Hayden Duet Concertina: Waltz Medley

Here I'm playing the old-time Song "Two Babes in the Woods," followed by the Northumbrian tune "Elsey's Waltz" by Archie Dagg. The instrument is a Wakker 46-key Hayden duet concertina with padauk ends made in 2007, see www.ConcertinaConnection.com for more details. I borrowed a second video camera to simultaneously record a close-up of my left hand for a little variety and added detail. The audio is a mix of both camera's on-board mics for the live room sound, and a higher-quality MP3 recorder close by for a cleaner, more detailed and accurate sound.

I've been playing the Hayden/Wicki duet concertina for a little over a year. At first, I had a Stagi Hayden concertina, but it was big, hard to play, and didn't sound great, so I didn't practice much. But I liked the Hayden/Wicki system enough to order a custom Wakker Hayden duet, and I've been playing it pretty much every day since it arrived in October 2007. It's far better than the Stagi in every way.

Duet concertinas allow you to play chords or melody independently with each hand (much like a piano), and I'm just scratching the surface of the potential of this concertina. I have arranged several more complex tunes which I can't quite play yet, but I'll post them in the upcoming months, assuming I keep improving!

See www.concertina.net for lots of information and discussion about all varieties of concertinas.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Concertina
• Waltz
• Hayden
• Duet
• Wicki
• Wakker
• 46
• JeffLeff
• Northumbrian
• Old-Time
• Acoustic
• Folk
• Music

[Nulanula]

It's a beautiful instrument, for sure.

But, how would one go about learning it? There are some English and Anglo concertina teaching materials around (although not much of it), but this looks more complicated.

How did you learn? Self-taught or teacher?

Any hints on the best way to get started would be appreciated.

[JeffLeff]

I'm self-taught. In a way, it's more straightforward than anglo, since the layout is regular, and the notes are the same in each direction.

There is now an affordable beginner model Hayden concertina, look for the "Elise" on the ConcertinaConnection website. It comes with a tutor book. The range is a bit limited though.

[nichmars]

Great playing! Since the English and Duet are both "same note- push and pull" isn't it possible to play chords or melody independently in each hand on both? I'm trying to get a beter understanding for how these instruments are different. Sounded fantastic though!

[JeffLeff]

The problem with playing independently on both hands with the English is that notes alternate between sides -- not every note you need is on each side. You can really twist your fingers up trying to add independent harmony or chords, many combinations are just not possible. You can arrange cleverly to work around the limitations with very good results, but you don't have the freedom you have on a duet. Search for "JulietteDaum" for some great multi-voice English playing on YouTube.

[fledglingwhistler]

Sounds great!!!! I am going to learn to play as soon as my Elise Hayden arrives .... shesh .... you make it look easy but I have a feeling that I am in for a challenge!!!

[eastrockaway11518]

Audio Video was Great! Nice job!

[RayHomewood]

Super playing and such nice tunes, Jeff : )

PS Waiting to get my hands on an Elise Hayden Duet with great anticipation!

[hippymumsal]

Beautifully played. :)

[JLMoriart]

@Nulanula The note layout, like he said, is more straightforward. Wikipedia "Wicki-Hayden Note layout" and you'll get a good look at where the notes are located. The layout is isomorphic, which means you get the same fingering for any musical idea in every single key.

[ukulelemike]

Sweet! Add some ukulele and you'd have an awesome duet there! I ought to look into adding it to my repertoire.

[bsam20uk]

What a magic instrument, it sounds so sweet and you play with great skill and sympathy for the music. Thanks for sharing.

[handstrapz]

Darned good!

Shows the strength of the Duetts.

[geno1149]

Very good Jeff. I sure enjoy your playing. Keep it up.