MIDI CONCERTINAS
 EMC-48  and  AMC-30  MIDI

 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.  

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