I've had a melodeon for my birthday

Subject: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Sooz
Date: 30 May 01 - 01:58 PM

Help, I've had a melodeon for my birthday. Can anybody give me some "get reasonable quickly" hints so I don't get comments like "can't you go and do that in the shed" from my daughter?

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 01 - 02:03 PM

How novel!!! Imagine, giving birth to a melodeon on your birthday!!! Something you both can share in the future! I suppose you opted for the epidermal huh?

Happy Birthday and Congrats......(several old threads, enter melodeon in the filter box and set for three years)

Spaw

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 01 - 02:04 PM

.......geeziz, I hate screwing up a joke.....that'd be "epidural"

Spaw

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: RichM
Date: 30 May 01 - 02:10 PM

Congratulations!

No, I'm afraid we all go throught the initial squawky stage when first learning an instrument.

I used to play my fiddle in the basement washroom (about 2 feet by 6 feet) just to avoid inflicting my learning on others...

Oh, well... that stage passes, and fine music will come from you and your melodeon.

And I'm curious as to what an epidermal would be...sounds like a good word to give a new definition to!

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 01 - 02:19 PM

I've been thinking on that myself Rich..........If you come up with a winner, let me know.

Here was a pretty decent thread with some links.

Spaw

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Mr Red
Date: 30 May 01 - 02:59 PM

Stick with it.
Miss Red bought me a dinky little Chinese one in "C" for my birthday and I havn't even sqwarked it yet.
mind you it didn't up and leave me like its giftee.
would she have gone sooner had I tried to learn on it?

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 30 May 01 - 06:03 PM

That's funny, Manitas the melodeon player bought a mandolin for his birthday yesterday....

LTS

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 01 - 09:24 PM

Once again the firm of Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan, Layabouts-At-Large has come to the rescue. The great El Swanno, master of the flatulent hi-dive and the medico of our group, has enlightened me as to what an EPIDERMAL is and I can now share this knowledge with you.

EPIDERMAL: A situation that occurs when the melodeon gets so far under your skin you shove it up the player's ass.

Spaw

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 31 May 01 - 03:28 AM

Oh, Spaw, there you go waving your epidermal around again :-).

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 31 May 01 - 05:43 AM

Sooz, I would suggest going on a course to learn the fundamentals. I didn't make any real progress with the squeezebox until I was shown round it properly (that is a piano accordion, to be precise).

If you are domiciled in the UK (which the 'shed' mentality suggests!), I would recommend Folkworks Summer School, of which the leaflet dropped through me letter box this morning. If you are free from Monday 23rd to Saturday 28th July 2001, you can enjoy the ministrations of none other than John Kirkpatrick, who is teaching the melodeon class, in Durham. I've been taught by himself, and whilst he doesn't suffer fools gladly, he does achieve good results by attention to the little details that lift performance.

I mess about with a single row Dino Baffetti Cajun style melodeon I have on loan. I'm interested to know what make and model your present is. My bruv, Freereed, plays a mean Salterelle, having cut his teeth on Hohner Erica and Polkawerks. When already a competent player, he did Melodeons @ Witney, with the sublime Andy Cutting, and he reckons that was a big lift in his playing style.

Best of luck with the wonderful free reed, but always play under the fiddles!

Skipjack

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 31 May 01 - 08:47 AM

G'day Sooz,

That thread mentioned way above by Catspaw49 needs to be treated with some caution. I gave a lot of fairly shorthand suggestions to Rick Fielding ... based on what I believed that he already knew in other fields of music. It seems I was pretty right - and he was able to quickly use the brief suggestions to expand his playing.

If you are starting from scratch, you need to get the basics down first before much of what I said is useful ... then again, you may be a whiz in other areas, in which case, pick it up and go wherever you wish!

Good luck,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 31 May 01 - 09:42 AM

If youre going to the Alcester festival I will give you a lesson or two. I live in Droitwich in Worcestershire. If you want to come the festival is on the WEB just do a search for Alcester Folk Festival ( a nice laid back friendly festival )

Cheers and happy squeezing.

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: English Jon
Date: 31 May 01 - 09:52 AM

Assuming it's a D/G, start on the third button from the top on the inside row of the right hand.

push,pull, next button, push,pull, next button, push,pull next button, PULL, PUSH.

There you go. G scale. (try it backwards as well)

Now do the same thing on the outside row of the right hand.

Instant D scale.

Practice LH seperately. It soon becomes clear.

Clue, bottom outside pair for playing in G, Top outside Pair for playing in D.

The inside buttons on the left hand, you can worry about later.

Armed with this information, you should now be able to play standard morris stuff reasonably easily.

EJ

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Morticia
Date: 31 May 01 - 10:02 AM

That's odd, we usually have cake for birthdays in this house.

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Sooz
Date: 31 May 01 - 02:50 PM

Thanks everybody. The epidermal sounds interesting, I thought it meant that playing the melodeon got under your skin! No cake I'm trying to lose weight.

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: GUEST,Hilary
Date: 31 May 01 - 04:17 PM

Hia,

I bought a standard D/G Melodeon in early April, fortunately for me (a) it came with instructions -a handbook by Roger Watson (b) I live alone. ( the neighbours suffer much much more when I'm practicing on Tin Whistle) The Dave Mallinson's & the MusikFolk manual each show another manual as well. I'm finding most folktunes in D or G are playable - so long as they don't have 'accidentals' -

Though being a learner I'm still having to work out & write down the notes as 4-push, 3-pull etc .

Have fun, Hilary

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Melani
Date: 31 May 01 - 04:24 PM

Happy Birthday! Buy your family ear plugs if they don't like it.

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 31 May 01 - 08:38 PM

I got a B/C instrument a couple of years ago: advised to get this tuning as I live in Scotland and was likely to play Scots/Irish tunes. So can anyone explain why most of the first set of tunes in my B/C manual were in the keys of D or G?? Also the very first instruction in the book was "Get your shoulder straps comfortable" - you've guessed it - nae shoulder straps! I pretty soon got brachial neuralgia down my left arm trying to play without straps; much improved since I had some put on. Don't really know why I bought such an obtuse instrument, when I am a piano player and would have had a head start with something with a keyboard - except that I like the sound ( of someone who knows how to play it!) Anyone in Edinburgh who gives lessons?? Tattie B

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 31 May 01 - 08:52 PM

Love that definition spaw. U make me laugh lots!!

Do you think my parents would buy me a 96 button, 2 1/2 octave accordion for my birthday????????

Yeah guess ur right...in my dreams....guess I'll have to spend my compensation on one instead...oh well!!

averyamusedemma

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jun 01 - 07:12 AM

Tattie B, I'm not a box player (I play the fiddle), but I think I can answer your question re. why you were advised into getting a B/C rather than a D/G for Irish/Scots music. One of the features of Irish/Scots music is the use of ornaments to add lift or interest to a tune. These probably originated on the pipes and were later adapted to the fiddle/flute whistle etc as these instruments became available. It has generally been found that out of the free reed instruments (concertina, melodeon, accordion etc) the anglo concertina and the B/C (or C/Csharp) melodian can best achieve the desired ornament sound. By playing accross the rows on a B/C you can play in the keys of D or G or any of the common tune keys. Using a B/C does limit the left hand capability of the box which is why players rarely add accompanyment (using it just as a melody instrument)- unlike a D/G where it is much easier. All that said, it is perfectly possible to play most Scots/Irish tunes on a D/G box it is not possible to sound like Sharon Shannon (talent aside !!).

Ian

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: GUEST,Douglas
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 10:09 AM

I have just bought a Hohner Trichord 11 (which could be an antique).
ot a clue where to start except I can play the piano and clarinet.
Any advice appreciated, especially some reading.

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: trayton
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 10:45 AM

try the very nice crowd over at melodeon.net here

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 11:24 AM

Brian Peters is leading an all-day melodeon workshop for the Lewes Arms Folk Club on Saturday 28th. February, with a performance at the club in the evening, and Tim Edey is doing the same on Saturday 10th. October.

You had a melodeon for your birthday? Did you finish it up cold the next day?

Tootle pip,

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Little Robyn
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 01:30 PM

So Sooz, you've had more than 7 years - did you master it?
Or did you send it to the great squeezebox collection in the sky?
I bought a working toy melodeon a couple of years ago (I already play piano accordion) but couldn't get my head around the push/pull stuff so it's living in the wardrobe in the spare room!
Robyn

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Sooz
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 02:12 PM

I'm still trying!
We now have a dog as well and she howls along when I play. (She doesn't know the words.)

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Peter the Squeezer
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 03:16 PM

Stick with it, Sooz!

Learning any instrument can be a painful experience for those who are forced to listen.

Some years ago, my elder daughter decided she wanted to learn the flute at school. At the time, the flute class was booked up, so the school asked her if she would like to learn violin. A few weeks later, someone dropped out of the flute class, so she was able to transfer into that.

THANK YOU GOD!!!

The violin is a beautiful instrument to listen to when the player knows how to play, but it can be torture when they are learning!

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Dulci
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 05:11 PM

No birthday cake this year then !!!!

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 05:34 PM

Best way to start on the melodeon is to play something simple with not much range that you already have in your head, kid's rhymes, The Keel Row. There are simple 'Learn to play' books you can get from a music shop that use a numbering system for the buttons. When you've mastered a few simple tunes try 'Drunken sailor' for a minor key tune. If you know any, most shanty tunes are simple enough. When you've got to this stage start experimenting with the bass/chord buttons. Next stage is to sit in on relaxed friendly sessions but play quietly. Don't be put off if you don't know the tunes. Have a listen to the tune once through then try to put in a few notes. Slowly but surely it'll come and you'll soon be accompanying your songs or playing fast reels & jigs. Some of the better festivals have beginners' sessions nowadays as well.

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Fidjit
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 06:19 PM

In October this year (2008) I went to EATMT at Stowmarket, Suffolk and I made mine

It's great !!

CHas

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: melodeonboy
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 03:21 AM

Congratulations! I can't think of a better present (but then I would say that, wouldn't I?).

And all you were expecting was a pair of socks or a cardy!

(By the way, I'd send the daughter to the shed!)

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Sooz
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 03:39 AM

Tha daughter has taken the hint and left home!
I made the mistake of spending too long getting the hang of the right hand and now I find it almost impossible to do anything with my left hand at the same time.

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Schantieman
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 05:22 AM

I bought one in about 1975 and am still learning, slowly.   I used to play in a band (till they threw me out). I hope to learn to play it properly one day.    Steve (with no return key).

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Gedi
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 05:34 AM

I struggled for many years with a B/C box, not realising that you're supposed to play cross-row.

However, once I discovered (and bought) a G/D box I found it much easier and was away. Although I still don't play the left hand correctly as like you Sooz, I didn't focus on both and, since I was self taught, had no-one to correct my mistakes.

Keep on sqeezing
Ged

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: banjoman
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 08:09 AM

So you got a melodeon as a present - must have been from someone who doesn't like you much. Best advice? Give it away and buy a banjo.
Seriously though - lots of good advice about learning a new instrument in this thread so best of luck
Pete

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Sooz
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 09:08 AM

This thread started seven and a half years ago - since then I have had other instruments as presents. I have to say I'm doing better with the melodeon than the Engish concertina, the harp or the sitar!
Mike did buy me a banjo for my 21st birthday but we didn't keep it for long!

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: romany man
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 03:12 PM

well to bring this thread back to life im gonna throw my f*******g erica at the wall im still fighting it and wish id had an epidural as well as a melodeon in me xmas sack, think i will try the bagpipes

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Sooz
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 03:10 AM

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Sooz
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 03:12 AM

oops

An article here
suggests that teachers should wear ear plugs while beginners are practicing.

Subject: RE: I've had a melodeon for my birthday
From: Marje
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 12:10 PM

I'm amazed and puzzled by these reports. If this is true, then the following are also at risk: the students themselves; anyone who plays in an orchestra or band; anyone who listens to an orchestra or a band for more than 19 minutes ... and presumably all of us who attend folk sessions with bagpipes, melodeons etc.

A group of use were recently playing for a village Wassail event, in a scout hall was full of chattering people and noisy children. Our ensemble of 6 players included 3 sets of pipes, 3 concertinas, a high whistle and a melodeon, plus a passing accordionist who joined for a tune or two (OK, so it wasn't a perfect line-up, we had to do the best we could with whoever would turn up at 5 pm on a wet Saturday). Our music was pretty loud, but could scarcely be heard at the back of the hall.

This leads me to the conclusion that a room full of chattering people is a definite health threat and must be avoided at all costs. Maybe we should just all stay at home and read a good book.

Marje

Subject: i lovve melodeons
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jan 10 - 01:13 PM

i looooooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee melodeons and if u say u dont then go to blah blah black sheep have u any wool am scottish and proud.