Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK

Subject: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Rockhen
Date: 01 Apr 11 - 08:44 PM

Apologies if there is a thread for this already, please point me in the right direction if so. I am doing some gigs at which I need to play piano accordion through a PA. I am playing in a duo with a guitarist and am doing harmony vocals as well as playing. I think I need an expert to sort somehow adding mics to my accordion, for me as I want it to work without too much messing about at gigs. I mainly use the treble side but on a few songs, need the bass amplifying too. I have tried playing through a mic on a stand and I can't stand still enough for that to work. Also, if you sing and play both sides you have to have 3 mic stands and that is a nightmare and looks daft.
Ideally I would like to be wire free but I suspect that will cost a lot. Any ideas of places which are helpful, can sort a solution and will charge a fair price? I far prefer just playing acoustic but it is not possible with the numbers of people involved at the gigs we are doing.

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 03:34 AM

Is this the sort of thing Rockhen?

http://www.microvox.demon.co.uk/accpage.htm

The other thing is maybe to get John Conolly to teach you how to stand still :-) I know John uses mic's.

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Rockhen
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 09:48 AM

I don't want to stand still, Arthur itus! I would ideally like to move about and even go walkabouts...why should lead guitarists have all the fun?! The gigs we are doing are ones which a lively sing along type. Does John Conolly play piano accordion? I am ashamed to say I can't remember what type he plays or is it a concertina?
It is those sort of mics as the ones in the link you posted, that I am thinking about but I really would like someone who is experienced to tell me if it is the best direction to go in for piano accordion amplification.
I want to be able to pick my accordion up, plug in whatever needs plugging in ...then forget that I am not playing it acoustically, if at all possible but I need someone to advise me of the best way to do that :-D

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Les from Hull
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 10:40 AM

I've used Microvox on my old(er) melodeon and it's a great system (my new box is electronic). It seems to be the preferred squeezebox amplification. You could try a pm to Sam Pirt, or hope that he drops by here. He'll know what's best.

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Bernard
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 02:25 PM

I've been using a MicroVox system with a Sennheiser radio mic pack for a few years, now - I can wander off anywhere I like whilst playing!!

The microphones need velcro pads sticking in strategic places, but that means they don't need to be on the instrument all the time - if I'm out with the Morris or doing a song gig, for example, where I'm not using a sound system.

As my 120 bass Hohner Musette IV (Swiss!) is black, the velcro isn't obvious when the mics aren't there.

I do use mics on stands from time to time, but it isn't necessary to use three stands if you use side-arms - I have one stand with two side arms, so can have three mics on one stand. I use an SM58 for my vocals, and a pair of AKG C1000 large diapragm condensers for the instruments, which usually include English and Anglo concertinas, guitars, mandolin and banjo in addition to the accordion! Much simpler than swapping connections around!

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Bernard
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 02:27 PM

Forgat to mention - the radio mic pack clips to the bass end strap, quite conveniently!

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: s&r
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 03:31 PM

Don't put your accordian down in front of the foldback speaker


Stu

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 06:20 PM

My Musical oppo in Music in Theme uses Microvox - At my suggestion , and has NO problems as long as he remembers that he has a Mic on the Bass side as well as the treble side !

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Rockhen
Date: 02 Apr 11 - 07:13 PM

Thank you for all the replies, just come back online and will read through them properly. (My accordion is pretty small,and is only a very cheap Hohner 48 bass...one day I will get the 72 bass Pigini I have been saving for, lol! But, it is well-loved and I play it loads so now I am trying to do some more amplified gigs, I want it to be easy to use and not to mean I have loads of problems with feedback. Thanks all, much appreciated and I will try to figure which will work the best for my situation.

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Rockhen
Date: 03 Apr 11 - 06:11 AM

PS I sounded as though was suggesting the subject was closed but I didn't mean that at all. I was just pleased to have some helpful ideas. It sounds as though Microvox is the favoured option with a lot of people, which is useful.

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Rockhen
Date: 09 Apr 11 - 12:14 PM

We went to Cleckheaton music room shop today and got microvox mics sorted and wireless kit so am hoping am all set! Thanks for all the advice and ideas, it was really helpful. For anyone in the Leeds area, the staff at Cleckheaton were really helpful and I was very impressed with the service. There was also no hard sell as I had some gear already and they spent time checking that it was compatible with the new mic etc rather than pushing me to buy all new equipment. They were also enthusiastic and did not sniff at my rather basic accordion in the patronising manner of some places. Full marks for all round excellence to them. More than satisfied.

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 09 Apr 11 - 01:29 PM

There goes a happy bunny.

Subject: RE: Need help fitting accordion mic NLincsUK
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Apr 11 - 03:55 PM

My only problem with Microvox was that I had bought all the bits I needed before I discovered the guy who IS Mister Microvox is the brother of the Guy I worked with for six months in Bermuda !