G'day BSeed,

What kind of concertina? (Anglo-)German - 20 key, in two rows on each side, tuned inthe same scale as button accordion and a pair of mouthorgans (usally G and C), different notes in and out, Handstraps. Anglo-chromatic - 30 (or as few as 26) UP TO ~40 keys in 3 rows plus some strays, different notes in and out, Handstraps, English - 48 to 60 keys in 4 side by side rows, same notes each way, Leather thumb-stall and metal rest for the pinky, Duet Most common species like English but 5 or 6 rows side by side, same notes each way, Handstraps. A really rare one (Jeffries Duet) looks like a 4 row Anglo-chromatic but has same note each way ... someone said there are only 10 odd (really) players in the world.

All these concertinas have totally unrelated systems except the Anglo-chromatic, which is an enhanced (Anglo-) German. Most of them don't even relate to any other musical instrument - even other concertinas ... let's face it - they were designed by Poms!

There are good current books, tapes and programs for the most common types; Anglo-(chromatic) and English. There are some excellent old books on the duets and friends here in Australia have some of these - and I do have reference copies.

BTW: Holding the concertina away from the body (especially playing while standing) is an excellent way to play - no wear on the instrument, no snags on the cloth of your garments - and the phych. boys say that your are 15% more alert standing.

Regards,

Bob Bolton