New Member

[JimLucas]

To answer Mike's question a bit more directly: an Anglo has two "home" keys, most often C and G. In those keys (and in their "parallel" minor keys Am and Dm) basic harmonizing is very easy--if you play a note of

Isn't the relative minor for G Em?

In standard musical terminology, the "relative minor" of G is Em. Yes. But I think what Daniel must have been referring to is the "sort of minor" Dorian scale in each row, though he wrote them in reverse order. I.e., D-dorian is found in the C row and A-dorian in the G row.

 

To most people, the dorian also sounds "minor", even if it's not the same in official terminology. And if your tune doesn't include the 7th of the scale, then there's no way to tell whether it's D-dorian or D-Aeolian (the "real" minor). In any case, it's that D "minor" (dorian) scale that's easy to play on the C row -- by starting on the pull, rather than on the push, -- and similarly the A "minor" (dorian) on the G row. The "relative" minors of the primary keys in each row, Am for the C row and Em for the G row, don't fall as easily under the fingers as the Dorian "minors".

[Henk van Aalten]

Noone today makes a standard model concertina with brass reeds. Most of those to be found are at least 80 and more likely 100 or more years old. Some steel reed instruments have been in use more than a century without being retuned.

Jim,

 

The new Wakker Anglo has the option of brass reeds. I quote from the Concertina Connection website:

Standard are steel tongues in individual brass frames. Optional: steel tongues in aluminum frames, brass tongues in brass frames.

[JimLucas]

The new Wakker Anglo has the option of brass reeds. I quote from the Concertina Connection website:

Standard are steel tongues in individual brass frames. Optional: steel tongues in aluminum frames, brass tongues in brass frames.

I hadn't noticed that. Interesting. I wonder what kind of brass he uses. If it's different from that used in vintage concertinas, I wonder if it has improved durability.

[Daniel Hersh]

Thanks, Jim--that's exactly what I meant, and put very clearly too. That's why I said "parallel" minor rather than "relative." I didn't bother to edit my post to get them into the right order but will do so now.

 

Daniel

 

To answer Mike's question a bit more directly: an Anglo has two "home" keys, most often C and G. In those keys (and in their "parallel" minor keys Am and Dm) basic harmonizing is very easy--if you play a note of

Isn't the relative minor for G Em?

In standard musical terminology, the "relative minor" of G is Em. Yes. But I think what Daniel must have been referring to is the "sort of minor" Dorian scale in each row, though he wrote them in reverse order. I.e., D-dorian is found in the C row and A-dorian in the G row.

 

To most people, the dorian also sounds "minor", even if it's not the same in official terminology. And if your tune doesn't include the 7th of the scale, then there's no way to tell whether it's D-dorian or D-Aeolian (the "real" minor). In any case, it's that D "minor" (dorian) scale that's easy to play on the C row -- by starting on the pull, rather than on the push, -- and similarly the A "minor" (dorian) on the G row. The "relative" minors of the primary keys in each row, Am for the C row and Em for the G row, don't fall as easily under the fingers as the Dorian "minors".

[Jody Kruskal]

Stereotypes are made to be contradicted, but often have a kernel of truth in them. Of course, you can play any way you like on either instrument. However, to my ear, Anglo/English stereotypes go something like this:

 

punchy / lyrical

wild / dignified

working class / upper class

folk / classical

foot stompin’ / toe tappin’

very wide dynamic range/ narrower dynamic range

upper body / fingers

visceral / intellectual

good for dancing / good for listening

harmonic / single line

idiosyncratic / logical

harder for reading notation / easier for reading notation

comfortable in fewer keys / comfortable in more keys

(key, as in F# major)

 

Have I offended anyone yet?

 

Jody

http://cdbaby.com/cd/jodykruskal

 

Love the enthusiasm Jody, very found of your playing, not so down the the stereotypes. Offended? No, for I realize it was not meant so. Dissapointed, a wee bit. Absolutes give one very little wiggle room when confronted with a contradiction

 

OK Mark,

 

You are absolutely right, I knew I’d get in trouble for that one. Of course I was not trying to offend anyone, but rather attempting to layout the differences between Anglo and English (in my opinion) as succinctly and broadly as possible. I hoped that all of the qualifying verbiage I included would allow me to speak in absolutes for clarity of meaning without cluttering up my list. In rereading it, I think that many of these attributes are really only tendencies, I can think of contradictions for many of them. Perhaps only tendencies of the players rather than the instrument? I’m not sure. Enough back peddling for now.

 

Jody

[mike delta]

Hi All (particularly those kind people who offered advice),

Just an update really.

I called into the Music Room at Cleckheaton today and took along a concertina player to restrain me from parting with my hard earned cash and buying every concertina in the shop. As it transpired I wasn't seriously tempted to buy anything.

I did however try out a Duet, Anglo & English including vintage models and new models of Anglo & English.

I came away with one certainty (well two really but I'll hold counsel on that one) and that is the Anglo is not for me. Lovely sound from a Norman they had in stock (Anglo) and a beautiful Marcus English Delux ( 37 key) that I think was a special edition. Stunning action and sound. OK, so I'm not a concertina player but it "felt" right and responsive and it produced a sound I found pleasant. I dare say it will improve too when it is bedded in. I'm assuming of course that "bedding in" does take place just as pipe reeds bed in and settle down.

The Duet I tried was a vintage but seemed to lack something. However, "one man's meat..." and all that.

Also tried an Lachenal Edeophone. Lovely in every respect but one.

 

Why didn't I buy anything? Well for starters I don't want to buy the first concertina I see. Also I have a specific type in mind and one is in the pipe line so to speak. I'm just awaiting confirmation.

In addition I'm off to visit another shop either tomorrow or Wednesday and I want to try out several different models just in case the one I fancy doesn't materialise. I suppose I'm looking for a reserve choice.

In essence I've written this update as a thank you to those good people who freely gave their advice just to let them know I'm serious about "joining the club".

mike delta.

[m3838]

Make yourself a paper chart with layouts and learn a few simple songs. This way you will try concertina for real. Don't trust your first impression about Anglo vs. English. Without learning how to play at least two tunes you just can't say. If you didn't actually play a song reasonably OK, you probably close to wasted your first visit and may waste another. Just sit down at your desk and "play" a few songs from music, if you reed. If you don't, just trust other people, I guess.

Which brings to mind The Music Room. I sent them a message asking if they go over their instruments to check for playability. Haven't gotten a reply yet. Anybody here from the Music Room? If they are just resellers, and don't take care of the instruments, they may not stand behind them if you'll need help.

[Galley Wench]

Why didn't I buy anything? Well for starters I don't want to buy the first concertina I see. Also I have a specific type in mind and one is in the pipe line so to speak. I'm just awaiting confirmation.

In addition I'm off to visit another shop either tomorrow or Wednesday and I want to try out several different models just in case the one I fancy doesn't materialise. I suppose I'm looking for a reserve choice.

In essence I've written this update as a thank you to those good people who freely gave their advice just to let them know I'm serious about "joining the club".

mike delta.

 

Another word of advice from a new member - I started with the Jackie early last summer and very quickly decided that this instrument was for me and re-visited the Music Room in Cleckheaton which is very close to home (about 20 miles) and even closer to big sister who actually lives in walking distance - needless to say we visit more often than we used to! I tried all their vintage stock. I settled on a 56 button Lachenal, steel reeds, rose wood ends and metal buttons. It is a beautiful quality instrument. OOoops drifted away from my point then.............what I want to say is , whilst I am the first person to say don't rush into anything, if you find that instrument that you feel is right for you don't wait too long to buy it - it might not be there when you go back and really good quality vintage instruments do not seem to come onto the market very often.

 

Good luck with your search.

[Galley Wench]

[ Anybody here from the Music Room? If they are just resellers, and don't take care of the instruments, they may not stand behind them if you'll need help.

 

 

I am a regular customer of the Music Room purchased my Lachenal 56 key English concertina from them and they have been absolutely brilliant. Such is our faith in them that in addition to this purchase my husband and I have made the following purchases during the last 12 months:

 

Semi accoustic double bass

Mandoline

Bazouki

Jackie treble concertina

Jack baritone concertina

Martin back packer guitar

Electronic string tuner

plus various books and CD's

 

My concetina came with 12 months warrantly, some great advice, excellent follow up advice any time I ring, and countless cups of coffe when we have visited. They have staff who specialise in almost any instrument. Visit their website www.themusicroom-online.co.uk