I learned a short while ago that Richard (Rich) Morse, founder of The Button Box (Sunderland, Massachusetts) and lead designer of the Morse Anglo and English concertinas, passed away last night. The cause was melanoma.
Rich was a major force in the spread of free-reed instruments in the U.S. The Button Box became *the* place to go for a wide selection of accordions and concertinas, and for quality repairs and restoration. Its annual Northeast Squeeze-In is a players' event that has kept many of us coming back for the tunes, instrument-swapping, and friendship.
The Morse Ceili (Anglo) and Albion (English) concertinas incorporated many innovations in design and construction. They are fine instruments that bridge the gap between entry-level boxes and traditional/vintage models that cost many thousands of dollars more. It's a testament to their quality that his instruments are played in Ireland and around the globe.
How sad, a fine man and wonderful advocate for the world of free reeds. After meeting him and dealing with him in buying my current accordion, I recommended The Button Box to everyone who was interested in accordions and concertinas. He will be missed, and I hope the fine business he built will last for many years.
Rich Morse, RIP
Rich Morse, RIP
I learned a short while ago that Richard (Rich) Morse, founder of The Button Box (Sunderland, Massachusetts) and lead designer of the Morse Anglo and English concertinas, passed away last night. The cause was melanoma.
Rich was a major force in the spread of free-reed instruments in the U.S. The Button Box became *the* place to go for a wide selection of accordions and concertinas, and for quality repairs and restoration. Its annual Northeast Squeeze-In is a players' event that has kept many of us coming back for the tunes, instrument-swapping, and friendship.
The Morse Ceili (Anglo) and Albion (English) concertinas incorporated many innovations in design and construction. They are fine instruments that bridge the gap between entry-level boxes and traditional/vintage models that cost many thousands of dollars more. It's a testament to their quality that his instruments are played in Ireland and around the globe.
He will be deeply missed.
# Posted on March 4th 2009 by boxist
Re: Rich Morse, RIP
How sad, a fine man and wonderful advocate for the world of free reeds. After meeting him and dealing with him in buying my current accordion, I recommended The Button Box to everyone who was interested in accordions and concertinas. He will be missed, and I hope the fine business he built will last for many years.
# Posted on March 4th 2009 by AlBrown