G'day again,

I fielded Foolestroupe's query on the fashion (fad?) for playing button accordions with only one strap a fortnight back ... but I had reason to ponder one possible culprit when I was looking through a book on "Irish Musical Instruments".

In the section on Button Accordions (or, as they consistently misname them, melodeons) there are a number of photos of old, traditional, players - generally sitting ... and firmly attached to their accordions by two, substantial, well-padded, close-fitting straps. Among the current crop of players ... and photos of flashy Italian and French custom boxes ... there is not a single example of a double strap ... or a well-fitted, firm, one. The trendy young players seem to be waving their accordions about as if they were concertinas.

All this movement may look like good 'stagecraft' - but it's hell on backs and shoulders - and rotten posture ... however, if it has been re-invented as "Irish" style, it will be around to plague accordionists, emulating their Folk/Pop heroes, for decades!

Regards,

Bob Bolton