Folklore: Concertina Weasels

01 Apr 09 - 04:21 AM (#2601950)
Subject: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Jack Blandiver

On the news this morning I listened with interest to a feature on the last remaining Lancashire farm dedicated to the breeding of Concertina Weasels, a sub-species of Mustela nivalis selectively bread for their strong yet supple pelts which are used in the construction of superior concertina bellows. Seemingly, if you want to know if your concertina is made from weasel leather, you must look inside, where, on the very finest models, the fur is still on. Generally it's only the English Concertina that used weasel leather, though a number of quality Anglos use it too. It doesn't come cheap, but as one concertina maker pointed out, it is as much about preserving the ancient family tradition of weasel farming as it is about the quality of the musical instrument. Sadly, the feature was prompted by the attention drawn by animal rights protesters who have set up camp on the wayside by the farm entrance (near Glasson Dock) several of whom had been arrested after the farm had been broken into during the night and much of the breeding stock let loose into the wild giving rise to fears of feral concertina weasels.

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01 Apr 09 - 04:28 AM (#2601955)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Micca

Of Course the weasel is weasily distinguished from the stoat, whixch is stoatily different

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01 Apr 09 - 04:35 AM (#2601960)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Folkiedave

I missed this. Is it on "Listen Again"? Which station?

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01 Apr 09 - 05:01 AM (#2601978)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: pavane

Probably only on the island of San Serife

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01 Apr 09 - 05:04 AM (#2601981)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST,lox

Reminds me of the spaghetti weavil that Richard Dimbleby reported on all those years ago ...

I wonder if there's any connection.

I think we should be told.

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01 Apr 09 - 05:08 AM (#2601986)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST

As a concertina restorer I am very upset that the press have chosen to expose this last remaining supplier of genuine weasel pelt. It is astonishingly expensive, but then again so are some concertinas and for some instruments only the very best will do.
I fear that now the 'Weasel is out of the bag' so to speak, I shall have to revert to supplies of the slightly lower quality Ferret Leather. The ferret is another Mustelid and the best grades come from female polecat ferrets. This leather has been used as a substitute since the 1860s, indeed its use was so common as to lead the the concertina being nicknamed the "Leather Ferret" This animal is far easier to breed and handle and the pelt is significantly larger. The pelt was traditionally cured in a mixtute of bran, pureed cat brain and urine. (This aslo gives concertinas their distinctive odour)

Animal protesters want tying up and throwing into a pit full of starving rats!!

Dave

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01 Apr 09 - 05:11 AM (#2601988)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: The Borchester Echo

Yes, the Grauniad had an entire supplement about the concertina construction industry in Sans Serif. It is located amid fields of waving spaghetti.

French makers have experimented with fish skins for bellows though only, I believe, in the month of April.

Some concertina players are renowned for their weasel words.

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01 Apr 09 - 05:12 AM (#2601989)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Will Fly

Stoats and ferrets are weasily confused.

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01 Apr 09 - 05:12 AM (#2601991)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST,john

Having ascertained that the inside of the bellows of my concertina are non-hairy. How do I put my concertina back together?

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01 Apr 09 - 05:29 AM (#2601996)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: MartinRyan

If it's not hairy on the inside - it's not worth reassembling!

Regards

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01 Apr 09 - 05:32 AM (#2601997)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: SteveMansfield

My concertina was made by Weaselstone

Having ascertained that the inside of the bellows of my concertina are non-hairy. How do I put my concertina back together?
If you've lost the originals you'll have to go down the meerkat and buy some more screws.

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01 Apr 09 - 05:41 AM (#2601999)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: MartinRyan

Think I should change the spelling of my name for the day that's in it.

Regards

Marten

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01 Apr 09 - 06:10 AM (#2602010)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Valmai Goodyear

Ferrets can make a substitute for the weasels, but not every restorer believes in them. Clap your hands if you believe in ferrets.

Valmai (English treble and baritone)

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01 Apr 09 - 06:12 AM (#2602014)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Bernard

I have a water otter in my kitchen...

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01 Apr 09 - 06:14 AM (#2602016)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Bernard

...and I had Chicken Tarka for my tea last night!

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01 Apr 09 - 06:17 AM (#2602018)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Micca

A paper in the recent edition of "Must-have Mustelines (incorporating Ferret Fanciers Monthly)" seems to be suggesting that experiments are taking place in the dark recesses of New Hampshire (a well-known haven for box players) on using specially bred Fishers as a substitute, after finding (by Experiment) that Beaver pelts were too watertight and didnt breathe sufficiently well. Also there is the marketing angle, after all, given the distinctive odour Who would buy a Beaver Concertina? The advantages in Fisher pelts being their Larger size and the superior quality. Maybe some enterprising Brit could start a trade with North America in the importing of animal pelts?

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01 Apr 09 - 06:29 AM (#2602026)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST,lox

I made one out of mongoose fur once, I had it for years before I was persuaded to sell it for a vast amount of cash a travelling cobra charmer ...

... sadly before I got to spend the cash I was mugged and later found myself swaying from side to side in someones laundry basket ...

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01 Apr 09 - 06:41 AM (#2602033)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Nigel Parsons

That's a relief, I thought it said "Concertina weevils". I was worried about a new form of woodworm attacking our instruments!

Nigel
(VAT was introduced in UK on 1st April 1973, a suspicious occasion)

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01 Apr 09 - 07:07 AM (#2602042)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Bernard

Hollowed-out armadillos would make excellent concertinas, methinks...

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01 Apr 09 - 07:13 AM (#2602050)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Valmai Goodyear

Correct me if I'm wrong, Bernard, but isn't it said that Chicken Tarka is like Chicken Tikka, but otter?

Valmai

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01 Apr 09 - 07:28 AM (#2602059)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler

I have heard that the gathering at the Royal insist that ermine is the best, which leads me to suspect that "Aunt Clara" is a secret concertina player.

Anyone use mink?

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01 Apr 09 - 07:33 AM (#2602060)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: The Sandman

AprilFool.

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01 Apr 09 - 07:35 AM (#2602062)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: gnu

Can you still hear the weasels, Clara?

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01 Apr 09 - 07:45 AM (#2602068)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Ross Campbell

The first sign of madness is beieving that the inside of your concertina is hairy.

The second sign is opening it up to check.

For Guest, John, an encouraging word - there is only one right way to put a concertina back together, and that's to avoid the thirty-five wrong ways.

Actually, that figure is only for when you've taken one end off a six-sided concertina to examine the hairiness or otherwise of the bellows. For each additional disassembly stage, the figure should be multiplied by six (at least).

Ross

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01 Apr 09 - 08:15 AM (#2602089)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Micca

B-belt, EVERYONE knows mink is mainly used for lining Codpieces!!!

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01 Apr 09 - 08:57 AM (#2602132)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: pavane

To quote from the Ballad of Brian Boru

"You've had your way long enough,
It's the hairy side outside tonight"

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01 Apr 09 - 08:59 AM (#2602135)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST, topsie

"The pelt was traditionally cured in a mixtute of bran, pureed cat brain and urine. (This aslo gives concertinas their distinctive odour)"


That explains the anguished sounds my cat makes when I try to play my concertina.

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01 Apr 09 - 09:54 AM (#2602177)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: MartinRyan

No, no - she's just trying to sing along appropriately...

Regards

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01 Apr 09 - 10:03 AM (#2602186)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST,lox

Actually her concertina is made from her cat ...

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01 Apr 09 - 10:12 AM (#2602194)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Mr Happy

No wonder it bellows!!

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01 Apr 09 - 10:21 AM (#2602203)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Nigel Parsons

Actually her concertina is made from her cat ...
...and is the skin of her pussy flexible enough?

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01 Apr 09 - 10:39 AM (#2602215)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: CarolC

I just now told JtS about this, and he said, "the finest Newfoundland concertina and accordion bellows are made from white coat (baby) harp seals".

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01 Apr 09 - 11:31 AM (#2602254)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST,lox

.... now which topic shall I go off on .......



.... I just can't make up my mind .....



.... clubbing baby harp seals or the elasticity of topsies pussy ....



dither dither

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01 Apr 09 - 11:34 AM (#2602258)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: MartinRyan

Would that be "folk-clubbing harp seals" or do you favour more traditional methods?

Regards

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01 Apr 09 - 11:40 AM (#2602266)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Lox

I suppose while baby Harp Seals are useful to make concertinas then adult harp seals are better for making ... erm ... pianos?

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01 Apr 09 - 11:42 AM (#2602271)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Bernard

My seals are lipped...

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01 Apr 09 - 11:44 AM (#2602275)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: DMcG

I thought the bellows of the protype English concertina were made from lab. coats?

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01 Apr 09 - 11:48 AM (#2602283)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Nigel Parsons

I thought the bellows of the protype English concertina were made from lab. coats?
Cruelty to labradors!

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01 Apr 09 - 11:50 AM (#2602286)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: MartinRyan

yeah - not even left in peace in death...

Regards

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01 Apr 09 - 11:50 AM (#2602287)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Harmonium Hero

No, that's a misprint; it's Loab Cats.





I'll get me lab coat...
JK.

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01 Apr 09 - 05:27 PM (#2602584)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Rowan

Macropods make better bellows leather than mustelids, so my Jeffries says.

The dance tunes certainly get a lot of bounce.

Cheers, Rowan

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01 Apr 09 - 05:44 PM (#2602592)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: The Vulgar Boatman

My missus prefers it hairy side outside for playing outdoors...

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01 Apr 09 - 06:35 PM (#2602640)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Bernard

Hmmm... the lab coats would explain why 'tinas have buttons...

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02 Apr 09 - 04:30 AM (#2602858)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Micca

If That is so Bernard, where are the pens, screwdrivers, Spatulae, bits of paper, labels and assorted other paraphenalia that usually occupy the pockets (where are the pockets too?) of my Lab coat?

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02 Apr 09 - 05:22 AM (#2602892)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST, topsie

This has the makings of a plot for a detective novel - the vital bit of evidence hidden inside the (pocket) bellows of a concertina.

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02 Apr 09 - 06:38 AM (#2602917)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Valmai Goodyear

As any fule kno,concertinas do not have pockets because they are not marsupials.

Strongly suspect that Mustelidian is a hitherto undiscovered musical mode.

Valmai

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02 Apr 09 - 06:38 AM (#2602918)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Micca

What a range of suspects you would have Topsie!! so many people with murder in their hearts for somone playing the concertina!!

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02 Apr 09 - 07:06 AM (#2602938)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Harmonium Hero

Colonel Mustard, in the library, with a banjo....
JK

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02 Apr 09 - 07:25 AM (#2602951)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Nigel Parsons

Miss Ccarlet, In the Bedroom, with a flute

Oh, sorry, I must have been thinking of a quote from 'American Pie'!

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02 Apr 09 - 08:27 AM (#2603003)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST, topsie

... the victim strangled - and the only clue to the perpetrator: it was someone with long fingernails on only one hand - was it the guitarist?

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02 Apr 09 - 10:34 AM (#2603110)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Bernard

Micca... you should know better than to ask! You've seen the contents of my 'tina cases! Yes, folks, they contain... 'tinas!!

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03 Apr 09 - 12:51 AM (#2603682)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Gurney

Those breeders are determined people. It took years of inbreeding to get half-hexagonal rib-cages on the weasels.



Our cats hate the concertina, too.

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03 Apr 09 - 02:49 AM (#2603704)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: SylviaN

I must add a warning to this thread - someone tried to sell me a beautiful looking concertina, that had a white stripe down the middle of the bellows. It was alright until you started playing it, and then the smell was just awful!

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03 Apr 09 - 09:14 AM (#2603857)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Valmai Goodyear

For a place to compare breeds, try the thread headed 'Concertina sessions at Fareham Easter Fest'.

Valmai (Lewes)

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03 Apr 09 - 03:15 PM (#2604080)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: JeffB

I looked inside my comcertina to see if it had hairy weasel skin, but5 it was bear.

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03 Apr 09 - 03:44 PM (#2604093)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Steve Gardham

I think the bellows on me bass anglo must be pigskin judging by the noises it makes.

Ooh me bellows 'anglo an I swing 'em to an' fro,
I can tie em in a knot, I can tie em in a bow,
Ooh, I get a funny feeling whem I scrape em on the ceiling,
Ooh, I get a funny feeling when me bellows 'anglo.

tune, College Hornpipe

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04 Apr 09 - 02:50 AM (#2604376)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: Gurney

Silvia, that bellowsleather had been cured with woad, the warpaint of the ancient (and unwashed) Britons.



You can often see a white line down the middle of the woad.

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04 Apr 09 - 08:24 AM (#2604456)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: JeffB

Sorry, there were some typos in my post yesterday. I should have said that I looked inside my concertina but it was bare of hare.

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01 Apr 12 - 07:41 AM (#3331950)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: maeve

This seems to be a good day for this thread's revival.

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01 Apr 12 - 07:51 AM (#3331952)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: The Sandman

Ihave heard of a ferret who plays the concertina

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01 Apr 12 - 08:16 AM (#3331964)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray

Ha! A timely revival if e'er I saw one... Actually this all started off with a spot of banter in a session with the redoubtable Rob Malaney o' Moffat who was complaining of extraneous wind noises from his trusty Lachenal - so concertina wheezes became concertina weasels and we free-styled an entire routine which I summarise in my OP.

Was that really 4 years ago?

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01 Apr 20 - 10:57 AM (#4043588)
Subject: RE: Folklore: Concertina Weasels
From: keberoxu

It's April Fool's Day all over again.

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