Please, I NEED a concertina!

Subject: concertina-envy
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 12:57 PM

I hate begging, but here's what it's come down to. In the last three weeks I've played a number of Corporate gigs (those are the ones where convention planners hire folk musicians to play traditional music as part of the atmosphere at some multi-million dollar bash for corporate executives who wouldn't know Tom Dooley from Thomas E. Dewey.)and have hired ace fiddler and concertinist Jaimie Snyder to accompany me. By the way, although there's something inherently silly about these gigs, they usually pay about 10 times what a folkie gig does, and often there's a buffet with lobster and smoked salmon!

During breaks I've fooled around with Jaimie's (anglo) concertina and have fallen in love with the instrument. Now you used to be able to get them at a place called Richmond's Trading Post here in Toronto...but no more. In fact there doesn't seem to be anyplace to pick up an inexpensive one. (Duckboots takes all my earnings and foolishly uses them to pay the mortgage)

I know they've got them at the "Button Box", but they have a heck of a mark-up. Just wondered if anyone had an old one to sell or had any ideas. Being a string player for so many years, I haven't messed with them that much, but Jaimie said, from what he'd seen, I should be able to learn before I croak!

Thanks
Rick

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 01:14 PM

This may be of no use to you Rick. I have an old Lachenal that needs work. I don't know how much work. It is an English concertina however.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: MMario
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 01:26 PM

a friend just got on from e-bay. I'm told there are a number out there.

MMario

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Rana
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 01:26 PM

Hi Rick,

Have you thought of asking the Toronto Morris crowd. I have a old Lashnal (English) which I might get around to learning. Best bet to contact the Morris all at once will be at the Toronto Morris Ale starting Friday of Labour day weekend. Location of course at the TRANZAC (150+ Morris sides from across N. America and a couple from England this year.

I should make it back in time for that - I leave next Wednesday for for a 3 week drive to Vancouver and back. I can ask around for any spare anglos if you wish.

(Can't you explain to Duckboots that musicians don't need mortgages - any passing train is good enough for home?)

Cheers Rana

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 01:38 PM

Thanks folks, keep with the suggestions. I'm monitoring this closely. At the moment an English is out! I'm too stupid to do it justice at the moment. The Anglo is similar to the harmonica scale (which I'm quite at home with) so that's why I want to go in that direction.
Thanks
Rick

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Margo
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 03:38 PM

Darn, Rick. I was going to suggest the Button Box. I rented an anglo from them when I was trying to figure out which kind I wanted. (BTW I went with English because I could chord and accompany myself singing.)

Yes, Button Box or such a place is spendier, but your consideration seems to be that you are in a crunch for time. It would be a trade off to rent to own; you could get a quality instrument right away.

Wish I could help otherwise,

Margarita

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 03:46 PM

Well, Boxcar Ricky:

I found used ones at Hobgoblin. I don't know beans baout them, but this will take to the page of prices on used anglos. There's a 30 button one listed for $249, I think in pounds sterling.

"Ricky's got a squeezebox
Heather never sleeps at night!"

I keep looking. kat

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 05:06 PM

Rick, you old corporate whore, you (he said enviously). The auction site mentioned above is www.eBay.com.

Another possibility is later this month FADAC is going to an accordion fest; he says there are always instruments for sale, including concertinas. And since he's swithched over to accordion, himself, maybe he could be persuaded to part with his. He's currently at Lark in the Morning's summer camp (www.larkinam.com also sells concertinas), but should be back on line by Monday.

Since I started going to shanty sings and Irish sessions, I've been getting interested in concertina, too, but I'll have to wait a while.

--seed

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: joeler
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 05:19 PM

I have a RENELLI (made in italy) that is in perfect condition. It has 20 buttons on it. I have played it a little and I manage to get regular melodies out of it. I'll sell it for $75.00 and you pay shipping. Let me know.

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 06 Aug 99 - 07:41 PM

Hi Joely. Don't think I've met you before. E-mail me and let's talk. [e-mail]
What key is it in?
Thanks
Rick

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 07 Aug 99 - 07:45 PM

Joely, where are you?
Rick

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Nancy
Date: 07 Aug 99 - 07:58 PM

Try EBay.com!! You'd never believe it, there's actually quite a good selection there. If that fails, call House of Musical Tradition in Takoma Park, MD, where they sell lots of them. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 07 Aug 99 - 11:39 PM

And all this time I thought that Gaints were gental & had a sense of humor, whoops wrong on both counts. By the way sir ATT why are you wasting my money by not providing the service you promised me. Guess Rick ought ta start doing some singing about you corporate types gaints that think we give a hoot.
Rick, I used to do a St. Pat's day gig across from the NH state house for the states' Republican Party, I guess it was cool to have us there but no one ever took notice, great pratice gig for the money though. You're right about it feeling inherently silly playing to a group that wouldn't know a Dewey from a Dooley but would still pay enough that you can't refuse.
Oh, Mister/Miss? ANNON ATT I do have a day job that takes very good care of me & mine so you may GUARANTEE that I get no better than rubber chickens & canned string beans from now on (what an awfull mean threat to toss at our dear Rick). Barry

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Aug 99 - 11:46 PM

Well said, Barry. Fucking BS slips in everywhere!

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Dale Rose
Date: 07 Aug 99 - 11:51 PM

I usually don't respond to such threads, (you can check me on that) but I really think the best way to deal with rudeness is to ignore it, not to reply in kind. It is things like this which has caused so much hard feelings lately. Please let it drop off the bottom, rather than trying to agitate by continually stirring the pot. I have said all I intend to say on the subject.

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 12:01 AM

Hi Dale, I don't usually respond either, you can check me too, but I did here because it's usually that the performing folk musician stays poor doing what they love best & then get rode over roughshod by those that couldn't care that they are hiring some faceless servant that should tremble when their betters aren't being pleased properly, enough. Barry

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 07:28 AM

Rick, a search for 'concertina' on e-bay, yields: this.

Good luck, Rick!

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: McKnees
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 09:25 AM

Hi Rick speaking on behalf of Duckboots and in a quest to rescue her from a fate worse than concertinas I think you should bid for the figure with the concertina and the T shirt. What a bargain for $16.99 .

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 11:04 AM

Hi Folks. Back from our Niagara Falls adventure with Catspaw and Karen. Thanks again for all the great suggestions. I've checked out E-Bay, but I doubt I'll go that direction. In the past, when buying (pre-loved) instruments, I've always tried to keep a personal touch. For example, I've sold literally hundreds of instruments myself to folks with the provisio that if there's something amiss, just give it (or send it) back to me and they'll get their bucks back pronto. Naturally we all want to play something for an hour or two before we buy it, but the next best thing is to ask the seller (and former player) a bunch of questions about that instrument before doing the deal - and then hope that if it ain't a good fit, you can send it back with no problems. Grit Laskin has had that deal for years (even with his VERY expensive guitars) and I think his 100% honesty has been rewarded by amazingly loyal customers. Mandolin Bros. on Staten Island as well.
So far the best suggestion for me has been Joely's...but I can't find her/him again.

By the way, thanks for the support vis. the "ATT" guy, but it was a JOKE wasn't it? Even anonymous posters like to get laughs occasionally. Heck, I put in a tongue in cheek (although basically accurate) description of a kind of gig we folkies call "rent payers", and I'd be a dour sort indeed, if I couldn't handle a little flack. 'Twas in aid of perhaps finding an instrument, and I've been happy as a clam with the feed-back.
Remember, our problems of a few weeks ago were not the result of trivial or mis-placed attempts at humour, they came about because of a nasty grab for attention and power. I think the rest of us handled it well (if somewhat painfully) and successfully. All communities should be so lucky. It's the "folk music" connection in action!

Rick

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Margo
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 11:43 AM

Rick, you might email Harold Herrington in Texas. He makes anglos, and has a year long waiting list. Sometimes he takes things on trade, and might have an instrument for you. He will give you a couple of weeks to play and send back if you wish. I have dealt with him personally (he sent me my English) and he is of the integrity you're looking for. Top shelf. I'd be pleased if he could help you. He is at [e-mail].

We'd love to hear about your meeting with 'Spaw and Karen.....

Margarita

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Arnie Naiman
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 02:27 PM

Geez Rick you are turning into more of a folkie very day. Wow those corporate excecs with the squeezbox! (forget about the Django jazz shtick). I played fiddle and banjo for the president of G.M. Canada at their corporate Christmas party one year. - You literally could hear a pin drop (I think they were all in a state of shock). Of course his wife was the clawhammer banjo player in our band.

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: j0_77
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 03:42 PM

Hey AT&T if you really are of any consequence - which I really doubt - may I ask, have you ever heard of Investors ?? People that have their own business?? Well read the news - I ain't afraid to post my name or email, and guess what if *I did know yours* I would not be passing it around. You need help, not more trouble. I truely feel sorry for ya. BTW If I really need to, wasting my time, I can get your Internet Provider and it's address - and if the Admins there read your Posting, I suspect they would happily give me your email address.

Hi Rick - the concertina - if it helps you - the English is not much used for Irish Trad tunes - but the Anglo German is. My 10 cents - on an average Gig, you'll play 10 tunes. My solution a Melodian - but if you don't have time to learn that (much harder than any Concertina) get a two row. B/C Chromatic - you'll be playing in a month and it is much easier to learn :)

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 04:00 PM

Could we please just ignore Gol..Garg...the anonymous guy with the attitude? I find it very easy to just pass by any repeatedly nasty poster. I have a very hard time dealing with the reactions of others. There's also a very slim possibility that the guy could have been joking. A rubber chicken? I don't know anyone who mentions rubber chickens in serious commentary!

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 04:10 PM

Thank you Jeri!
Please folks, it's just about a frigging concertina. Be intense on some other thread.
Rick

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Barbara
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 04:11 PM

Hey, Rick, why get a concertina when you could get bagpipes and alienate people in the next county instead of just your wife and neighbours?
Good luck on your quest. Glad I live 2000 miles away. Actually, it's my personal opinion that the hardest instrument to live around while someone is learning to play it is the fiddle/violin. There are so many wrong notes to be found before the right ones appear. Of course, it's only hard to live with if you can hear when someone is in tune.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 04:16 PM

Actually I have to admit that Heather is non-concertina positive, but that may have come while I was trying to learn the "English" style. Hope she hangs in a bit for this one. (assuming Joely ever comes back to the thread)
Rick

Subject: Lyr Add: HEXAGON ZOMBIES (Rick Spencer)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 Aug 99 - 06:36 PM

Hi Rick, I thought I'd repost this from an old thread (A.A. - Accordian Annon.), so you could see what pitfalls can be in store for the concertina player. Barry

Subject: RE: A.A.(Accordions Anonymous)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29-Nov-98 - 04:06 PM

Jerry put me on to a friend & the author Rick Spencer, one of the Mystic Seaport shanty crew Here is his song & reply

Barry: Thanks for the interest in posting the song. Lyrics follow this message. The song is copyright 1995 by R.E. Spencer and published by Silk Road Music, BMI. If anyone is interested it's available on the CD and Cassette, "Contentment," which is available through Safe Harbor music, PO Box 96, Mystic, CT 06355. Interested parties can also contact me at my e-mail address.

Hexagon Zombies I saw them approaching with their cases in their hands.
They had a blank look in their eyes, I did not understand.
The dread was in my heart from the evil looks upon their faces
As they sat down in a circle and they opened up their cases.
"Oh, no. This can't be true" I said. They were smiling like hyenas.
And on each lap I saw that they were holding concertinas.
The bellows wheezed, the buttons pressed, it was so surreal and queer.
No horror I had heard prepared me for the sound I'd hear.

Chorus: Hexagon Zombies, playing concertinas Lachenals and Jeffries, Wheatstones and Bastaris
Hexagon Zombies, they all played much too loudly
They had no sense of timing.
Their instruments were breathing.

In morbid fascination I stared. I could not move. I was grounded
Like watching a plane crash on a train wreck, And that's just how it sounded.
Jigs and reels and hornpipes played. Morris tunes as well.
Like some wheezing, groaning chorus from the deepest pits of Hell.
Then all at once the playing stopped, the din was heard no more.
One zombie took his box apart and laid the pieces on the floor
Like a twisted body in the road. We stared at the disembowelled thing.
An amazing pile of pads and reeds, levers valves and springs.

Chorus

With glassy eyes one handed me a harmless looking box.
He droned "Just try it, man." It was then my sould was lost.
I felt it breathing in my hand, the buttons I did press.
It spoke. And from that moment on my soul has not known rest.
So come all you folk musicians and listen unto me.
Stay away from concertinas, or the "squeezing dead" you'll be.
Play the banjo or the dulcimer and live long and peaceful years.
The devil made concertinas to assault our gentle ears.

Chorus.

There you have it, Barry. Let me know if you get any reaction from it. I'll let you know if I get any hate mail. Rick

Subject: http://anon.free.anonymizer.com/RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From:
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 12:16 AM

Ah...it is fun tune we shall play...over the next four days.....

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 09:41 AM

Barry. THANK YOU! That is hilarious! I was honoured to meet Rick Spencer when I played at Mystic a couple of years ago. He's a seriously good guy.
Rick

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Margo
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 01:17 PM

The best part was rhyming "hyenas" with "concertinas"!

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: McKnees
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 05:51 PM

Rick I think the idea of bagpipes is great. Do you know how much a bagpipe player is getting for piping in the new year in the pubs in Glasgow £1,000 I know that's what it is costing my next door neighbour Danny for each of his pubs. So come on Rick get blowing.

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 05:55 PM

I need a new prostate, but you don't see me asking to find one at Mudcat, do ya? ;-)

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 06:35 PM

Art, have you checked E Bay?

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Fadac
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 07:03 PM

Rick, My concertina is worth about $600.00 new. And are avaible from the "Button Box" it is a Stagi. No mine isn't for sale...Weeeelll for the cost of a good Lachenell, I might consider it.

The Stagi has Accordion reeds in it. So it sounds a bit differant than the english style of Anglo with concertina reeds. However, you can BEND the accordion reeds...(heh heh) ya want blues? Can be done with the cheep Stagi. Go for the 30 button, metal ended one. They seem to have the best voice. However they can be a bit slow for fast Irish stuff.

WARNING! There are some very cheep 20 button boxes out there. They go for about $175 or so. I have one. It is a real piece of crap. You have to spend about 1/4 your time repairing the darn thing. Springs get unbent and won't spring anymore, pads fall off, the Chinese ones are just junk. About the same as the "Hero" accordion. You have to be a Hero to get a tune out of it.

Ignore the nay sayers, they wouldn't know the differance between a concertina and a slinky in a hanky.

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 08:00 PM

Hey FADAC----Is it because they sound the same?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Fadac
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 08:31 PM

Spaw, Yup, that's it. Did I ever tell you about the woman that thought a slinky was a UVD (Well what ever it is, you know where it goes.), then she tripped on the stairs?

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 08:42 PM

LMAO----GOOD ONE!!!!!!!!!!! I hate jokes, but I love the ones you can kinda' work into "bits"........Thanks FADAC!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Please, I NEED a concertina!
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 09 Aug 99 - 10:28 PM

Ah, from concertinas to slinkys theres a strech!<<<<>>>Is Fred Quann still in Ft Myers fl?I got some great instroments from him only 15 or 20 years ago when he was still in in New Hampshire.Good luck on getting something nice at any rate!