Melodeon.net Forums

Discussions => News and Events => Topic started by: Alby on June 17, 2013, 05:09:45 PM

Title: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Alby on June 17, 2013, 05:09:45 PM
Following the success of the last course there'll be another chance to make the 2.5 row next year.  It's an intensive 9 days but enormous fun with Emmanuel (I will say this only once).  You can choose each note and therefore the keys you want.  It will be in Yeovil and dates will be 24th May - 1st June 2014 (school half term in Somerset).  Cost is the same as this year - £1,825.  You will not be disappointed. 

Please drop me an e-mail for a place on the course and more information.   
alanbalding@yahoo.co.uk
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on September 23, 2013, 08:10:29 AM
There are still places available on the 2014 melodeon building course in Yeovil.   As with the previous Yeovil courses organised by Alan Balding the instrument built on this course will be a very versatile two and a half row with 14 basses.  Several melnet members have been on the course in previous years so if you want to know more just ask here.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Alby on September 23, 2013, 10:27:57 AM
Thanks Theo
The instruments really are first class and you will have a brilliant time - Emmanuel is very funny and cracks jokes throughout the course.  No real skills are necessary and you don't even have to be melodeon player - many people have made them for friends or family members. 

Most importantly please sign up asap.  There is a very long lead time for the parts to be ordered and delivered. 

Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: xgx on September 23, 2013, 10:33:15 AM
You have new mail Alan  ;)
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on September 23, 2013, 06:30:37 PM
I'm in.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on September 24, 2013, 05:08:48 PM
Anyone else out there fancy doing this course? Alan Balding tells me he needs a few more people to sign up.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: John MacKenzie (Cugiok) on September 24, 2013, 05:55:51 PM
I desperately want to go, but I can't raise the cash  :'(

John
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: TomB on September 24, 2013, 06:50:26 PM
.. now if I could just sell some of my boxes I don't really need, I could afford to go..  :-\
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Helena Handcart on September 24, 2013, 10:47:29 PM
Anyone else out there fancy doing this course? Alan Balding tells me he needs a few more people to sign up.

Maybe, if I get

a) suddenly much better at playing (not v likely)
and/or
b) made redundant (v likely)
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: MartinW on September 24, 2013, 11:11:49 PM
I would recommend this to anyone. A really great week ending up with the best holiday souvenir I have ever had. The added bonus is that each time I play the melodeon it bring back memories of Emmanuel and the fun I had making it.

Martin
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Bob Ellis on September 25, 2013, 12:30:50 AM
I agree entirely with Martin. The pleasure of making the instrument is surpassed only by the pleasure of playing an instrument you have made yourself. My Pariselle box is so responsive and has such a lovely tone that I tend to play it in preference to my Castagnari.

It would be a real shame for those who have signed up for the 2014 course if it had to be cancelled due to insufficient numbers.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Graham Spencer on September 25, 2013, 04:36:54 AM
I'd love to go, but I'd need to look very carefully at the logistics, not to mention the cost, of coming from Cyprus.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 25, 2013, 07:15:44 AM
I'm in, have been since it was first announced.  ;D
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: xgx on September 25, 2013, 11:45:06 AM
Just been looking at the two boxes that Theo has up for sale:
http://www.theboxplace.co.uk/purchase/baldingdg/prod_341.html
and
http://www.theboxplace.co.uk/purchase/eastmonddg/prod_340.html

 ...and noticed that the basses are different.
e.g.   Eb/C#  C/C  C/C  B/E  B/E  F#/F F#/F
   Bb/G#  G/D  G/D  D/A  D/A  A/G  A/G

e.g.   E/C#  C/C   C/C  B/E  B/E   Eb/F#  Eb/F#
       A/G#  G/D   G/D  D/A  D/A   Bb/F   Bb/F

Knowing nowt about basses I have to ask what the differences mean in terms of playability???
also noticed that both boxes do not have thirds in the bass... is that standard for these boxes or it a build choice please?
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: GuyWyatt on September 25, 2013, 11:50:33 AM
I have not been on any of these courses, though I would love to.  I have however played a couple of the instruments that have been built by course participants. They are magnificent. In fact Theo has two of them for sale on his site at £1900 each. You could have a cracking holiday, learn a new skill, and finish up with something tangible that is worth more than the cost of the course. What's not to like?
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Lester on September 25, 2013, 12:33:04 PM
Just been looking at the two boxes that Theo has up for sale:
http://www.theboxplace.co.uk/purchase/baldingdg/prod_341.html
and
http://www.theboxplace.co.uk/purchase/eastmonddg/prod_340.html

 ...and noticed that the basses are different.
e.g.   Eb/C#  C/C  C/C  B/E  B/E  F#/F F#/F
   Bb/G#  G/D  G/D  D/A  D/A  A/G  A/G

This, ignoring the 2 left hand buttons, is the standard Saltarelle layout and is what I've got on my Pariselle.

Quote

e.g.   E/C#  C/C   C/C  B/E  B/E   Eb/F#  Eb/F#
       A/G#  G/D   G/D  D/A  D/A   Bb/F   Bb/F

Knowing nowt about basses I have to ask what the differences mean in terms of playability???

Not sure what benefit this layout has.

Quote
also noticed that both boxes do not have thirds in the bass... is that standard for these boxes or it a build choice please?

The Pariselles do not have thirds by design.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Clive Williams on September 25, 2013, 12:45:19 PM
Just been looking at the two boxes that Theo has up for sale:
http://www.theboxplace.co.uk/purchase/baldingdg/prod_341.html
and
http://www.theboxplace.co.uk/purchase/eastmonddg/prod_340.html

 ...and noticed that the basses are different.
e.g.   Eb/C#  C/C  C/C  B/E  B/E  F#/F F#/F
   Bb/G#  G/D  G/D  D/A  D/A  A/G  A/G

e.g.   E/C#  C/C   C/C  B/E  B/E   Eb/F#  Eb/F#
       A/G#  G/D   G/D  D/A  D/A   Bb/F   Bb/F

Knowing nowt about basses I have to ask what the differences mean in terms of playability???
also noticed that both boxes do not have thirds in the bass... is that standard for these boxes or it a build choice please?

There are threads kicking around on this I think; in summary the first layout is more flexible in how you play something (more push pull options), the second layout is more flexible in what you play (chords for just about everything, but you're limited in having to play it on either push or pull, without choice of bellows direction).

Also worth noticing is the direction of the F# chord. You want it on the push if you want it in the right direction for playing in D (just as B is on the push for playing in G)... or you want it on the pull if playing blues in F# is your thing, where I gather a full F# blues scale is available on the pull on the treble end. Chris of this parish does this a lot; I'm sure he'll be along in a bit to confirm/condemn my shaky memory.

So the bottom line is, it depends on the music you want to play. I'm a F# push/first layout chap myself. The first layout makes it easier to play in D/G, the second layout makes it possible to play in other keys.

Clive
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on September 25, 2013, 01:13:05 PM
And the note layout is your choice if you do the course.   It can be in any key, any choice of low notes, accidentals, where the scale starts, bass layout etc.  There are some constraints:   two voice treble, maximum 25 treble buttons (some have built just two rows on the treble side), chords have only two reeds so no thirds and the 14 bass layout is like a standard 12 bass but with two extra buttons that just play basses. 

Reeds have to be ordered by Emmanuel well in advance, so you do need to make decisions fairly soon if you want a variation on the standard layout that he proposes.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: xgx on September 25, 2013, 02:13:09 PM
Lester, Clive, Theo thanks for your help!
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Chris Ryall on September 25, 2013, 02:14:52 PM
I'd love to go, but I'd need to look very carefully at the logistics, not to mention the cost, of coming from Cyprus.

whoops! wrong button [needed clarification]

With quite a few melodeonistas from here committing I suspect help with logistics may be available in return for mileage share and the conversation. I've become a dab hand at dropping people at airports in various countries, and coming back from my first Ghent weekend I got a very useful lift to Brussel airport. I won't be a "maker" this time, though can offer a lift to Ghent ;)

Perhaps anyone else interested in this jolly might PM Graham?
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Graham Spencer on September 25, 2013, 04:43:11 PM
Thanks for the thought, Chris: I would be more than happy to share travel expenses with a fellow squeezer, but first I'll need to know where in the UK I'm likely to be arriving! Bristol & Exeter are the nearest airports, but there are only cheap'n'nasty flights there from here; to travel with any degree of comfort and dignity(!) I'll need to go either to a London airport or else to Birmingham (first choice because it's my native city and I can spend a couple of days with friends there either end of the trip), East Midlands or Leeds/Bradford.  I'll look into it.....

Graham
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 25, 2013, 05:26:31 PM
Thanks for the thought, Chris: I would be more than happy to share travel expenses with a fellow squeezer, but first I'll need to know where in the UK I'm likely to be arriving! Bristol & Exeter are the nearest airports, but there are only cheap'n'nasty flights there from here; to travel with any degree of comfort and dignity(!) I'll need to go either to a London airport or else to Birmingham (first choice because it's my native city and I can spend a couple of days with friends there either end of the trip), East Midlands or Leeds/Bradford.  I'll look into it.....

Graham

Graham, Exeter , as you know is fairly close to Yeovil. I'm either in the caravan in Padstow or  Swanage in Dorset, from both locations I could pick you up from Exeter.  I'm staying at the Preston Hotel in Yeovil for the course. But would be very happy to collect you if you decide to go directly to the event.
  I suppose this should have been a PM, anyway it could have been a Limerick.  ;D
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Graham Spencer on September 25, 2013, 05:31:29 PM
Thanks Nick - I'll bear that in mind if Exeter turns up any tolerable-looking flights.  Actually I think we could make that quite an entertaining journey........
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on September 26, 2013, 07:21:21 AM
Also Bournemoth airport is a stone's throw from Swanage...
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 26, 2013, 07:50:36 AM
Also Bournemoth airport is a stone's throw from Swanage...
    :D
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Graham Spencer on September 26, 2013, 08:57:47 AM
Also Bournemoth airport is a stone's throw from Swanage...

True, but I don't fancy having to parachute out as the Exeter-bound plane passes over........ :D
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on September 26, 2013, 11:52:16 AM
Yes it's a fair old distance...Cyprus to Yeovil. It not as if you can drive it either. I understand your dilemma.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 26, 2013, 12:42:10 PM
Also Bournemoth airport is a stone's throw from Swanage...

True, but I don't fancy having to parachute out as the Exeter-bound plane passes over........ :D

Yeah but, we still have AKK AKK GUN emplacements in Swanage. And, while I'm at it, Basil Fawlty was born here.....alegedly.  >:E
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Shakin' All Hohner on September 28, 2013, 12:14:36 PM
There are still places available on the 2014 melodeon building course in Yeovil.
I'm now in and looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on September 28, 2013, 08:52:55 PM
Yippee, someone else is in..
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Ian Mackay on September 30, 2013, 07:35:17 AM
I'm in as well. Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 30, 2013, 09:40:50 AM
I'm in as well. Looking forward to it!
Superb, we must nearly have a complete team.   ;D
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on September 30, 2013, 10:32:09 AM
Just had a word with Alan Balding,  still 4 places left.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on September 30, 2013, 04:18:52 PM
Just had a word with Alan Balding,  still 4 places left.
[/quote

Come on gang, go for it.  :P
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: malcolmbebb on September 30, 2013, 04:41:08 PM
Love to. Can't fund it  :(
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 01, 2013, 09:13:53 AM
Love to. Can't fund it  :(

Can't find it?
 It's in Yeovil. ( should have gone to specsavers)  >:E
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: 911377brian on October 01, 2013, 09:48:40 AM
At risk of getting a slap I know, but does he do a course on one row construction? Serious question, really.... ???
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on October 01, 2013, 09:56:40 AM
At risk of getting a slap I know, but does he do a course on one row construction? Serious question, really.... ???

Yes.  There is such a course happening at the end of this month in Stowmarket.  It is fully booked but there may be another in the future.   Contact Katie Howson at East Anglian Traditional Music Trust (http://www.eatmt.org.uk/Melodeon%20Makers.htm), the website also has lots of photos of one-row building courses.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Steve_freereeder on October 01, 2013, 09:58:28 AM
At risk of getting a slap I know, but does he do a course on one row construction? Serious question, really.... ???

The East Anglian Traditional Music Trust has previously hosted three of Emmanuel's one-row making courses. The next one will be in at the end of October 2013, but I suspect it is full and with a waiting list.

To register your interest for a future course send an e-mail to Katie Howson at info@eatmt.fsnet.co.uk

More information about the courses here (http://www.eatmt.org.uk/Melodeon%20Makers.htm#Melodeon%20Makers%204:%20October%202013).

Edit: Theo and I both posted much the same reply at the same time!
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: 911377brian on October 01, 2013, 11:34:57 AM
Theo and Steve, many thanks, it's something I'd love to do. Did try the archive for info but got bogged down. My fault..
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Graham Spencer on October 01, 2013, 12:44:58 PM
Come on gang, go for it.  :P

After due discussion with my significant other, we've decided to go to Whitby this year (first time since about 2001), so sadly I can't justify a trip to UK in June with a hefty (though good value for what you get) course fee and then another in August with the need for decent accommodation, car hire and two season tickets among other expenses. Hey-ho..... :(

Graham
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on October 03, 2013, 05:01:09 PM
Things are looking good, Alan tells me he has 7 deposits paid, another imminent, and two places left which could be taken by people who have already expressed an interest. 

Anyone who would like a place on the course should get in touch with Alan Balding (alanbalding@yahoo.co.uk) pronto!
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Alby on October 04, 2013, 10:52:20 AM
Saturday 4th Oct - One place left.

I've had lots of interest this month that's more than likely down to the interest shown by everyone here.  Thanks for that

For those of you already signed up I'll be sending more information out next week. 

Alan
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Chris Ryall on October 04, 2013, 12:00:12 PM
Just to say that Andy Cutting now lugs a home made from the course. Sounded very good last week.

[Edit] as below. He said he couldn't quite finish in the "ten" days. Then was invited over to France and found Martin there too! I think we should allow for a little artistic licence, but it's a nice story.  The basses looked interesting, eg I though it had a reversed G (assuming D/G basis)

The Pariselle "make your own" looks to be a very sweet package for anyone with the time to spare. I'm well sorted just now, but was tempted just for the fun of it!
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: MartinW on October 04, 2013, 05:19:09 PM
If I  recall right Andy Cutting, along with Mairtin O'Connor, went over to stay with Emmanuel in France They made their melodeons in something crazy like 5 (very long) days

Andy's has more basses than the usual model made on the course. I think it is 3 voice and has stops on the top end of of the grill similar to the one Emmanuel himself plays.

Martin
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on October 06, 2013, 07:00:22 PM
This is good news. It's a long way off - the winter will be gone and we'll be heading into next summer... but I am looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on October 07, 2013, 03:10:37 PM

The Pariselle "make your own" looks to be a very sweet package for anyone with the time to spare. I'm well sorted just now, but was tempted just for the fun of it!

Indeed it is and for anyone who does not have the time to build one, but wants a versatile 2.5 row 14 bass DG, I have two for sale, one built by Alan Balding (http://www.theboxplace.co.uk/purchase/baldingdg/prod_341.html) iat the Yeovil course in 2012, one built by Jon Eastmond (http://www.theboxplace.co.uk/purchase/eastmonddg/prod_340.html) on the London course in 2011.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 07, 2013, 10:24:11 PM
Now the course seems to be up and running ( terrifying )  and being booked up as a victim  :-\
I now have to choose what sort of box I would like to end up with.
I have only known D/G, as basically  I'm a Morris player or  a player of Morris music. Indeed any English Traditional  music.
Now....  I have two Bb/Eb boxes for singing ,and a D/G Dino Baffetti , we won't mention the Chanson, plus a single row ancient Hohner in some unmentionable key, probably H.
SO!  My question is, what sort of tuning should I go for? And what would you wonderful gang recommend ?
Remembering that I am an old git and haven't learnt anything new for years. Apart from Chansonistering that is.
As you all know my character, I must say this is a serious question.  ;D
 
 
 
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Steve_freereeder on October 08, 2013, 01:50:29 AM
Now the course seems to be up and running ( terrifying )  and being booked up as a victim  :-\
I now have to choose what sort of box I would like to end up with.
I have only known D/G, as basically  I'm a Morris player or  a player of Morris music. Indeed any English Traditional  music.
Now....  I have two Bb/Eb boxes for singing ,and a D/G Dino Baffetti , we won't mention the Chanson, plus a single row ancient Hohner in some unmentionable key, probably H.
SO!  My question is, what sort of tuning should I go for? And what would you wonderful gang recommend ?
Remembering that I am an old git and haven't learnt anything new for years. Apart from Chansonistering that is.
As you all know my character, I must say this is a serious question.  ;D
Congratulations on getting on the course!

You will work your socks off and expend blood (hopefully not too much), sweat and tears, but it will be worth it and a tremendous personal achievement. For these reasons, you should aim to make an instrument which is going to be as much use to you as possible. You don't have a C/F box on your list, and you might be tempted to go for that tuning, but you have to ask yourself whether you will end up playing it much. If not, all that effort will be possibly less than worthwhile, which would be a real shame.

Given your main genre of playing, my opinion would be to go for a D/G box; make it, be proud of it, and enjoy playing it!   

 
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 08, 2013, 06:28:57 AM
Thanks for that Steve, I had a feeling that's the way I should go.  ;D
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Bob Ellis on October 08, 2013, 08:24:39 AM
Nick,

I went for a D/G with a half row of accidentals laid out so that I could play comfortably in C, F, Am, Gm and Dm, which are keys commonly used by the French band of which I am a member. My thinking was that I would be able to use one box for Morris, sessions where the main keys are G and D and for French music. My  idea was that I would have a D/G, a G/C and a C/F box all rolled into one. The theory has worked out in practice and my Pariselle is now my first choice box, much to the chagrin of my Castagnari Benny.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 08, 2013, 09:11:20 AM
Thanks Bob, in my head it's all coming together.  :-*
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: pikey on October 08, 2013, 01:22:12 PM
Come on gang, go for it.  :P

After due discussion with my significant other, we've decided to go to Whitby this year (first time since about 2001), so sadly I can't justify a trip to UK in June with a hefty (though good value for what you get) course fee and then another in August with the need for decent accommodation, car hire and two season tickets among other expenses. Hey-ho..... :(

Graham

Great news!  :D
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: pikey on October 08, 2013, 01:23:51 PM
Now the course seems to be up and running ( terrifying )  and being booked up as a victim  :-\
I now have to choose what sort of box I would like to end up with.
I have only known D/G, as basically  I'm a Morris player or  a player of Morris music. Indeed any English Traditional  music.
Now....  I have two Bb/Eb boxes for singing ,and a D/G Dino Baffetti , we won't mention the Chanson, plus a single row ancient Hohner in some unmentionable key, probably H.
SO!  My question is, what sort of tuning should I go for? And what would you wonderful gang recommend ?
Remembering that I am an old git and haven't learnt anything new for years. Apart from Chansonistering that is.
As you all know my character, I must say this is a serious question.  ;D

How about Unisoric - ie every note the same. It might help you master the One Note Samba   ;)   >:E
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on October 10, 2013, 09:45:57 AM
Now the course seems to be up and running ( terrifying )  and being booked up as a victim  :-\
I now have to choose what sort of box I would like to end up with.
I have only known D/G, as basically  I'm a Morris player or  a player of Morris music. Indeed any English Traditional  music.
Now....  I have two Bb/Eb boxes for singing ,and a D/G Dino Baffetti , we won't mention the Chanson, plus a single row ancient Hohner in some unmentionable key, probably H.
SO!  My question is, what sort of tuning should I go for? And what would you wonderful gang recommend ?
Remembering that I am an old git and haven't learnt anything new for years. Apart from Chansonistering that is.
As you all know my character, I must say this is a serious question.  ;D

How about Unisoric - ie every note the same. It might help you master the One Note Samba   ;)   >:E

Now there's a thought! A drone melodeon  >:E
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on October 10, 2013, 11:57:53 AM
Basic question here: if I select a DG tuned box, does anyone know if there is an option to include some low reeds, to lessen the 'squeakiness' of the G row? And in fact, how many reeds are there per RH note...?  I suppose I ought to know this but..erm..I don't.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on October 10, 2013, 12:11:48 PM
There are two reeds per note.

The G row has 9 buttons, and the D row 10, so you have already lost the highest button on each row compared with a 21 button.

I see no reason why you could not have one set of reeds at the standard pitch and one an octave lower, this is know as octave tuning, or bandoneon tuning.  The lower reeds are physically longer, but you build the reedblocks to fit your reeds so I think it would be quite workable.  You should confirm this with Emmanuel but I think it will be ok. With this setup you can't really have any tremolo, in theory you could, but it would sound dreadful.   Incidentally I had an DG like this in for tuning recently, and I liked it a lot.     
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Owen Woods on October 10, 2013, 12:15:31 PM
I've played several LMs (including one which Andy Cutting built on a Pariselle course) and they have all been awesome. Much neglected tuning.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on October 10, 2013, 12:43:01 PM
There are two reeds per note.

The G row has 9 buttons, and the D row 10, so you have already lost the highest button on each row compared with a 21 button.

I see no reason why you could not have one set of reeds at the standard pitch and one an octave lower, this is know as octave tuning, or bandoneon tuning.  The lower reeds are physically longer, but you build the reedblocks to fit your reeds so I think it would be quite workable.  You should confirm this with Emmanuel but I think it will be ok. With this setup you can't really have any tremolo, in theory you could, but it would sound dreadful.   Incidentally I had an DG like this in for tuning recently, and I liked it a lot.   

Ah - thanks. You see I have a Corona IIIR (GCF) with LMH reeds and you can mix and match these with the 5 switches. I particularly like the LM combination, though as you point out there is no tremolo, so it's a dry sound. Ideally I'd like the option to thicken the G (and I suppose the D) row with a lower reed; in the absence of switch option maybe this is the thing to do.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on October 10, 2013, 12:49:15 PM
Are there any sample sounds of these boxes? I have a Baffetti Carnival II and much as I love it it is a bit hurty on the ears when you place its upper end...though great for being heard in a noisy session.

Edit: OK I found this of Lester playing his... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxkYSWh0cvo
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on October 10, 2013, 12:54:28 PM
I've played several LMs (including one which Andy Cutting built on a Pariselle course) and they have all been awesome. Much neglected tuning.

Any known recording of this box..??
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on October 10, 2013, 01:32:31 PM
Andy's box is BbEb so would not be a good indication of the sound of a DG.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Owen Woods on October 10, 2013, 02:27:30 PM
This is true. And that might have something to do with how awesome it sounds.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on October 10, 2013, 03:01:06 PM
Andy's box is BbEb so would not be a good indication of the sound of a DG.
OK. I have a low G on my Corona so that'll give me an idea.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Alby on October 17, 2013, 11:10:28 AM
We are about to order the reeds for the 2014 course.  There’s one place left – an opportunity not to be missed.  Having just moved to the East Midlands I doubt I’ll be running a course in 2015 - I'm sure there'll be one somewhere in the world though.  Finland?  Emmanuel has also run them Canada, Norway and France and of course the one row in Suffolk in 2 weeks time.
 
If you’re interested in coming to make one in Somerset please get in touch asap

Alan
alanbalding@yahoo.co.uk
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Graham Spencer on October 17, 2013, 11:41:45 AM
What have yo got against the East Midlands?  ;) >:E
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on November 02, 2013, 09:16:10 PM
Successful week with ten new boxes all completed. Well done to all the builders.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Morrisbox on November 03, 2013, 12:57:07 PM
Quote
Successful week with ten new boxes all completed. Well done to all the builders.
Great week, with some surprise visitors to add to the atmosphere.  Well done to you as well Theo for your tuning efforts against a background wall of sound, really pleased with the way mine sounds.  Really lovely group of people to spend a week with.

Trevor
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: summerstars on November 03, 2013, 01:39:32 PM
Really please with mine as well  -  thanks to everyone for the help etc

Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Theo on November 03, 2013, 02:35:35 PM
Quote
Successful week with ten new boxes all completed. Well done to all the builders.
Great week, with some surprise visitors to add to the atmosphere.  Well done to you as well Theo for your tuning efforts against a background wall of sound, really pleased with the way mine sounds.  Really lovely group of people to spend a week with.

Trevor

Thank you Trevor.  The background sounds were actually quite moderate when the doors were closed, but I've never tuned so many reeds in such a short space of time - Just under 1000 reed tongues tuned in 48 hours!
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: mory on November 03, 2013, 03:36:04 PM
...and you stopped in the middle to demonstrate a Concertina for the gent who'd come to pick it up I hear..... ;) AtB mory  (their very pleased by the way)
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: EastAnglianTed on November 03, 2013, 04:16:54 PM
    Any photos of finished boxes?
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Owen Woods on November 03, 2013, 09:06:04 PM
Quote
Successful week with ten new boxes all completed. Well done to all the builders.
Great week, with some surprise visitors to add to the atmosphere.  Well done to you as well Theo for your tuning efforts against a background wall of sound, really pleased with the way mine sounds.  Really lovely group of people to spend a week with.

Trevor

Thank you Trevor.  The background sounds were actually quite moderate when the doors were closed, but I've never tuned so many reeds in such a short space of time - Just under 1000 reed tongues tuned in 48 hours!

Bloody hell!  :o
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on November 05, 2013, 07:06:58 AM
So, anyone fancy red buttons for their box (on the 2014 course)? I think they might be a nice match for the red bellows but Emmanuel obviously doesn't agree.  ::)
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 05, 2013, 08:18:42 AM
So, anyone fancy red buttons for their box (on the 2014 course)? I think they might be a nice match for the red bellows but Emmanuel obviously doesn't agree.  ::)

I have a feeling that that is just Emmanuel's humour Roger.
I have asked for Pearl Green to match Napoleon Bonaparte's wallpaper, sans Arsenic.  >:E
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on November 06, 2013, 07:49:18 AM
So, anyone fancy red buttons for their box (on the 2014 course)? I think they might be a nice match for the red bellows but Emmanuel obviously doesn't agree.  ::)

I have a feeling that that is just Emmanuel's humour Roger.
I have asked for Pearl Green to match Napoleon Bonaparte's wallpaper, sans Arsenic.  >:E

Red buttons for me then...
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Lester on November 06, 2013, 07:56:33 AM
Red Buttons

(http://media.theiapolis.com/cd0d0d0/d19/e3/hHS/iKZ3M/r6/s1/t2/wDC/x1GKZ1/z2S/red-buttons-photograph-signed.jpg?cdn=1383724525)
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on November 06, 2013, 07:25:26 PM
Lester...LOL... Who he?
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: EastAnglianTed on November 06, 2013, 08:11:38 PM
    I don't know who that is, but he has a very bad case of pixelitous.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Lester on November 06, 2013, 09:10:11 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Buttons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Buttons)
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 06, 2013, 10:23:25 PM
Oh come on gang. Fingers tired, practice done , wet Sunday afternoon , nice black and white film
 Red Buttons on telly, large joint in the oven, oh bliss!
Edit for clarity.
Red even appeared in an episode of Columbo, another wet/cold Sunday must watch.
   Back on thread, what have you started Roger?'
At least I went for green.  >:E
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: EastAnglianTed on November 06, 2013, 10:36:09 PM
Oh come on gang. Fingers tired, practice done , wet Sunday afternoon , nice black and white film
 Red Buttons on telly, large joint in the oven, oh bliss!
Edit for clarity.
Red even appeared in an episode of Columbo, another wet/cold Sunday must watch.
   Back on thread, what have you started Roger?'
At least I went for green.  >:E
    Nick would it be possible for you to post a picture of your green buttoned beast?  (:)
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 06, 2013, 11:06:54 PM
I'd love to Ted, but I haven't made it yet. The session starts in May 2014.
I just thought that if one is going to make a customised box, it might as well be individual and outrageous . Will keep you posted.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: EastAnglianTed on November 06, 2013, 11:10:05 PM
I'd love to Ted, but I haven't made it yet. The session starts in May 2014.
I just thought that if one is going to make a customised box, it might as well be individual and outrageous . Will keep you posted.
    Will wait in anticipation  (:) I really really really want to do one of these courses, but finances dictate that's not an option. I have seen a few of these boxes before, I think Theo has a couple for sale(?). They look like bloomin' lovely boxes. Are the majority of the boxes 2 voice, or is the option for a 3 voice available? Hmmmmmm......
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 06, 2013, 11:19:59 PM
That option will come Ted, beleive me. I'm at the end of life's spectrum you are at the beginning.
Take my Mum's advice. "Never get married Son, and bring yer children up the same way"
Don't know why I said that , but after a pint of wine, who cares? ;D :|glug :|glug
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Nick Collis Bird on November 06, 2013, 11:30:00 PM
Back to topic. I think when Emmanuel with Theo run a course, you have a choice as to what you would like. You choose what reed tuning, note layout   Etc.   Plus the ornamentation .
So I assume you can customise the whole caboodle. That's a minefield. I have gone with the experts.
Lester  has been great in showing me what sort of layout would suit me .
When I said ornamentation, I mean decoration. 8)
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Lester on November 06, 2013, 11:33:26 PM
Are the majority of the boxes 2 voice, or is the option for a 3 voice available? Hmmmmmm......

The boxes are all two voice as there is no room for three, although I have seen one that was tuned Bandoneon (L/M) with a switch to select single voice. They are all thirdless chords as well.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Rog on November 07, 2013, 12:15:06 AM
Are the majority of the boxes 2 voice, or is the option for a 3 voice available? Hmmmmmm......

The boxes are all two voice as there is no room for three, although I have seen one that was tuned Bandoneon (L/M) with a switch to select single voice. They are all thirdless chords as well.
This is what I have selected for my 2014 box. I think an MM DG box is too squeaky, and I have one already anyway. I like the LM combination on my Corona IIIR too, so hoping it'll make the Emmanuel box nice to play.
Title: Re: Melodeon Making with Emmanuel - 2014
Post by: Alby on December 02, 2013, 05:52:36 PM
2014 course full, everyone paid and parts ordered – and nearly 6 months to go before we cut, screw and glue it all together.  Looking forward to it. 

2015 anyone?
 :|glug
 
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal