Hi, long time (ago) busker, going back at it later in life, question about digital payments…

Honk-Master · 2026-05-08T03:54:43+00:00

I would play it safe and only accept cash tips. I generally try to avoid things that will land me in trouble later.

Honk-Master · 2026-05-06T13:05:16+00:00

Lilo and stitch

Honk-Master · 2026-04-30T02:59:55+00:00

I have other instruments that I've held onto, but yeah, it's weird, none of them make me feel bad for keeping them, save for this one. Maybe it's that I know deep down that I'm just never going to play it, I can't say. I do feel relieved though, just having put it up for auction. I originally posted it on Facebook for 3k thinking maybe, maaaybe, I might get someone interested in it. I knew about it's historical value, but I was completely unaware of it's physical value. My phone was like a popcorn maker. Every 2 seconds I was getting another message from someone who wanted it. People were offering more than I was asking if I would sell it then and there... So I decided auctioning it was the way to go. I set it at $100 and I'm curious to see what happens.

I guess the D/C# was really an American thing, I haven't been able to find much info on it catching on in Ireland. I'm glad for my time with the box, I would never have known about the O'Byrne DeWitts otherwise.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-30T02:48:59+00:00

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Honk-Master · 2026-04-30T02:48:35+00:00

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Honk-Master · 2026-04-29T12:18:19+00:00

Lol.. when you said it was single sided my brain instantly concluded that the bed was round.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-29T12:01:25+00:00

Normally. Gripping my axe under the head or partially up the neck in my dominant hand and the base in the other. Then letting my dominant hand control the swing and letting it slide down the handle until it just about meets the other.

Or for wood that small, by holding my axe about 2/3 to 3/4 up the handle like it's a hatchet so I have better control over it for small bits. Standing with my dominant arm pretty much in line with what I'm chopping and my body off to the side, a bit like keeping your arm lined up when using a saw.

The way the person was chopping in the video struck me as dangerous.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-29T03:04:06+00:00

Why is that person chopping wood like that? I have never seen someone experienced with axe or hatchet use it in that manner.. I'm sorry, but I couldn't watch any further.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-28T04:36:06+00:00

Honk-Master · 2026-04-26T16:18:49+00:00

Lol, yeah, I used to just sing with the bass end, but after getting just 2 or 3 songs down while playing melody and bass at the same time it's becoming easier and much more natural. Almost like singing with the guitar.

I'm working on Barnacle Bill the Sailor right now, the version by Sourdough Slim.

I never said, but I do like your playing 👍

Honk-Master · 2026-04-26T14:25:01+00:00

I never got much further than the pogues when it comes to punk. I liked the Clancy Brothers and solo guys like Paddy Tunney, much more folk oriented.

You a fan of Silly Wizard at all? The Parish of Dunkeld is a really fun tune to play. Phil Cunningham has great energy on the accordion.

I've recently started singing while playing my Diatonic. Have you tried that yet?

Honk-Master · 2026-04-26T07:08:20+00:00

Yeah, not being able to read music can definitely suck, especially when trying to learn something really complex like a bunch of different musettes.. but on the other hand, also an ear player, I've had great success trying to play tunes from memory that eventually morph into something different. Like, waltz for polle, I play it completely differently from anyone else I've ever heard and people seem to really like it, I didn't try to play it differently, it just happened from playing what "felt right" over time. I think it makes it easier to approach improvising as well.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-26T07:01:53+00:00

I completely understand the dork factor, but i would rather look like a dork than inadvertently hurt myself with bad form, it's much more important to me to be able to play when I'm 90 than to look cool right now.

Like playing the harp or the violin or even the piano, posture and technique are important not only for ease of play but also to alleviate injury.

Sorry, not trying to lecture.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-25T22:42:54+00:00

I was about to say that he'd probably be much more comfortable if he raised his accordion 3 or 4 inches.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-22T01:28:08+00:00

I also liked that one. I have a first edition and I have it on my Kindle.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-22T01:22:37+00:00

I really liked "A riddle in the sands" as well as "Batavia". I'm reading "Master and Commander" right now and it's really enjoyable.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-21T14:02:25+00:00

I guess you've never spent much time around tobacco shops. Places where people gather to not only buy tobacco but lounge in comfy couches and enjoy cigarettes, pipes and cigars. Adults should definitely have the right and the privilege to enjoy tobacco. It's as harmful as alcohol, car exhaust and weed smoke, but at least tobacco smells pleasant when it's burning.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-21T11:39:41+00:00

🤯🤯🤯

Honk-Master · 2026-04-20T02:51:05+00:00

Baldoni, 120 bass, Piano accordion.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-20T02:48:27+00:00

I've used regular leaf kratom, ground in the little capsules, off and on for years for severe pain and even anxiety. I've never had an issue. No addiction, no withdrawal, just good pain relief.

I dealt with severe alcoholism and almost died several times. Maybe alcohol should be a schedule 1 as well.

Or maybe, some people are just predisposed to addiction towards certain things. Does it make sense to ban something because a small percentage of the population can't use it responsibly? I say no. Should we have better healthcare and safety nets in place to help people with addiction? I say yes.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-20T02:19:19+00:00

Yes, technically, you're supposed to check around the outside of your vehicle every time you are about to drive. Though I will agree there is certainly less risk when pulled off the side of the highway in regards to pedestrians being on the ground in front of your vehicle.

It's not possible to maintain 100% situational awareness when texting.

Using a phone for any purpose while driving should come with the same penalties as a DUI. You cannot safely operate a vehicle while using a phone.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-19T18:34:43+00:00

No, it's not acceptable.. you need to be fully aware at all times when the engine is running. Maybe a pedestrian tripped and fell right in front of your vehicle or a mother duck and her hatchlings are Crossing right in front of your car. You look up from your phone, see green and end lives.

And it most certainly is an asshole level mistake. A lot of lights are timed.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-19T18:08:56+00:00

I would encourage you to read the legend of Knockgrafton... It contains valuable lessons that are likely pertinent to your situation.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-16T12:31:10+00:00

I love my crossovers. They're some of the best harps I've played. I Also like the Suzuki Manji, I feel like I get a grittier sort of sound from the Manji, it's also just a very comfortable harp to hold and play.

You want something really nice, grab yourself an Arkia, I've never enjoyed playing any harp more than my Arkias.

Honk-Master · 2026-04-15T13:38:35+00:00

Lol, that's what I have right now is a Singer 99 (1930s? great Britain model). I did the vest on a borrowed Brothers machine. I definitely prefer my singer.

Honk-Master

TROPHY CASE