Discussions > Teaching and Learning
New member, thank-you & glad to be here!
Chris73:
Hello all on Melodeon.net!
I'm a new member and this is my first post. Ordinarily I'm not one for internet forums etc but I just have to make an exception.
After a few weeks of lurking as a guest I thought I would take the plunge and register, life is just too short! My name is Chris and I live in Hampshire, UK.
I've admired the Melodeon, from a distance, for the past 10 years or so. When I've been out and about I have always stopped, watched and listened to it being played by Morrismen. My foot then gets tapping, I'm captivated by the sound, and I wonder how hard it would be to play. Then the pace of modern life takes over and the urge fades away into the past, until the next time of hearing one. Enough is enough, time to have a go, I don't want to be on my death bed thinking, 'well...Chris, you really should have tried it' and then wonder what it would have been like.
I've been doing research on Melodeons, watching you-tube (daddy long les love your work) and looking on Ebay. I love English Morris tunes + traditional so would like a D/G, 2 row. My mouse has been hovering daily over 'buy it now' buttons on Ebay, but I have refrained.
I've spoken to very nice people, who are long standing members on the forum and asked their advice, thanks again for your time (Martyn White and the East Anglian Folk society)
They recommended that I try before I buy and to put a post up on the forum, so here I am!
Please can anybody point me in the direction from where I could possibly obtain a D/G Melodeon to rent, within Hampshire, or very nearby? I am very willing of course to pay the appropriate fee. I think this is the preferable option for me, to see if I take to it before committing to the big purchase.
My Grandfather was in the merchant Navy in the early 1900's for many years and he was the ship's band accordion player, my mother has got his accordion in her loft! So I'm hoping his flair might have been handed down to me. I'm 43yrs old and knocking on a bit now so let's have a go.
I'm not completely new to music. I've been playing the 5 string Banjo for the past 3 years (self taught with a sprinkling of lessons) Bluegrass mainly, so I know the time & effort required to learn an instrument and am very keen to give the Melodeon a good go.
Any help and suggestions greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
Best regards,
Chris.
Daddy Long Les:
Hi Chris and welcome to the forum and the crazy world of melodeons.
Thank you for your kind words. Don't worry about "knocking on" at 43 - I was 58 when I started 6 years ago!!! It's funny, I went from banjo to melodeon although I've played/taught the guitar all my working life. If you're prepared to work hard, the melodeon is a wonderful instrument and also totally addictive. You're wise to be wary of eBay - much better to buy one on here from an established fettler or player.
Lots of luck at the start of your journey.
Les
JimmyM:
Welcome to the forum :||:
Pretty much what Les said. It's a wonderful instrument and often played by some 'interesting' people >:E
Having wasted a small fortune on ebay, I would agree that its probably not the best way to go.
I've always found melodeonistas (?) to be a friendly bunch and free with their, often conflicting, advice ;)
Chris73:
Thank-you both for the very warm welcome and i'll take those points onboard. I'm quite an eccentric so should fit in nicely 8)
Theo:
Only 43! You are a babe in arms!
Buying off ebay is a good way of learning how many ways a box can go wrong. If you want to learn to repair them it's not a bad way to start. But if you want to learn to play then best get a box from someone who knows what they are selling and preferably will give you some backup if it gives problems.
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