OT: Ping squeezebox players?

Unfortunately we are not really talking about musicians here, but someone who happens to be able to play a range of instruments and does so very sporadically. [1]

So, the last time she used either guitar she (or I) would have wiped the thing (and strings) down and re-oiled them, before hanging them back up (we bought the 'good stuff') but that might have been 5 years ago?

Therefore, with that current usage pattern, something that didn't need to be replaced every time it's used, even if it didn't sound quite as good, may be a worthwhile investment.

Cheers, T i m

Quite.

Being someone who at 61 and spending much of my life using 'computers' of one sort or another, I still only type with one finger and a thumb.

That said, I am reasonably ambidextrous but typically when it comes to things that require less 'feel' but I certainly have less feel / control with my left hand than I have with my right.

It's like when trying to brake a car with my left foot, it just doesn't feel as controlled as with my right.

So, learning to play an instrument that requires both hands equally (like a piano) is (apparently) very good for building the links between both hemispheres of the brain and therefore giving such people a 'mental advantage'?

Cheers, T i m

Brian Peters (who participates at Mudcat) plays both Melodeon and concertina. You can see some stuff at which will give some idea of the character and usage of each.

It's worth knowing that there are a couple (2, perhaps 3) of different concertina types, with significantly different playing approaches.

My acoustic guitars always have D'Addario coated strings on, and I like them. I doubt that the coating has any notable effect on the tone of electric bass, and I'm not convinced you'd notice a difference in feel. If you want to be able to leave an instrument for some time and come back to it without it feeling horrid, they're worth a try.

Except for those that don't, and those that restring for every performance, and those that have guitar techs to look after their instruments, and ...

Thanks, I'll check those out later.

I think I have seen the basic differences and consider that an English Duet of some sort might be the best solution (as an 'occasional instrument).

I forgot about those on her Yamaha acoustic. What do they say ... 'they look like a giraffe's neck'. ;-)

Anything that comes with a personal recommendation is worth a try so thanks again. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

A quick overview:

Piano accordion: several different sizes, chromatic, from 48 bass (or maybe less) to 120 bass, same note in/out, easy to play badly but hard to play well and rythmically, rather "uncool". Cheap ones not worth buying.

Anglo concertina: a few different sizes, diatonic with accidentals (think about what music she will want to play and choose one in an appropriate key), different note in/out, reasonably easy to play, weight of instrument supported by straps around hands, good for supporting dance. Cheap ones can be reasonable, can easily pay several £k for a very good one. Consider whether you want steel or brass reeds (steel are loud and a bit shrill).

English concertina: available from bass upwards, chromatic, weight carried by pinching fingers. Reasonably easy to play. Good for supporting song. Wide price range.

Duet concertina: effectively two separate english concertinas so that you can more easily play with yourself (ooerr!). Several different systems (key layouts). Quite difficult to play. Expensive.

Melodeon: diatonic with accidentals (so decide on the type/style of music. Different note in/out. Easy to play badly, not too hard to play moderately. Cheap ones are OK to start on. Good for supporting dance or playing in sessions, not so good for backing a singer unless the player is very good.

Don't waste your money buying a cheap second hand box from fleabay. Have a look at the Hobgoblin site. Ask here when you have a bit more idea about what you want.

I forgot to say that I play melodeon, friends and family play concertinas (of all types) and PAs.