting with other buttons. 

I'd never had much luck with "phantom button" rolls on a push, but when he plays them, they sounded amazing and very relaxed.

I had to solve this puzzle!

Chatting with him sent me down a rabbit hole figuring out how he was able to do them so cleanly and fluidly.

After a couple of days of exploration, I finally sorted it out.

For me, it requires using two fingers for the tap on the right (I generally use one finger on the right for "phantom button" tap rolls on a draw) and a bit more velocity in the tap than I would use for an equivalent "phantom button" based roll on a draw.

The other thing I found is that if I think about it, I can't do it.  No think, just do. 🙂

It also requires an odd mix of relaxation and tension. 

Too much bellows pressure and the tap won't make a difference. I need to relax a bit on the note to let the tap do the note rearticulation. 

Perhaps it's in the same realm as Caitlín Nic Gabhann's "bellow rolls"?

Anyway, I'm curious if others have gone down this same rabbit hole and what sorts of observations you made in the process.

 

Edited November 25 by Michael Eskin

[Doug Barr]

A gentle tap with the right hand above the buttons work for me.

[Michael Eskin]

1 hour ago, Doug Barr said:

A gentle tap with the right hand above the buttons work for me.

Nice. On push notes?

 

I'm curious, do you play with the instrument left-side anchored, right-side anchored, or non-anchored (bellows across the leg)?

 

I ask because I think the technique for clean push "phantom button" rolls may be influenced by how or if the instrument is anchored.

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

Is the concertina haunted ?!( by a "Phantom"... button)?!😟🌝

[Michael Eskin]

2 hours ago, SIMON GABRIELOW said:

Is the concertina haunted ?!( by a "Phantom"... button)?!😟🌝

Probably. 🙂

[Doug Barr]

Hi Michael,

Yes on the push.

I anchor the left side of the instrument on my left leg.

Timing has a lot to do with it.

I use just one tap, not separated fingers like you might use on the buttons.