Accordion Raincoat?

[maskedwarrior]

Hi - this is my first post here. Greetings.

This summer I'm playing my 1965 Galanti accordion in an outdoor theatre production of Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem - on in Devon in late May & June. The box is in nice shape and has had a recent major service, and I'd really like to keep it that way! However - having done outdoor theatre before - I'm all too aware what the weather can bring! Basically, I'd really like a clear plastic 'raincoat' cover that I could put over the accordion. Ideally I would be able to slip my hands inside the cover and play. Anyone got any suggestions or ideas? I'd be most grateful. Thanks. Tony

 

[VintageIorio]

I'd get a waterproof "poncho". They usually have a hood for your head and then drape over your entire body top half. Your hands and arms would be covered as well as the accordion. I'm going to try to look on the internet for a clear plastic one and will post again if I find one. Best Regards, --Loren

 

[VintageIorio]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/plastic-poncho

I found this by Googling clear plastic poncho

 

[Happy girl]

A poncho is great idea & functional.

If however you are seeking attractive, unusual, unique & different, why not put your ‘creative juices hat' on & design something to specification which suits your purpose.

Waterproof material is easy to sew & the seams are easily waterproofed; a proficient needle person or hobbyist would have no problem making one up for you.

You never know, this could take off & be the next big thing; after all, if you have a need, so will others.

Have fun......Good luck!

 

[goldtopia]

I would refuse to play an accordion in the rain, even with a water proof poncho. It would be better to have a recorded backup.

 

[Guernseyman]

I'm with Bill on this one. Those ponchos don't look very substantial and if it gets pierced by some enthusiastic bellows work - it could be last time you use them! If I was to be playing outside in the rain, I would want a shelter of some sort!

 

[smdc66]

If I was to be playing outside in the rain, I would want a shelter of some sort!

this topic worries me and ideally id like to have a bit of an older battered pa for this sort of occasion and avoid main one being used

at fun day football matches i have seen crowds bring those pop up gazebos which look functional / practical

problems come when your playing requires moving around people or areas in which case a good poncho would be useful

how about a big tree to stand under in your customised poncho in a gazebo with a volunteer holding a big umbrella over you :lol:

 

[Anyanka]

I play my Morris box under a rain poncho quite frequently - however, that is precisely why I have a dedicated Morris box. It's both lighter than my main accordion, and not as precious (I love it, but it's old, inexpensive and easily fixable). My poncho is not clear, so the effect is quite comical, too.

 

[maskedwarrior]

Thanks all very much. Anyanka thanks - yes a big poncho would certainly be better than nothing. I too fear, though, the disposable kind that are readily available could be too weak. I would want to seek out a sturdy one.

Happy Girl - the thought hadn't occurred to me but making one is a possibility I guess! I know of no one who could do it though.... unless someone in the cast is adept. I will have to see. Indeed, a made-to-measure cover would facilitate the quick getting on and off of the thing, while remaining in character, making it possibly more elegant than wrestling with a massive poncho - the comic side effects of which may not be desirable.

However, I'd have to say this is an outside chance if I'm being realistic.

The possibility of shelter is probably a no go - as I have to walk and play, I doubt the director would be keen on conveniently placed gazebos or unbrellas on stands dotted around the set!

It's looking increasingly as if a 'crap' accordion is that which is sought here, to use in inclement weather... I would be happy to play my nice one if there was not a cloud in the sky... however, as is all too often the case, bits of drizzle here and there - or the ever-present likelihood of such - may render these ideal conditions rare.

I guess it all depends on the summer. Hope it's a nice one.

So...I think I'm after a 'crap' accordion. If anyone knows where a good place to go would be - or indeed has one they want to jettison - please let me know I got my nice one from ebay - and there are loads of crappy ones on there too, I know - however I'd want it to be at least partly in tune, so I could play with other people - and this balance of crap/serviceable might be hard to get right. So would like to try one first, ideally.

Incidentally, it's supposed to be a crap accordion in the play (someone's done a wee in it), so this would be fitting at least

Tony

 

[george garside]

Though similar to a pncho a traditional cycling cape available from bike shops is better as it is more voluminous being menat to cover the person, his arms, the handlebars etc . It enables full bellwos movement without restriction as the box takes the place (ish) of the handlebars. The arms are contained therein rather than having to be inserted through orifices etc.

and they roll up tightly enough to be attached to ones trouser belt ready for instant action!

george

 

[Anyanka]

Tony, do you need a full size accordion for 'crap' or will a 48 bass do? I use a Hohner 48-bass for the Morris - as I've switched to button accordion, the Student piano accordion has been replaced by the very similar Amati 3-row button model. They're nice enough, and pleasant to play, but old and comparatively cheap.

 

[maskedwarrior]

What a great suggestion george. I'm looking into that now!

These are just the sort of helpful ideas I was after. Thanks everyone

Anyanka, ideally a 48 would be best of all actually - as mine is 120 bass and I find it heavy and rather hampering. As I'm not tall it's also rather physically imposing - blotting out most of me from view lol. I'll have a look around ebay and keep your recommendations in mind. It could be the show budget could cover a modestly-priced instrument. I will have to sound this out.

Thanks everyone once more.
Tony

 

[maskedwarrior]

Hmmm having real trouble finding a clear cycling poncho. I seem to have a habit of needing products that don't exist.

 

[Anyanka]

It might be worth checking German ebay for Hohner Students and similar inexpensive 48-bass instruments - that's where I got mine.
There's also Hobgoblin; they are currently trying to sell a Weltmeister 32 bass for me, which has had the bass end altered to run from F to F# (instead of the normal Eb to E).

 

[george garside]

Hmmm having real trouble finding a clear cycling poncho. I seem to have a habit of needing products that dont exist.

just put cycling cape on ebay and you will have several choices including different sizes colours etc

george