Hi Andy

The neck straps hold the weight of the contertina to take some of the strain off your little fingers, but you still need your fingers there to hold the ends steady.

They might be a good idea anyway. Steve Dickinson concertinas@wheatstone.co.uk can fit proper threaded bushes with a small metal ring for the strap - very neat and won't detract from the value.

As for Dupuytrens Contraction - contact Alan Bell. He has the same problem and has had his concertina modified. I've seen it but can't remember the details. That's the same Alan Bell who's written lots of songs and runs Fylde Folk Festival - you'll find his email address on that site.

Anahata