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[Geoff P.]

I'm risking being told "that's not the right way to do it", as I have not seen anyone else do it this way, but I play sitting with the right hand end of the box on my right knee and the middle of the bellows on my left knee. I find that taking some of the weight of the bass end on my knee allows me to control the left hand better. It's something I learned from Rob Harbron for concertina playing.  I have not noticed any wear on the bellows yet (5years or so).

[Steve_freereeder]

FWIW, I was advised many years ago (by a PA player) to try not to open the bellows to more than one third of their total length. I have tried to follow this advice, and while I do still occasionally come unstuck, the open bellows length in my avatar is pretty much my usual limit.  Not only does it make bellows control easier, it reduces wear & tear.

The famous Norfolk melodeon player Percy Brown was known for his economical and minimal use of the bellows. When asked about this, he reputedly commented, "All that air rushing in and out must wear out the bellows and buttons, now mustn’t it?" 

[Graham Spencer]

FWIW, I was advised many years ago (by a PA player) to try not to open the bellows to more than one third of their total length. I have tried to follow this advice, and while I do still occasionally come unstuck, the open bellows length in my avatar is pretty much my usual limit.  Not only does it make bellows control easier, it reduces wear & tear.

The famous Norfolk melodeon player Percy Brown was known for his economical and minimal use of the bellows. When asked about this, he reputedly commented, "All that air rushing in and out must wear out the bellows and buttons, now mustn’t it?" 

Illustrious company indeed,Steve!! 

[george garside]

I agree with Lester that  playing across the rows  habitualy diminishes the natural drive of a DG box.   when playing a   BC box where playing using both rows is the norm rather than an option (unless playing in B or C  !)     the drive has to be added  by bellows pulsing, and going to town on phrasing ,dynamics and right hand rhythm and maybe ornamentation..

george