The sound level is the same throughout, I'm afraid the spoken sections will be quieter, as the instruments when played are much louder. We never record concertinas at a different level, nor add any effects (as most other video makers have) in order to give a true sound and accurate representation.
Very informative video!!! I do have a question though. Is it possible to take the waxed on reeds out and make them the screw in style? Is that even possible?
On all concertinas of this type of construction, the reeds are attached to blocks that go inwards towards the bellows, the C and G row reeds are facing out and accessible, but the reeds for the top (accidental) row, are very difficult to get to, especially on the Scarlatti. So you would need to make the reed blocks removable, in order to convert to screwed on reed-plates. As the Scarlatti bellows will be leaking like a sieve, and the buttons sticking in a short space of time, you will need to address these issues before converting the reed-plate fixing. All these things are possible to improve but a lot of work will be necessary.
Thanks for your channel. I just bought a concertina and spent a little extra since I wanted to learn on one that I wouldn't want to trade in on another after a short time (a Swan model from McNeela) I am having such a hard time holding it properly, primarily because I have some arthritis in my thumbs. The use of the air button is probably the hardest at this time since it seems that it is quite a reach for my thumb. Wish I lived in an area that I could try out many models to possibly find one that fits best. It almost seems that if the air button was larger, I could access it easier and maybe reduce the thumb pain. I still have a couple of days to return it, but hate to since I love the sound from this instrument. Any thoughts on how to make it easier on the right thumb? Best regards
Hi Rick, On some concertinas it is be possible to fit a larger or longer air button, or add a larger diameter top, or even a thumb lever extending from the hand-bar to the air release. Ask McNeela's to adapt it, I'm sure any dealer will want to do all they can for their customers.
@@ACNormanCoConcertinaMakers Yes, I have messaged them and waiting for a reply. Also, I have received some good ideas from others that have modified their air button. Thanks for the reply. Best regards
Guitar player here. Had a very bad experience with a Chinese-made guitar (American brand selling an “affordable” line). The bridge was placed way way off. I managed to get it fixed but I was soured on that brand from then on. I’m not happy with the poor workmanship of Chinese instruments.
Thank you for these videos, I just discovered your Channel. Even though I'm primarily a guitar player, I started playing concertina and 1976 is a young midshipman during operation sail. I've done some minor repairs on concertinas over the years, but can you explain how one would change a spring if need be? Thank you very much. It looks difficult without pulling the entire shaft out, is there a work around to it? That is, how to get the spring into the shaft. Cheers.
On these types of concertina you would have to remove the rod far enough to extract the broken spring to replace it, and be prepared to have to realign levers and pads.
Outstanding direction !
Thank you for showing us what it looks like on the inside!
You should include a link to your website on your videos.
The sound level is the same throughout, I'm afraid the spoken sections will be quieter, as the instruments when played are much louder. We never record concertinas at a different level, nor add any effects (as most other video makers have) in order to give a true sound and accurate representation.
Very informative video!!! I do have a question though. Is it possible to take the waxed on reeds out and make them the screw in style? Is that even possible?
On all concertinas of this type of construction, the reeds are attached to blocks that go inwards towards the bellows, the C and G row reeds are facing out and accessible, but the reeds for the top (accidental) row, are very difficult to get to, especially on the Scarlatti. So you would need to make the reed blocks removable, in order to convert to screwed on reed-plates. As the Scarlatti bellows will be leaking like a sieve, and the buttons sticking in a short space of time, you will need to address these issues before converting the reed-plate fixing. All these things are possible to improve but a lot of work will be necessary.
@ACNormanCoConcertinaMakers Okay, thank you for the insight. I've never owned one, so I wasn't sure if it was possible to modify them.
Thanks for your channel. I just bought a concertina and spent a little extra since I wanted to learn on one that I wouldn't want to trade in on another after a short time (a Swan model from McNeela) I am having such a hard time holding it properly, primarily because I have some arthritis in my thumbs. The use of the air button is probably the hardest at this time since it seems that it is quite a reach for my thumb. Wish I lived in an area that I could try out many models to possibly find one that fits best. It almost seems that if the air button was larger, I could access it easier and maybe reduce the thumb pain. I still have a couple of days to return it, but hate to since I love the sound from this instrument. Any thoughts on how to make it easier on the right thumb? Best regards
Hi Rick, On some concertinas it is be possible to fit a larger or longer air button, or add a larger diameter top, or even a thumb lever extending from the hand-bar to the air release. Ask McNeela's to adapt it, I'm sure any dealer will want to do all they can for their customers.
@@ACNormanCoConcertinaMakers Yes, I have messaged them and waiting for a reply. Also, I have received some good ideas from others that have modified their air button. Thanks for the reply. Best regards
Muy bonito video Sueño con ese instrumento quisiera construirlo pero no tengo los planos
Guitar player here. Had a very bad experience with a Chinese-made guitar (American brand selling an “affordable” line). The bridge was placed way way off. I managed to get it fixed but I was soured on that brand from then on. I’m not happy with the poor workmanship of Chinese instruments.
Thank you for these videos, I just discovered your Channel. Even though I'm primarily a guitar player, I started playing concertina and 1976 is a young midshipman during operation sail. I've done some minor repairs on concertinas over the years, but can you explain how one would change a spring if need be? Thank you very much. It looks difficult without pulling the entire shaft out, is there a work around to it? That is, how to get the spring into the shaft. Cheers.
On these types of concertina you would have to remove the rod far enough to extract the broken spring to replace it, and be prepared to have to realign levers and pads.
@@ACNormanCoConcertinaMakers thank you for your prompt response. Much appreciated for explaining what is involved!
Ironically, terrible audio.