Concertina: A Guide To Mastering This Unique Instrument

Hey guys! Ever been curious about that quirky, button-filled instrument that looks like a mini accordion? Yep, I'm talking about the concertina! This fascinating instrument, with its rich history and unique sound, might just be your next musical adventure. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a complete newbie, learning the concertina can be an incredibly rewarding experience. So, let's dive in and explore the world of concertinas!

What is a Concertina?

First things first, let's understand what a concertina actually is. Concertinas are free-reed instruments, meaning they produce sound by air flowing across metal reeds, causing them to vibrate. Think of it like a harmonica, but with bellows and buttons! They're characterized by their hexagonal or square shape and the rows of buttons on either side, which produce different notes depending on whether the bellows are being pushed or pulled. This bellows action is a crucial part of playing the concertina, allowing for expressive dynamics and phrasing.

Types of Concertinas

Now, here's where it gets interesting: there are several different types of concertinas, each with its own unique layout and playing style. The three main types you'll encounter are:

• English Concertina: This type has buttons that produce the same note whether the bellows are pushed or pulled (a bisonoric instrument). It's known for its complex fingering system and is often used for playing classical and art music. The English concertina offers a fully chromatic scale and is prized for its melodic capabilities, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of musical genres. It's important to note that the English concertina requires a more intricate fingering technique due to its bisonoric nature, where each button produces the same note regardless of the bellows direction. This system, while potentially challenging for beginners, allows for seamless melodic playing and complex harmonies once mastered.
• Anglo Concertina: The Anglo, on the other hand, is a diatonic instrument, meaning the buttons produce different notes depending on the bellows direction (unisonoric). It's commonly used in Irish traditional music, sea shanties, and other folk genres. Its responsiveness and bright tone make it ideal for lively melodies and rhythmic accompaniment. The Anglo concertina's layout is specifically designed for traditional music styles, offering a distinct advantage for players in these genres. Its diatonic nature allows for quick chord changes and rhythmic playing, making it a favorite among folk musicians. The push-pull system encourages a unique playing style, where the bellows direction becomes an integral part of the musical expression. While the Anglo concertina may have some limitations in terms of chromatic scales compared to the English concertina, its strengths lie in its agility and suitability for traditional melodies and rhythms.
• Duet Concertina: As the name suggests, the duet concertina is designed for playing two distinct musical lines simultaneously. It typically has a keyboard layout that allows the player to play a melody with one hand and a bass line with the other. Duet concertinas come in various systems, each with its own unique button arrangement and tonal capabilities. The Duet concertina is a fascinating instrument that allows a single player to create a rich, multi-layered sound. Unlike the Anglo or English concertinas, the Duet concertina is designed for playing two independent musical lines simultaneously, similar to a piano or organ. This is achieved through a unique keyboard layout that typically divides the instrument into treble and bass sections, allowing the player to perform melodies with one hand and accompanying harmonies or bass lines with the other. Different Duet concertina systems exist, each with its own specific button arrangement and playing style, offering a range of tonal possibilities and musical expressions. The Duet concertina is a powerful tool for solo performers and composers seeking to create full and complex arrangements without the need for additional musicians.

Choosing the right type of concertina depends largely on the style of music you want to play and your personal preferences. Think about the sound you're aiming for and the kind of musical community you want to join.

Getting Started: Your First Concertina

Ready to take the plunge? Awesome! But before you rush out and buy the shiniest concertina you can find, let's talk about choosing your first instrument. The concertina you start with can significantly impact your learning experience, so it's worth taking some time to consider your options.

New or Used?

This is the classic question for any instrument purchase. New concertinas offer the advantage of being in pristine condition, often with a warranty. They're a great option if you want the peace of mind of knowing you're starting with a reliable instrument. However, they can be pricier than used instruments. Used concertinas, on the other hand, can be a fantastic value, especially for beginners. You might be able to find a quality instrument at a significantly lower price. The key is to do your research and, if possible, try out the instrument before you buy it.

What to Look for in a Beginner Concertina

When shopping for your first concertina, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Playability: How easy is it to press the buttons and move the bellows? A concertina with smooth action and responsive buttons will make the learning process much smoother. Look for instruments with buttons that don't require excessive force to depress and bellows that move freely without leaks or resistance.
• Sound Quality: Does the concertina sound pleasant? Listen for a clear, even tone across the instrument's range. Avoid concertinas that sound tinny, buzzy, or out of tune. The sound quality of a concertina is subjective to some extent, but a well-made instrument will generally produce a rich and resonant tone. Consider the type of music you want to play and look for a concertina that complements that style. For instance, Anglo concertinas are known for their bright and lively sound, which is well-suited for traditional music, while English concertinas tend to have a more mellow and refined tone, making them ideal for classical and art music.
• Condition: If you're buying used, carefully inspect the instrument for any signs of damage or wear. Check the bellows for leaks, the buttons for proper function, and the reeds for any visible damage. Minor issues can often be repaired, but major problems can be costly to fix. If possible, have an experienced player or repair technician inspect the instrument before you make a purchase.
• Price: Concertinas can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it. There are many excellent beginner concertinas available at reasonable prices, so you don't need to break the bank to get started. Keep in mind that the price of a concertina often reflects its quality and features, so it's essential to strike a balance between your budget and your desired instrument characteristics.

Resources for Finding a Concertina

• Online Music Stores: Websites like The Button Box and Concertina Connection specialize in concertinas and offer a wide selection of instruments. Online music stores are a convenient way to browse a variety of concertinas from different manufacturers and price ranges. Many online retailers also offer detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and demo videos, which can be helpful in making your decision. However, it's important to choose a reputable dealer with a good return policy in case you're not satisfied with your purchase.
• Local Music Shops: Your local music store might carry concertinas, or they can help you order one. Local music shops provide the advantage of being able to try out instruments in person before you buy them. This allows you to get a feel for the instrument's playability, sound quality, and overall condition. Local shops also often have knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions and provide guidance on choosing the right concertina for your needs.
• Concertina Clubs and Societies: These groups are a great resource for finding used concertinas and getting advice from experienced players. Concertina clubs and societies are a fantastic resource for connecting with other concertina enthusiasts, learning about the instrument, and finding potential deals on used concertinas. Members often have a wealth of knowledge about different concertina types, brands, and models, and they can provide valuable advice on choosing the right instrument for your playing style and budget. These groups also frequently host workshops, concerts, and other events that can help you improve your skills and immerse yourself in the concertina community.

Basic Techniques: Getting Those Sounds

Alright, you've got your concertina – now what? Let's get those sounds flowing! The concertina might look a little intimidating with all those buttons, but trust me, the basic techniques are pretty straightforward. The key is to start slow and focus on developing good habits from the beginning.

Holding the Concertina

First, let's talk about how to hold the concertina. This is crucial for both comfort and control.

• Straps: Most concertinas have straps that go around your hands. These straps help you secure the instrument and allow you to move the bellows without dropping it. Adjust the straps so that the concertina feels snug but not too tight. The straps should fit comfortably around your hands, allowing you to maintain a relaxed grip on the instrument. Experiment with different strap positions to find what works best for you. Some players prefer to have the straps positioned higher on their hands, while others prefer a lower position. The goal is to achieve a balance between security and freedom of movement.
• Hand Position: Your fingers should be curved and relaxed, ready to press the buttons. Avoid gripping the instrument too tightly, as this can lead to tension and fatigue. Maintain a relaxed and natural hand position, with your fingers gently resting on or near the buttons. Avoid any unnecessary tension in your wrists, arms, or shoulders. A relaxed hand position will allow you to play more fluidly and for longer periods of time without discomfort.
• Bellows Control: Your thumbs will primarily control the bellows, while your other fingers will operate the buttons. The bellows is the heart of the concertina, and mastering bellows control is essential for expressive playing. Use your thumbs to gently push and pull the bellows, creating a smooth and consistent airflow. Avoid jerky or abrupt movements, as these can produce unwanted sounds or disrupt the musical flow. Practice coordinating your bellows movements with your fingerwork to create a seamless and expressive performance. Experiment with different bellows speeds and pressures to achieve a variety of dynamic effects.

Finding Your First Notes

Now, let's find some notes! Start by exploring the buttons on your concertina. Each button produces a specific note when pressed, and the note will often change depending on the direction of the bellows (on an Anglo concertina). Take some time to simply press the buttons and listen to the sounds.

• Scales: A great way to get familiar with the layout of your concertina is to learn a simple scale. Scales are a fundamental building block of music, and learning them on the concertina will help you understand the relationships between the notes and develop your finger technique. Start with a simple scale, such as the C major scale, and practice playing it smoothly and evenly. Pay attention to the fingering patterns and the bellows direction, and try to maintain a consistent tone quality throughout the scale. As you become more comfortable with the scale, you can gradually increase your speed and add variations in dynamics and articulation.
• Simple Melodies: Once you've found a few notes and played a scale, try learning a simple melody. Start with a tune you already know, such as