Wakker MIDI
 EMC-48  and  AMC-30  MIDI Concertinas

 AMC-30, 30 key anglo concertina (amboyna veneers) MIDI controller concertina, developed
by the Concertina Connection and Tethys, a Dutch computer development company. 
 

The EMC-48,  48 key english model

Construction
Both the EMC-48 (English 48 key) and AMC-30 (Anglo-30 key) are a combination of a traditionally built concertina and a wireless MIDI controller. 

The concertina plays, feels and looks like a 'normal' concertina. Both english and anglo models have our brass double guided riveted action, "Wheatstone type" keys (delrin core with a domed metal sleeve), traditional brass end bolts, and 6 fold leather bellows. The ends are French polished. Both models are available in a variety of exclusive hardwood veneers as well as "all black". 
 

Bellows action
Although the bellows are not necessary with MIDI concertinas, we included them on these instruments
to make the instrument  play exactly like a reeded concertina would.  This is true for bellows movement;
when playing a note, the bellows also open and close,
just like on a reeded concertina, and dynamics; the
higher the pressure, the louder the tone. 
In order to assure the correct bellows 'feel', we use the same 'all leather' bellows as we do on our other instruments, such as the Phoenix anglo and Geuns-Wakker models.

The MIDI part
Both english and anglo models are reedless concertinas. The instrument itself does not produce any sound. Instead,  the instruments transmit MIDI information to a receiver which can be connected to any MIDI compatible (sound) source, such as a computer, synthesizer module, keyboard, etc.. This sound source determines the sound you'll hear. For instance, if you select a flute or piano sound, your concertina will sound like these instruments. 
Both EMC-48 and AMC-30 models are wireless systems. The concertina is not connected to the receiver. Because of this, the player is not limited in his/her movement when, for instance, playing on stage. The battery in the concertina can be recharged through a connector on the right side (bottom). This direct wire connection can also be used
to send MIDI information to the receiver. 
 

MIDI specifications
The instruments can generate data over two channels (layers) simultaneously. This means you can combine two
different sounds at the same time. You can, of course, also use just one 'sound' at a time.

On the left hand side the instrument  has 2 micro switches  to select the octave setting (up-down). Both models can be set to 4 different octaves: bass(-2 octaves), baritone (-1) treble (0) and piccolo (+1). 

The receiver has several selection buttons and a led display showing all necessary information. Functions that are not changed frequently (e.g. keyboard lay out etc.,) can be changed on the receiver.  

MIDI switches
The concertina itself contains besides the MIDI electronics also a rechargeable battery, 5 micro switches and  4 led's.  The right hand side of the instrument has 3 micro switches with
the following functions:

* on/off 
* layer 1 selection
* layer 2 selection

The left hand side has 2 micro switches with the following functions:

* octave up
* octave down

There are 4 led's on top of the right hand side (on both models) that correspond with the micro switches
 

The 4 led's on the right side of the concertina: (from top to bottom)
* battery condition/recharge 
* on/off
* layer 1 
* layer 2 

 

Keyboard lay out
The MIDI system includes 6 keyboard lay outs:
1 English treble concertina
2 English tenor
3 anglo Wheatstone/Lachenal 
4 anglo Jeffries 
5 anglo Irish 
6 anglo Jeffries 2
7 free programmable lay out.

The free programmable lay out allows the player to develop/select his own keyboard lay out. 

Updates
Both the EMC-48 and AMC-30 models have been developed with the concertina player in mind. These instruments are still concertinas. The selection of MIDI applications match the way a concertina is played. Every musical instrument and situation has different MIDI preferences, e.g. 16 part multi timbral possibilities are very useful in combination with a sequencer, but in a live performance situation, a single channel with easy access to all the parameters is preferable. 
The standard configuration, with the MIDI electronics housed in a separate small box, makes it possible to offer up dates in the future. The instrument itself, which only houses the contacts, controls and transmitter, will not need to be altered, just the electronics in the receiver. The MIDI setup is open ended. The possibilities are (almost) unlimited. Updates are partly customer guided. Feed back from players will play an important role in the further development of these instruments.  

Prices
The price for the basic (black French polished) ACM-30 (anglo) is $3725.00 and ECM-48 (English) $4150.00.  This includes the instrument, receiver and soft bag.   
Both models are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of five years.
       

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