The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #29311   Message #369832
Posted By: GUEST,Mark. West Sussex. UK
06-Jan-01 - 03:14 PM
Thread Name: Help: Concertinas: Anglo vs. English?
Subject: RE: Help: Concertinas: Anglo vs. English?
I am trying to think how to explain this. It is a bit like asking the difference between flatpicking with a plectrum or fingerpicking with a thumb and three fingers. I think you can get a lot more initial enjoyment and success with an English. It is also more relaxed and meditative to play because you can "breath" the bellows in and out like a peaceful yoga exercise. Anglo is more energetic, dangerous and sexy to play. It is a different mind set. You have to do a sort of Celtic Luke Skywalker and "Use the Force". It is a kind of reflex instinct that comes with practice. In England a chain called HOBGOBLIN do a catalogue and international Mail Order www.hobgoblin.com or try Barleycorn Concertinas in Scotland for advice and older models. He does mail order too and will only sell fully serviced and playable machines. The best thing is to find people who play and ask for a quick lesson/try out.