melodeon injury?

Subject: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,jennifer
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 01:03 PM

Hi there
I've been looking for threads on injuries caused by instruments but I can't think of the right keywords to use. One of my new playing colleagues has a swollen knuckle, painful arm and weakened elbow which she thinks might be caused by repeated practice on the melodeon. She recently swapped from two straps to one because the blood was draining out of her hands. Anyway she is going to the doctor but I said as well as an ordinary medical opinion, folks on here had more specialist knowledge. I also suggested she should take the instrument to the doctor so he can see exactly what she does with it.
Can anyone direct me to relevant threads? Hopefully she will visit the site soon and join in if you can manage not to be too sarcastic about melodeons please!
Jennifer

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,Toenails John
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 01:52 PM

Um yep, that's an interesting one, I myself an accordion player, suffer now and again with, what i would describe as tennis elbow in my left elbow, usually when playing a lot, but it takes a few weeks of heavy playing (5-6 nights a week) before it kicks in, just repetative strain really i suppose, as for the knuckles????

Mind you one thing did cross my mind, I knew a banjo player once who suffered terrible joint problems with his fingers, just came on over a period, having tried everything, just as the music world was preparing to celebrate the departure of a banjo player, some smartass sugested, "Your fingers is ruined with rheumatism boy, Go git yerself a copper bracelet!!" which he did, and i'm sorry to say that it cured the problem in about 3 to 4 weeks, and last i heard he was still playing the F***ING thing.

However if this tragic story has a silver lining with wich to rescue a box player, I believe in passing it on
:o)

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 02:46 PM

Singers have a realted problem which presents as a pain in the neck caused by repeatedly drinking out of wet glasses

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: treewind
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 05:07 PM

HERE is an article on RSI (which may be what this is) from someone who is a musician who has had to change instruments because of the condition (it wasn't only music, computer work played its part too).

Alexander technique is another thing worth considering, and it's very popular with musicians who often damage themselves by unnatural posture with an instrument aggravated by the stress of performing. Look out for STAT (Society of Teachers of Alexander Technique) in the UK to find teachers who are trained and qualified to a recognised standard; there are similar organisations in other countries. Works for singers too!

Anahata

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: vectis
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 05:07 PM

Sounds like a repetetive strain injury (RSI) she ought to see a doctor and get it checked out properly. Rest helps so maybe she should lay off the melodion for a while and see if it gets better.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 05:18 PM

I was HSE coordinator for 3 years, and RSI (which is what this sounds like) was my pet specialty. The most effective way to combat it is to take FREQUENT breaks (at most every 7 minutes). The breaks themselves need not be longer than 15 seconds, during which the hands should come off the instrument and simple palm-stretching exercises carried out, or rubbing of the wrists and the areas where the straps press.

And at least every hour there should be a longer break (10 minutes), during which neck-stretches and general arm- and back-stretches should be done, to encourage good circulation.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 05:24 PM

It might also be worth checking with someone who teaches melodeon just in case (s)he could spot something in her teqnique that could be causing the problem.

Whatever, one does need to be careful with aches and swellings caused by playing instruments. I did know somone who tried to play mandolin/banjo through a painful elbow. Over time, he finished up creating a situation where the condition became so chronic that he can hardly play those instruments at all.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 07:35 PM

I am also learning button accordion and get pain in left arm and shoulder more than elbows/fingers from operating bellows. On a B/C instrument I don't actually play the chords/basses much, so can't really blame that.
At one stage I had constant "toothache" in my left arm and went to physiotherapist who tracked it down to a nerve root problem in the lower neck: with her help and some exercises, now much improved. I also play guitar, and she felt that a lot of our (musicians') problems are down to bad posture. Take a look around the next session you go to and see people hunched over their instruments, squashed into chairs that don't fit them, playing around people who are trying to get to the bar, etc!
I also play bodhran and never get RSI with that despite the repetitive action: the secret is to be RELAXED and have a good shake-out between tunes! When I was learning my forearm used to seize up and I got blisters on my middle finger from the beater: not any more.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 08:18 PM

"I also suggested she should take the instrument to the doctor so he can see exactly what she does with it."

OOOOOOoooooooooohhhhhhhh! Can I watch? :-)


"Alexander technique" - the best advice for musos - if you are not relaxed, you will cause problems with lots of use - restricted blood flow for one thing.

When working on 'bellows shake' techniques with my Piano Accordions - I was getting considerable fatigue in my left shoulder for months - that's where you get the power from - so I took it easy. Took it up to the point of fatigue for a few days - then backed off, some rest, more work - did it slow until the muscles built up and the tendons had strengthened. It's just the same as any muscular (gym) training - try to build it up too fast and and you will make long term problems for yourself.

Enthusiasm is all well & good, but too much practice CAN hurt you - physically, if you try too much of the one physical thing at a time.

Robin

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 11:45 PM

G'day Jennifer,

I've played various button accordions for some 40+ years ... starting with a little melodion - then moving to a couple of Hohner Erica button accordions in the mid 1960s. (I presume you actually play a button accordion - the sort of thing modern folkies ... but not the makers ... call melodeons.) I found, once I was regularly playing in a "Bush Band", that the bigger Hohner Corona III I now played could cause some aches and pains (many related to pre-existing back injuries).

I started making my own straps, so they fitted and supported well and that improved things somewhat - then I realised a lot of strife was caused by working to microphones on stands. Since then, all my stage-work accordions have been internally miked ... and the freedom to move about the stage - flex my shoulders and arms while playing ... and come back to a secure, comfortable 2-strap hold really got rid of all those problems.

I can't imagine that switching to a single strap would do anything but make your friend's problems worse ... The more you force a set of muscles to concentrate on a single, repetitive function ... the more you ask for trouble. Well designed and fitted shoulder straps should never restrict blood flow ... bad posture will; lack of "movement breaks" will; use of those bloody thumbstraps will! (The great virtue of two-strap arrangements is that you free that right thumb ... better circulation ... freer playing techniques ... all precious alternation, both physiologically and musically!

Incidentally, I have suffered from two spells of lateral epicondylitis - so-called "Tennis Elbow" - in recent years. Both were brought on by identifiable (non-musical) incidents involving the classic combination of lifting / gripping and pronating movements that can tear arm muscles and trigger "Tennis Elbow" ... and in both episodes I found that playing the button accordion brought considerable easing of the pain - and hastened recovery!

Certainly, the fact that I also play a wide variety of other instruments that exercise different muscles and ligaments: concertinas, mouthorgans, whistles, bones, lagerphone and tea-chest bass means I can "spread the load" and avoid repetitive strains - but sensible balancing of playing load will always help. Incidentally, too much slogging over some difficult passage can get to be an RSI source!

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: fiddler
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 03:59 AM

I suspect you are right in the RSI type scenario but it aint necessarily so!

All instruments stress parts of the body differently. I changed Accorion in June and still have an elbow injury, the rib cage and shoulder have cleared up.

I recall Luke Daniels (Broderick and Riverdance new york) I beleive had RSI and spent a long time playing with his button accordion bolted in to a frame, this took the weight off him. It is bound to be more complex than that.

He surrvived and is still playing but yes - take the instrument to the Doctor and Demonstrate. I did this with a fiddle injury once when I was playing alot and had neck pain, a simple adjustment of the shoulder rest - spotted by the physio as a non musician - cured it almost instantly.

Good luck

Andy

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Fee
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 04:50 AM

When I strated playing melodeon (not many weeks ago I have to admit!) I started to get a really stiff left shoulder, hands and elbows appear to be OK so far. Once I'd had how I was wearing the thing (straps were too long, in fact they didn't have enough holes in them to make them short enough for me) sorted out by my teacher the problems improved drastically, but I'd still agree frequent breaks are a good idea (stop and drink the tea you made instead of throwing it down the sink because you forgot about it through becoming engrossed in the music ;o).

Alexander technique has been mentioned, or you could try yoga for all sorts of RSI/hunched over computer typing/too much practicing type injuries, and you can calm your brain at the same time, it works for me!. I'd suggest a taught class rather than a video/book which could cause more harm than good if you're doing the postures incorrectly.

Subject: RE: Bass Guitar Injury
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 04:50 AM

An aquaintance of ours who would insist on trying to add unwanted electric bass guitar accompaniment to traditional songs, has now almost recovered from his injuries. The operation to remove the instrument was sucessful and his rectum is healing well. The tuning pegs are still rather bent and discoloured though.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Jess A
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 06:32 AM

Hi Jennifer, you could take a look at this thread and the other threads referenced there, or at the site that it is announcing http://www.melodeon.net/ which is a melodeon player specific site set up by John Spiers aka Squeezy. It contains some discussion of melodeon playing injuries plus the chance for your friend to get in touch with lots of UK melodeon players who might have advice for her...

... plus my 2p worth ... I agree with all the stuff other people have said re: posture etc. Alexander technique and/or physio might well help - worth a try anyhow? My other half (a melodeon player) has had various hand & shoulder problems exacerbated rather than caused by box playing (we think) and had acupuncture in the summer which was very successfull at relieving the pain.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: s&r
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 06:41 AM

My experience is that most playing aches and pains are caused by tension rather than repetition. Look for unnatural bends in the wrist, hunched shoulders, twisted or bent back etc. Stand in front of a mirror and see what looks uncomfortable.

Stu

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,the person with the melodean injury
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 10:21 AM

Wow this is the first time I have been on this site - my friend told me about it. I am the person with the injury all these comments are about - otherwise known as Lin, and I am dazzled by all you people wanting to help. I will certainly try out your suggestions, but I dont know if i will be brave enough to take the melodean to the Docs!!!

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Fee
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 12:25 PM

Hello Lin...do, the DOC will probably appreciate a bit of music in his otherwise illness filled day! Unless you're in too much pain to play of course. I hope you can sort the problem out, as I said above I haven't been playing long but I'm already completely addicted, I can't imagine having to give it up...

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 02:48 PM

Hi Fee
Thanks for your advice. I went to the Doc but didnt take the melodean, but he thinks it is because Im playing too much - at least one hour a night, 2 hours at weekend as Im an "oldie or wrinkly" and I have a lot of catching up to do! and I love it too! so Im going to take all the advice from everyone and also try to find out about the Alexander technique too - never heard of it!! Wot is the considered opinion of using one strap or two??? Lin

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 07:19 PM

G'day Lin,

Recapping on my long post of a day or so back (19 October, 11.45PM Mudcat time):

I would always use two comfortable straps ... padded, if it's a heavy (3-row) accordion. This lets you work without that damned constricting thumbstrap ... and frees up the right hand for better fingering. (I have actually removed the thumbstraps from all ny button accordions! That way I don't even have to worry about bumping into them.)

With two straps, you can let go of the instrument to do other things and don't need to use hands, arms or muscles just to keep it in place. With a single strap, you are always having to keep track of the box so it doesn't slip out of place ... and the weight of the box is all on one shoulder.

In general, the more evenly spread the load is, the less strain and restriction of circulation. The more free you arms are, the more you can relax - move about to 'free up' muscles - espress youself and relax.

Alexander technique has its strong advocates amonst musicians - there are often workshops at major festivals - especially here in F.M. Alexander's homeland, Australia ... but I haven't become involved in them (I've sorted out most of my postural problems by other means).

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 07:31 PM

Since becoming a multi-instrumentalist folkie, I have incurred a number of conditions.

These include:

Beer drinkers elbow
Keyboard wrist
Wandering eye
Morris dancers knee
Bodhran ear [aaaaaarrrrrgh! keep 'em away!!]
Careless hands
Melodeon thumb [thats hy I'm losing my grip!]
Strummers shoulder
Chorus singers cough [altogether now!]
& many more

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 08:15 PM

"at least one hour a night, 2 hours at weekend"

is definitely playing far too much as a very beginner, especially if that 2 hours is in an uninterrupted block. Excess enthusiasm can get us oldies into lots of trouble... ;-)

You can probably do much the same total hours, even at your level of physical experience, if you split it up a bit: but first you should let your body heal as much as it can. The 2 hours block should be cut into at least 2 sessions at first: you can increase the session lengths when your body has adapted. You can cut the time into 1/2 hour sessions, or even 10-15 min sessions, with more sessions, especially till your body catches up with the increased/different stresses. Listen to your body, if stiff or sore, back off. Us oldies do not have the resilience of youth that allows the body to cope with such sudden changes in physical stressors, so take it easy until you catch up.

I never could figure out WHY only a single strap - maybe on the very smallest/lightest boxes... especially if played for any length of time at a stretch.

Perhaps Bob, or some of more knowledgeable writers could explain WHY (other than just tradition) the instrument had only one strap.

A Piano Accordion would be damn near impossible to play at more than a very minimal level with only a single strap. I know experienced players can just grab the box, fling it on a knee without using the straps, and get a quick tune out of it, but that's not they way we try to play it when we are planning to be 'serious'... :-) And with larger boxes, you usually need the 'back strap', but I can't reach around to hook up or release the normal commercially supplied ones.

If joints are moved out of their central 'neutral' position and held there for long periods of time, especially with any force, you are asking for pain and damage, joint & muscle wise - this is one of the concepts of Mr Alexander. Musical instruments held 'naturally', means that the joints are in as 'neutral' a position as possible. Just grabbing the things any old how doesn't necessarily achieve this: because of normal slight differences in anatomy, everybody's 'neutral' positions may differ slightly.


Robin

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 20 Oct 04 - 11:31 PM

G'day Robin (and Lin),

I can't give any rational explanation for playing button accordions with a single strap. When I started ... a long time ago ... I first played a little melodion (the small, square, simple German-style instrument with 'knobs' for setting voices) in a seated position, with just the left-hand wrist strap and the right hand thumbstrap. This is a traditional style, with the small instrument balanced on the knee ... and getting an extra underlying rhythmic 'bounce' from the foot tapping on the floor.

As soon as I went on to larger button accordions, I found I was starting to play to groups and wanted to do so standing. With two straps is the only logical, comfortable way to do this ... for all the reasons I have stated earlier. I did see quite a few players with single straps ... noticeably, these were often 'makeshifts' ... frequently cobbled up from scrap harness or old belts.

Maybe, if they added a second belt ... their trousers would fall down!

If you want to play without causing yourself problems ... make it balanced, comfortable, flexible and free.

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Fee
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 04:28 AM

Hi Lin

I've probably been putting about the same amount of time as you...I have a lot of catching up to do too, it seems to run in my family to take up an instrument in your mid 30's!!.

I find it better, as others have suggested, to split it up a bit. So, I never put the melodeon away, I just pick it up every now and again as I wander by, but do an hour of 'proper practice' as well. The other problem I had (before the straps got sorted) was I found it impossible to play sitting down, so I was standing all the time leading to horrible lower backpain...however that's now sorted as well.

Alexander technique is a way of training your body to work more efficiently and to improve posture, there's a very through website here, including lots of stuff on Alexander technique and Musicians:

http://www.alexandertechnique.com/

Cheers

Fi

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 05:16 AM

Hi all
Many many thanks for your advice the doc has confirmed melodeonitis so I will follow up on it all. Plus I intend to have a good look at mudcat website - theres a whole new world out there! and thanks to my friend for starting it all off - happy playing everyone Lin over and out

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 07:01 AM

Only one cure for 'melodeonitis'





Amputation...





at the neck....

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Marje
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 12:31 PM

One strap or two? On a melodeon, I find one is better if you're sitting down. You may need two if you have to play standing up. With one strap (seated) you can comfortably stretch the bellows away from you at any angle that suits, whereas with two, you have to stretch at a particular sideways angle and I find it's not so easy to push and pull this way.
Accordion players usually need two straps, as the instruments tend to be quite a bit heavier, and the action is different - they don't need to push and pull so frequently, it's more of a steady heaving in and out.
Just to make it clear what I mean by these terms:
Melodeon = diatonic button box, the standard one having 2 treble rows and 8 basses.
Accordion = big brute with piano keys and usually dozens of basses. Not diatonic (can't think of the word - monotonic? monotonous? :-))

Marje

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,Doxy
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 01:51 PM

Hi, I agree with the comments about tension. I find a coule of pints helps.
Any one got any ideas on how to prevent melodian nipple? I've tried a leather corset, but it can be so unbecomming!

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 02:38 PM

Try a padded or 'T shirt' bra - gives that extra bit of protection. I don't play the melodeon, but I do carry a giant in a similar sort of harness. Plus the seat belt in the car rubs as well. A lightly padded bra helped enormously.

The leather corset will only work if the boobies are squished down inside, rather than being forced up the neck and pointing Nor-east, Nor-west.

The only real cure is to give up the melodeon.... Oh, I wish!!! : )

LTS - melodeon hater but H&S rep....

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,Doxy
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 06:14 PM

Hiya Squeek,
I know what you mean about melodeons, but some people csn play them (I'm one)they are a musical instrument, honest.
What kind of giant do you carry & where?
I was involved in buiding & dancing Gog Magog in London with the gran Order of Guisers. Were you there?

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 10:15 PM

"Accordion players usually need two straps, as the instruments tend to be quite a bit heavier, and the action is different - they don't need to push and pull so frequently, it's more of a steady heaving in and out."

Trust me, if you use Bellows Shake Techniques, you are throwing the box around a lot more, and need good properly fitted straps even on very small boxes - I had proper fitting and real straps fitted to my tiny Chinese 8 Bass to allow me to do lots of interesting things.

Not all Accordions are big, my 8 bass is very small, and my 32 bass fits in an airline carry on bag for those long international flights, as long as the rest of the passengers don't throw you off the plane.....

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: fiddler
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 03:55 AM

Great thread but looking back over and out in Radio terms (as I put on one of my other anoraks rather than a leather camisole) means I want a reply but I am finishing - mixed message - bit like calling a melodeon a musical instrument!!! *GRIN*

Keep squeezing and get well soon (mentally of course) the physical will follow when you discover music!!!!

Andy

An Accordion Player!!!!

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 05:02 AM

Doxy - yes I was, although only after the trip to Dorset in 1985. I was involved in the building of Lilbet Large and Granfer, the two earlier Dorset giants. I did play with Gog and was part of the Wyvern crew for a while.

LTS

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,manitas without a cookie
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 08:24 AM

Doxy,
I was underneath the bugger also. So we know each other presumably? Were you also involved with the ESPs? And perhaps, writing some dances for the Earls?

Paul Draper

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,Doxy
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 04:24 PM

Hi Paul,
Long time no hear, how are you doin'
I was Dave Lobbs Mrs in a former life (Jules) Foreman of ESP for a bit & one of the people who wrote the Esperence tradition. Also helped build GOG & set up Grand Order of Guisers with the old man.
Fun times.
Busy doing shanty stuff now amongst other things.
Check out the site trimrigdoxy.com
Liz trying to put a face to you. Any pics on the net?
Cheers, doxy

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 03:42 AM

Should be... I married Manitas!

LTS

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,Doxy
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 05:36 AM

De Plata?
Can you direct me to some pics?
Cheers Doxy

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,bats
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 06:58 AM

For a long time struggling with my two-row I had a chronic pain that wandered all over my left side - shoulder, back, neck, side and front ribs, left arm. Now I've got a more natural grip with the left hand now, and I learned a few yoga exercises from friends (back-stretching), the pain has gone, and the instrument has become a good friend. But I cannot explain what has changed with the left-hand grip.

However, I rest the melodeon on one thigh crossed over the other (changing thighs from time to time) and I'm aware that this position is inherently unbalanced and twists the spine. Anyone have any comment on this?

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 08:51 AM

Julia,

There are some pictures of us somewhere in the photos sections of this website.Look out for the pictures of sessions at the Black Lion or of Sorcha's and Kendall's visits. I'm not sure of gianting pictures unless Hastings JAck in the Green has photos on their website.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 10:47 AM

"However, I rest the melodeon on one thigh crossed over the other (changing thighs from time to time) and I'm aware that this position is inherently unbalanced and twists the spine. Anyone have any comment on this?"

It's called 'Extremely Bad Posture'!!!

Need we say any more?   :-)

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Fee
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 01:28 PM

I don't know how it can be played sitting like that...I cross my legs through habit (sit at a desk all day) and that's bad enough for you I know...if I do it with the melodeon on my knee it immediately feels so completely uncomfortable I uncross them...!.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 12:00 AM

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

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 07:25 AM

Here's a tip if you have the habit of sitting with your legs crossed. Get an ankle bracelet. Get one with lots of bits dangling from it like a charm bracelet or with big beads. Cross your legs and the bracelet will dig into your other leg, making you uncross them!

(Incidentally, this also works with wrists if you have the habit of resting them on the keyboard/desk. Big chunky bracelets or leather strips with big press studs do the best job).

LTS

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Fee
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 07:51 AM

Hmm...not so comfy under long winter boots though ??? ;o)

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,David
Date: 15 Dec 20 - 10:06 PM

Has anyone suffered from traumatic ankle arthropathy (sprain) stomping rhythm while playing the box? I have had it intermittently over the past 25+ years while playing seated for prolonged periods of time and could find nothing on the web about whether anyone else had similar experience? On the bright side, I was saddened to read of melodeon nipple injury

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: GUEST,keberoxu
Date: 15 Dec 20 - 10:13 PM

irreverent thought that crossed my mind:

she injured the melodeon?

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 16 Dec 20 - 01:25 AM

I would have thought that would be more common among Canadian fiddlers.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: banjoman
Date: 16 Dec 20 - 04:54 AM

Melodeons in the wrong hands generally are a pain in the neck, although my opinion has lowered a lot recently

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: leeneia
Date: 17 Dec 20 - 12:01 PM

Years ago I went to a concert with Lou and Peter Berryman, where Lou (a petite woman) was playing accordion, as usual. She mentioned that playing had been causing her various pains, and a doctor said she should stop playing. However, a designer friend rigged up a pole which was mounted on the bottom of the accordion and took the weight.

Lou continued to play, (while standing) and thus far the pain had gone away. The pole went back and forth with her as she operated the bellows. It was not obtrusive.

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Dec 20 - 12:30 PM

Accordion stands are not new. Many accordions weigh a ton, and could cripple a person.

https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/miscellaneous-musical-instrument-stands/konig-meyer-17400-accordion-stand-black?gclid=CjwKCAiAoOz-BRBdEiwAyuvA65F1ELRJkDRMAxecWbZ29empEYqABe38FgqchPyhvZxFC5DNoCqWHhoCzqQQAvD_BwE

Subject: RE: melodeon injury?
From: leeneia
Date: 18 Dec 20 - 10:36 AM

I see that Guest Jennifer asked for help in 2004 and never came back.