Morse English Concertina

Subject: Morse English Concertina
From: Blue Mama
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 07:00 AM

I am considering the purchase of a Morse Concertina, English System, because of it's light weight. My lovely old Wheatstone gets heavier every day, causing havoc with the arthritis in my thumb joints.
If anyone out there has a Morse I would love to know their opinion of it, both pros and cons. Also, do you think that such an instrument will hold it's value, considering that it's not an antique?
Many thanks,
Blue Mama

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: curmudgeon
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 08:57 AM

Richard Morse makes a really fine concertina. Al;though I don't own one myself, I have a friend who does. I've played it a couple times and on far more numerous occassions listened to him playing. It has a truly sweet sound, yet is capable of strong volume. Morse has done an exceptional job in setting up the accordion reeds to sound like true concertina reeds. It's only drawback, IMO, is that is has only 37 buttons rather than 48.

As to value, concertinas are valued according to playability. One can frequently find a good Wheatsttone for less than a Dipper or a Suttner. For more details and background, go to   Concertina.net -- Tom

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 09:25 AM

I neither play English nor own a Morse, but I have tried out his anglos and they seem very good: light to hold, fast action, and the accordion reeds aren't bad at all.

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: The Sandman
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 03:43 PM

The morse is probably the best of the accordion reeded concertinas, in my opinion, its action is good but it still sounds to me like a castignari, single reeded accordion, not a concertina. they are light,and loud    but to my mind you,ll still want to play your wheatstone, dont sell it. Idont think accordion reeded concertinas will hold their value. but morse concertinas are good value for money. DickMiles.

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: van lingle
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 04:34 PM

I'm not a concertina player but my musical partner got a Morse English system about a year ago and loves it. He has two Stagis that he never plays because he says the action on the Morse is so much faster and easier. It sounds lovely.vl

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 07:55 PM

The Morse is definitely an upgrade from the Stagis, just how much of an upgrade is best accessed by more experienced players. I do love my Morse Anglos.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Bernard
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 08:16 PM

Don't forget that Wheatstone made accordion reeded concertinas - the 'Mayfair' English and Anglo models... they were (are) dreadful!! It was a lame attempt to boost sales with an affordable instrument... not their best decision!

I can't comment on the Morse, as I've never tried one. Sorree!

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Artful Codger
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 10:30 PM

Does a Morse concertina play in dits and dahs?

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: EBarnacle
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 10:47 PM

The important thing is whether or not it meets your needs. If weight is critical, get the Morse. If not, stick with the Wheatstone. If you want to get the Morse and use the Wheatstone, you have a decent backup instrument.

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 03:31 AM

Do you stand up to play the Wheatstone? If you do, it may be worth getting a neckstrap fitted ( Steve Dickinson- Wheatstone concertinas - can put a couple of rings in the body of the concertina to attach a neckstrap.)It makes all the difference to the weight.
I wouldn't swap playing a well-set-up Wheatstone for a Morse.
Mary

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Green Man
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 05:10 AM

Please remember Morse's sell for about 1400 GBP and you could purchase a restored Wheatstone for that much or even less.

Anyone got a Morse for sale cheap?

GM

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Blue Mama
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 06:39 AM

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Yes, Mary, I do have a neckstrap (my own design, doesn't need rings or anything being screwed/glued into the concertina). This does help but I still get gip in my thumb joints.......
Maybe I ought to change to an Anglo?????????

Like Green Man said - Anyone got a Morse for sale cheap?

BM

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Greg B
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 02:04 PM

Have you tried wrist straps on the Wheatstone? I have one that
had them fitted from the factory and find that it takes all
the angst out of holding the thing. It also removes all of the
pressure from the thumbs on the draw. The fingers work much
more easily when the pinkie and the thumb aren't working
to support the instrument.

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Blue Mama
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 11:35 AM

Thanks, Greg, I hadn't really considered that. Would it affect the value of my Wheatstone, do you think?

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Rockhen
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 11:42 AM

Anyone teach English Concertina in the N Lincs area? Have borrowed one (thanks Sooz!) and wouldn't mind a couple of lessons. Has to go back pretty soon, (if not tomorrow!) but wouldn't mind a lesson to see if i think I might look towards getting one myself. Although they are very different, I already play piano accordion and piano but the smaller size of a concertina is a plus for certain times!

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Blue Mama
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 05:19 PM

Yeah, dragging a piano into a session is a real drag!

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Greg B
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 11:35 PM

It would add value to your Wheatstone. The original (or replica)
fittings for the wrist straps are (or were) available from
Col Dipper. As are the straps. Mine are gold-embossed with
'Wheatstone & Co.' and well-preserved from the 20's when the
thing was built. Raised metal end hexagonal ebony 48-key
treble with bushed metal buttons and air lever (not button)
if it makes a difference. Much brighter than even my Dipper
restored Aeola.

Instrument was a 'foundling' in Sausalito, formerly held by
a gent who volunteered at the Maritime Museum. Bought in
rather sticky condition and fettled by the then up-and-coming
Paul Groff.

Even has the original case.

Only regret is no low 'F' as preferred by Louie Killen and
actually standard on the Salvation Army beasts.

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Rockhen
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 05:44 AM

Sorry to repeat myself, rather than just refreshing... I am sure that there is someone, somewhere in N Lincs who will teach me the basics of English concertina techniques to get me started at least, Got a book now, on kind loan. I would pay the going rate...even one lesson would be helpful ! :-)

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Myrtle
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 04:18 PM

Hi Rockhen, I have a Morse baritone English concertina. I got it because of the weight and thumb problem....I didn't think I'd get through the pain barrier with a vintage instrument!
I live in Louth, and am only a beginner, but can give you a beginners eye view of the basics if that is of any interest????
I shan't be offended if you'd rather find someone who knows what they're at!!
Regards,
Myrtle.

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Rockhen
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 07:51 PM

Thanks, Myrtle, have pm'ed you. Any help would be appreciated, ta

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Rasener
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 04:43 PM

And to think that Myrtle could have done that in the interval last Friday night at MRFC Rockhen

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Rockhen
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:34 PM

I would have been too embarrassed about my fumbling attempts at playing the concertina, so good job I didn't take it there, lol!

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Rasener
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:40 PM

>>I would have been too embarrassed about my fumbling attempts <<

A woman of your capabilities :-)

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Rockhen
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:52 PM

Raised eyebrow!

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Blue Mama
Date: 05 Aug 06 - 08:14 AM

Thanks everyone for your comments. My Morse English Concertina, no. 383, arrived earlier this week - a birthday present from hubby (am I lucky, or what?) It came with a 3 day trial, and guess what? No way is it going to be sent back, it's wonderful. All I need now is for my fingers to remember the tunes (the usual problem). Darling hubby is going to learn to play English on my lovely old Wheatstone - quite a feat, his normal reeded instrument is melodeon.
So, thanks to everyone who added to this thread, but most of all to my husband.
BM

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Myrtle
Date: 05 Aug 06 - 12:41 PM

Lucky you BM, and here's hoping you and 383 will be very happy: I'm sure you will!!
Me and my Morse bari, 198, (also fondly known as Eglantine), have been together now for about 3 years and I'm still in love! I've tried vintage instruments and other kinds, but remain convinced that Eglantine is the one for me!!
Regards,
Myrtle.

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Rasener
Date: 05 Aug 06 - 12:48 PM

Poor Fence

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: the fence
Date: 05 Aug 06 - 04:06 PM

Don't you believe it Villan. It makes a real change to listen rather than cutting my finger ends on the steel strings!!!

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Rasener
Date: 05 Aug 06 - 04:59 PM

I am on about "Eglantine is the one for me" must leave you feeling neglected Fence LOL

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: Myrtle
Date: 06 Aug 06 - 07:56 AM

I can assure you he's completely spoilt rotten.
Regards,
Myrtle.

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 06 Aug 06 - 06:46 PM

I've been thinking about getting a Morse Anglo.
Thanks to the feedback on this thread, it sounds
like it will be just the thing - certainly a step up
from the Stagi I've been playing for six or seven years.

Thanks all you Mudcatters!
That's why I like this place.

Cheers, Pamela

Subject: RE: Morse English Concertina
From: jonmac
Date: 07 Aug 06 - 04:53 PM

Just seen this thread - I've had Morses (131/132) for some years now - purchased when my hands were very, very bad - can now play the Wheatstone again - but wouldn't get rid of the Morses - they are so light and fast