Actually, this one isn't mine, but it looks similar. Mine doesn't have the same shapely headstock, nor the interesting tail-piece that looks like it will accommodate ball-end strings. Doubtless the one illustrated was considerably more expensive than mine, but you'll get the idea.
Below is the third concertina I have owned. It is 'English' in contrast to 'Anglo-German'. That means it is fully chromatic and, when depressing a key, you hear the same note on the pull as on the push. The Anglo operates more like a harmonica which gives different notes depending on whether you're sucking or blowing. It is slightly unusual in having brass reeds. These give a more mellow sound than the bright sound you hear from steel reeds. Most vintage concertinas would have started life with brass reeds and these are commonly replaced with steel at refurbishment. My first concertina had a mixture of brass and steel; you could tell the difference.
It is Victorian. That means it's very old!
I call it the KMT Memorial Concertina because my mother was very old when she died and I bought it from the proceeds of her legacy. She wouldn't have liked it!
Then I bought this mandolin for £35.00 on EBay. I had to replace all the strings (which cost me another £14.00) before it became playable. Well, I mean playable by some; I'm still struggling!
Perhaps I'm most competent on this. Please note that the idea of competence is a relative term.
Is that A-minor?
No, it's A-geriatric!
No comments:
Post a Comment