Civil War accordeon video

[dculgan]

Many folks have wondered what the Civil War era French accordeons (a.k.a. flutina) sounded like. There were a lot of them imported during the mid 19th centruy until German and Italian made instruments took over (blame the Franco-Prussian war). The one I am playing was made around 1850. Excuse the poor video, I'm still trying to find a way to get some good recordings up on u-tube. Here's the link:

http://youtu.be/cZuT4DCl-9s

Dave Culgan, Camptown Shakers

[5strings]

Very cool!

[netnet81]

Love it! thanks for sharing.

[Bill Thurman]

Where can I get one, does anyone make anything close repo. Always wanted to play a period accoridian !! Excellent thread!!!!

[dculgan]

Where can I get one, does anyone make anything close repo. Always wanted to play a period accoridian !! Excellent thread!!!!

I had thought that the music from these relatively fragile instruments might be lost to time and even as I play my own antique instrument I worry that one day I will just pull it apart. Fortunately I have found someone that is knowledgeable in construction and repair and very much invloved in developing a reproduction instrument. I have seen Andy Gelfert's prototype, the casework and bellows were a faithful copy of a period accordeon in his collection, the workmanship is incredible. The prototype is not yet complete but I'm hoping one day to be able to play on a new instrument. In playing condition these things really are addictive and hard to put down. Andy has a website in progress at victorianaccordeon.com and you can also reach him through Facebook. Dave Culgan, Camptown Shakers band.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Thanks for sharing!

[Marc]

Neat..thanks for sharing

[dculgan]

Here's another example of flutina accordeon playing - "The Bonnie Blue Flag" as I remembered it from "Gods & Generals" soundtrack featuring the 2nd South Carolina band. A few mistakes here and there and I mis-remembered the melody line of the 3rd part a bit but hope you enjoy. I am finding that this is a difficult instrument to record, the Mac's built in mic doesn't really capture the drones very well. Dave Culgan

http://youtu.be/1hXd_TJSziU

[maillemaker]

Cool stuff!

Steve