- 15
- 56 672
A C Norman & Co - Concertina Makers
United Kingdom
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 24 ก.พ. 2020
Welcome to the TH-cam channel of A C Norman & Co! We've been making, restoring, repairing and servicing all types of concertinas since 1976, and here you can see and hear some of the instruments we have made and worked on and find out a bit more about the different concertinas available. From time to time we will be advertising restored instruments for sale as well (have a look at our website for a fuller list and also our new instruments which we build to order). You can find us on Facebook too. Enjoy the music!
A C Norman &Co: restored Lachenal piccolo concertina
Quick demo of a Lachenal C/G piccolo concertina we have restored (with Ziz the cockatiel joining in out of shot!).
มุมมอง: 698
วีดีโอ
Wheatstone and Jeffries
มุมมอง 2K8 หลายเดือนก่อน
Comparison of two top quality C/G Anglo concertinas, including the differences in layout of buttons and notes. There are no effects or reverb added to the recordings, unlike many performance or sales videos - what you hear is what you get!
Metal ended Lachenal and unusual niello concertinas
มุมมอง 1.3K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Here we are comparing a 32-button Lachenal with metal ends with an unusual 36-button (34 plus whistle and squeak) concertina by an unknown maker (although it uses some parts supplied by Lachenal). The latter has ends decorated with niello style engraving and may well be unique.
Small Anglo concertinas
มุมมอง 2.4K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Good things in small packages! Andrew compares two smaller-than-usual 20 button Anglos, one by an unknown maker, probably European rather than English, the other a Lachenal with mahogany ends. Very cute!
Entry level concertinas Part 3: How we made them play better - if you can't fix it, don't buy it!
มุมมอง 7K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Part 3 of our series on entry level concertinas, showing what we did to make them work better. Sephanelli, Scarlatti and two Stagi instruments. Links to Parts 1 and 2 are below. Part 1: th-cam.com/video/FIUXCpb6maE/w-d-xo.html Part 2: th-cam.com/video/pSy2czyV3Mk/w-d-xo.html
Anglo Concertina Comparison (A C Norman & Co stock, March 2022)
มุมมอง 4.1K2 ปีที่แล้ว
A comparison of several Anglo concertinas - Lachenals with both wooden and metal ends, an anonymous wooden-ended example and two of our A C Norman & Co models. All have steel reeds and all in C/G except the A C Norman 'Jubilee' model which is G/D. They were all recorded in the same room, using the same recording equipment on the same settings, within the space of an hour.
Entry Level Concertinas Part 2: Chinese-, Italian- and English-made Concertinas
มุมมอง 3.7K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Here we are demonstrating more accordion-reeded Anglo concertinas, old and new, a step up from those featured in Part 1, costing from £100-£700 second hand price. Blackthorn, vintage Stagi and Wheatstone Mayfair concertinas.
Entry level Anglo concertinas Part 1: Chinese- and Italian-made concertinas
มุมมอง 13K2 ปีที่แล้ว
We wanted to show in an unbiased, matter-of-fact way what you can find for £100 or less in 2022 and what problems you might find. Stephanelli, Scarlatti and Stagi.
A C Norman & Co bass English concertina
มุมมอง 2.1K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Introducing the A C Norman & Co bass English concertina, designed and built in 2021. The music is an untitled piece by Dowland, played by Jeremy Hague, who happened to be visiting and was kind enough to record some samples for us at very short notice on a new instrument.
A C Norman & Co baritone English concertina
มุมมอง 2.8K3 ปีที่แล้ว
Here's a little bit about our history and a quick demo of our baritone English concertina. For more information have a look at our website www.acnorman.co.uk or get in touch (contact details at the end of the video). Thanks for watching!
A C Norman & Co C/G baritone anglo concertina
มุมมอง 2.6K3 ปีที่แล้ว
The A C Norman & Co baritone anglo concertina, which plays one octave lower than the normal C/G anglo. See www.acnorman.co.uk for details of our new and restored concertinas. The tune is a sentimental old song arranged by Andrew Norman as a dance tune.
A C Norman & Co Miniature Concertina
มุมมอง 3.1K3 ปีที่แล้ว
Here's a little video about the A C Norman & Co miniature Anglo concertina. We also make an English system version. For all our models and options have a look at our website www.acnorman.co.uk/ Check out our Facebook posts for one-off commissions, unusual concertinas and major restorations of antique free reed instruments. Thanks for watching and please get in touch if you want more information.
Bass Anglo
มุมมอง 4.5K4 ปีที่แล้ว
The A C Norman & Co bass Anglo concertina in G/D - a prototype fresh from the workshop on 2nd June 2020. After years of design, head scratching and tea drinking, building this instrument is what's been keeping us busy during the quiet period of the coronavirus lockdown!
H Crabb, J Crabb, T Shakespeare, C Jeffries concertinas
มุมมอง 3.8K4 ปีที่แล้ว
Choosing a concertina can be a difficult decision and it's best to try out as many as you can before buying and keep an open mind. Here is a comparison of some of our top quality restored instruments, two by Crabb, one by Shakespeare and one by Jeffries. Check for availability if you are interested in purchasing.
Henry Harley CG Blue Eyed Stranger
มุมมอง 3.3K4 ปีที่แล้ว
Our recent major restoration of a C/G Henry Harley from the 1880s created a lot of interest worldwide! It has now been sold but here's a little video of this wonderful and very quirky rectangular concertina being played by Andrew Norman. The tune is Blue Eyed Stranger. We have also got a video in progress comparing a 40-key Crabb, 36-key Crabb, 38-key Shakespeare and 38-key Jeffries, all in C/G...
I have 9
Thank you.
One of my favorite tunes to play, I keep coming back to this, well done Andrew beautiful restoration
Ur last comment was funny! 😅
I’m learning there are 1) concertinas only good for seeing how you get along with the instrument’s layout $, 2) concertinas that have problems you might or might not tolerate that will break prematurely $$, and 3) $$$ So you have to decide how long do you want that first concertina to last and can you recoup the $. It’s good to set reasonable expectations.
That Blackthorn looks much like a Sherwood Flynn. Are they related. Do the Sherwoods suffer the same Chinese problem?
I don't think they are made to the same design, the finish on the Blackthorn is not particularly good, and the reeds are crudely waxed onto the the action section. The Flynn is advertised with Czech reeds and a reedpan. I have not tried one of those yet, so cannot comment on the build quality, sound nor finish.
"An instrument sounds as good as the good tune you play on it"
Currently for sale. Please check website for details of all concertinas we currently have for sale. www.acnorman.co.uk/
And the winner... JEFFRIES!!!
Que instrumento más bello❤
The sound level is the same throughout, I'm afraid the spoken sections will be quieter, as the instruments when played are much louder. We never record concertinas at a different level, nor add any effects (as most other video makers have) in order to give a true sound and accurate representation.
Ironically, terrible audio.
Could the fabric be treated with maybe boiled linseed oil to reseal them?
Excellent video. I have owned one of each. My favorite sound is the Lachenal.
It's always a difficult choice. I have a Crabb/Jeffries but I always enjoy the better made Lachenal. I think the hook action adds a lot to the sound as it's easier to make the empty space between notes that adds to the herky jerky sound that is unique to the concertina.
I agree - the linota and the Jeffries models are lovely to play but the lachenals are way sweeter in tone.
@@PatsyConnaughton Personally I love the throaty tone of the Jeffreys - at least for Irish music. For English a sweeter tone may be a better fit.
Hi Andrew. I have recently acquired a well used Stagi A18 English concertina. It’s my ‘travel” concertina and easier to tuck into my suitcase than my Wheatstone English. The little concertina has a couple of keys that get stuck open. I assume it’s because the little runner pieces below the buttons have lost their flex? One day, if you have time, I’d love to see a video in which you fix a similar problem.
Many of the old Stagi instruments have buttons fixed to the levers using a small eyelet, that means the buttons will change angle as the lever moves, and in theory the button will straighten up as it it released. All the parts in the action wear quickly, so it might need a bit of redesigning! The Stagi and Chinese concertinas that use lengths of rubber or plastic tubing to wedge the buttons on the levers (as shown in the videos) can be repaired when they perish, by using rubber and leather washers instead.
@@ACNormanCoConcertinaMakers Thank you. I am currently travelling but will examine the mechanism further when I am back at home. My little 18 button box came from eBay and even with it's problems, is really fun to play. Last year, I visited the little factory in Recanati where Concertine Italia is making instruments with many of the tools from the old Stagi/Bastari factories. The two women who are currently making the instruments have, I think, improved the quality of the instruments. I recently purchased a Hayden Duet from them and it's an awesome instrument. Here's a link to a video I made at the little factory. th-cam.com/video/2ypFYSbA678/w-d-xo.htmlsi=l8L8dLcnkiMw6iyM
Very informative Andrew.
I thought there was a bird chirping in the house, then I realised it was your little bird on the recording, glad he is still going <3
Thanks Andrew.
Thanks a lot for this explanation! I have one of the Scarlatti models and noticed it took longer to close or open the bellows when holding the air button, comparing to a friend who was playing on a much more expensive concertina (a Jeffries or Suttner I think). This is the first time I saw how the instrument is constructed, and imagine the difference is in the diameter of the air hole you showed (plus maybe the plasticised bellows are stiff compared to leather?).
Man this instrument is so cool, I just wish it were more affordable 😅
Gracias por la información. Aquí en España no tenemos tanto acceso a concertinas clásicas anglo y los músicos que la tocan son escasos.
Well Andrew, a fine demonstration of a variety of models - but! Playing with the bellows on the thigh and not, as fully recommended, the wooden end assembly so as to avoid wear on the bellows! Slap on the wrist sir. Go stand in the corner - ☹️ Richard
That was grand. That's a great wee box!
Outstanding direction !
Very informative video!!! I do have a question though. Is it possible to take the waxed on reeds out and make them the screw in style? Is that even possible?
On all concertinas of this type of construction, the reeds are attached to blocks that go inwards towards the bellows, the C and G row reeds are facing out and accessible, but the reeds for the top (accidental) row, are very difficult to get to, especially on the Scarlatti. So you would need to make the reed blocks removable, in order to convert to screwed on reed-plates. As the Scarlatti bellows will be leaking like a sieve, and the buttons sticking in a short space of time, you will need to address these issues before converting the reed-plate fixing. All these things are possible to improve but a lot of work will be necessary.
@ACNormanCoConcertinaMakers Okay, thank you for the insight. I've never owned one, so I wasn't sure if it was possible to modify them.
Great video with inside info. Thanks Norman.
What a lovely little concertina! Sweet tone.
Muy bonito video Sueño con ese instrumento quisiera construirlo pero no tengo los planos
Thanks for your channel. I just bought a concertina and spent a little extra since I wanted to learn on one that I wouldn't want to trade in on another after a short time (a Swan model from McNeela) I am having such a hard time holding it properly, primarily because I have some arthritis in my thumbs. The use of the air button is probably the hardest at this time since it seems that it is quite a reach for my thumb. Wish I lived in an area that I could try out many models to possibly find one that fits best. It almost seems that if the air button was larger, I could access it easier and maybe reduce the thumb pain. I still have a couple of days to return it, but hate to since I love the sound from this instrument. Any thoughts on how to make it easier on the right thumb? Best regards
Hi Rick, On some concertinas it is be possible to fit a larger or longer air button, or add a larger diameter top, or even a thumb lever extending from the hand-bar to the air release. Ask McNeela's to adapt it, I'm sure any dealer will want to do all they can for their customers.
@@ACNormanCoConcertinaMakers Yes, I have messaged them and waiting for a reply. Also, I have received some good ideas from others that have modified their air button. Thanks for the reply. Best regards
You should include a link to your website on your videos.
Can you supply your web site location? I may be interested very soon. Thank you.
www.acnorman.co.uk For all new concertinas made to order and restored vintage concertinas.
Thank you for showing us what it looks like on the inside!
J'adore
I like the last one 👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍🌵💜🍀☕️
Lovely ‘Tina and playing. I was however surprised to see you resting the bellows on your knee and not one of the end plates!
Well spotted,! I shouldn't have done that! We usually make these videos centred on the old green sofa, not the best playing position so please don't play like that!
I am a total beginner and this post has helped me so much .thank you
I like the simple explanations about what we experience with bottom-grade instruments, good for photo shoots but not for playing. The pickings are rather slim in these parts where concertinas are not popular so availability is…really a thing, and affordability goes along with it. Hard to know I’m not just paying more for the same materials and design! Thanks!
I loved it! It sound so amazing! Great job! Greetings from Brazil
..looks like SquarePants... what's a shape gotta do with the sound.!? ..does make sweet music though!
I think that the idea of the traditional 6+ sides is to save weight. In this case, the maker seems to have (literally) cut corners to save on manufacturing costs. Because it has so few buttons, this probably didn't matter as much as would on a more fully-featured instrument so it was probably a reasonable tradeoff.
I like those big buttons.
Many thanks for this Andrew, part two was very interesting too.
Thank you for these videos, I just discovered your Channel. Even though I'm primarily a guitar player, I started playing concertina and 1976 is a young midshipman during operation sail. I've done some minor repairs on concertinas over the years, but can you explain how one would change a spring if need be? Thank you very much. It looks difficult without pulling the entire shaft out, is there a work around to it? That is, how to get the spring into the shaft. Cheers.
On these types of concertina you would have to remove the rod far enough to extract the broken spring to replace it, and be prepared to have to realign levers and pads.
@@ACNormanCoConcertinaMakers thank you for your prompt response. Much appreciated for explaining what is involved!
The unnamed maker concertina sounds lovely.
wow amazing playing
Great video again Andy, very informative. atvb Anthony
th-cam.com/video/FIUXCpb6maE/w-d-xo.html I haven't seen this type of action by Stagi(Gremlin)
Great video Andy, I'm sure I remember making part of that "Jubilee" and metal end ACN model :-)
Andrew, thanks so much. Be in touch soon.
Thank you I really enjoyed this video. I started with a Stephanelli anglo and within a few weeks upgraded to a superior model.
The advise I've always given for someone new to concertina is that it is worth spending more for a mid-level concertina, not only because it will be more fun to play, but also they hold their value so well. Yes, you may be out 700-2000, but if you decide the concertina is not for you you can resell it for the same price.