It is a really neat thing about the Oberlin Waltz that in one phrase and using only octaves you can use all 10 buttons and do a really credible version. It requires moving around the keyboard.
It's very important to be able to quickly and accurately make large moves on the keyboard for any number of songs.
I'm working on an instructional of the Oberlin Waltz that covers this. It turns out to be quite difficult to play slowly and to play the same thing accurately with no embellishments. I vividly remember my early learning days though.
I've found that it's really easy to get lazy and to find ways to play close to the "home row" of 4-5-6-7 and avoid big moves. I'm wishing that the Oberlin Waltz was the first song to learn.
You don't use a thumb strap? On a single row? That would be challenging. The only way I can think that would work out would be if you used two shoulder straps instead of one. Is that what you do?
On a triple row, I never use a thumb strap, but I don't need to since the two shoulder straps hold the accordion in position very well.
Many players of other genres do not use the thumb strap, by pulling tension on a single shoulder strap and pushing tension on the keyboard edge with the unrestricted thumb, and often with a groove in the edge of the keyboard. I made one box like that for an Irish player who played that way. I tried to play it, and didn't get the hang of it. I can see where it allows you to roam the two horizons of the keyboard without restriction, but it felt way to alien to me.
"You don't use a thumb strap? On a single row? That would be challenging. The only way I can think that would work out would be if you used two shoulder straps instead of one. Is that what you do?"
You use a thumb strap ? How do you play that way ? Restrictive.
I use one shoulder strap and press the box against my left knee/leg/thigh. Locks it in place. Thumb against the edge of the fingerboard . Complete and free movement.
I do not find the thumb strap to be restrictive. I can easily position my hand so that 4 fingers can cover 4 buttons on the full range of the keyboard. That includes the "home" position of buttons 5, 6, 7, 8, and also the low note position of buttons 1, 2, 3, 4, and the high note position of buttons 7, 8, 9, 10. I can easily and quickly shift between these three areas.
I suppose that YMMV depending on the size of your hands. Mine are fairly big, so maybe that's why I don't find my hand movements to be unduly restricted by the thumb strap.
Since I always play standing up, it is not an option to brace the accordion with a knee, leg or thigh.
Bohemian, it seems like you hold your accordion like Sharon Shannon, is that correct? You see this approach very often with Irish players.
I have a two row Castagnari and tried it too (for Irish trad), but never really got the hang of it. Maybe my left arm is too short.
Yes, OMG yes I play like Sharron Shannon..
Gag me...
NO.
Sharon Shannnon uses a huge bit of foam on the bass side. plays stepped keyboards, and has talent and skill I will never have.
She plays like no one.
However, I do play like 90% of the Irish players as to position.
Lock the box.
As one very famous Irish B/C player now living in America says..
Get a shot glass of whiskey, put it on the top of the box and play without spilling a drop.
I never play standing up.
I sit and lock the box. One last thing to worry about.