Chiff & Fipple Ejects Inspectors!

I was overwhelmed by the response to my post about my mother-in-law's death. Unbelievable. Marilyn sends her love & appreciation to you all. Thanks very much!

I am back at work. Missed about 10 days as Alice was at her most ill and then in taking care of funeral and burial and so on. Alice was buried in Jefferson City, Missouri. Marilyn & I nearly got stranded by heavy snowfall at St. Louis airport. I felt bad about all of the commercial jets having to wait on DaleForce One's preparations for departure. We requested the Deluxe De-Icing and, as you know, it takes a bit longer. (But, you get your choice of air freshener.) Plus, some of the goat cheese they had put on the plane was, well, unacceptable and had to be replaced. When I ask for Garrotxa. that's what I want. NOT a second-rate Cabra de Vino.

This is the first issue of Chiff & Fipple in WEEKS. This has been the longest stretch without an issue in seven years. Even before we had the illness and then death in our family, I was having trouble keeping up with work demands, which tend to impinge on my whistle-journalism time. So, all kinds of late-breaking whistle news has come and gone, only to snatched up by my many competitors, including that conniving Larry King.

II. TINWHISTLE DOCUMENTARY ON BBC FEATURING JAMES GALWAY! (AND NORMAN DANNATT!)

BBC recently broadcast a WONDERFUL 30-minute program on the whistle, featuring James Galway, Mary Bergin, with special interview with our own Norman Dannatt of Clarke Pennywhistle. Mary talks about her pleasure at the proliferation of new makers and mentions John Sindt, Pat O'Riordan, and Mike Copeland and demos these whistles. The program features a history of the whistle, all the way back to the Stone Age, and all kinds of side trips into world music, including an amazing section about Kwela! DO NOT MISS this terrific program, which is available on the web:

Phenix City, Alabama

IV. MESSAGE BOARD OVERHAUL

The Message Board Master, Rich Lafferty, has brought about a major upgrade in the board software which enhances the board considerably. Come visit at http://chiffboard.mati.ca. More about the Message Board Juggernaut later.

V. MEDITATION ON WhOA

Robert Kottke writes:

WhOA (Whistle Obsessive Acquisition Disorder) is alive and strong. It is mentioned on rec.celtic.music newsgroup. (I may of started it on the newsgroup but there were others who responded that admitted they have it too and are happy about it!) I just bought my 4th high D whistle, a tweaked Clarke Original from the Whistle Shop (http://www.thewhistleshop.com). That means that with the low D whistle, I have bought 5 whistles in the last year! I still have only 4, I gave a beautiful black Clarke Sweetone to my granddaughter, (hoping to pass the WhOA on.)

WhOA may be a disorder, but it is one that relaxes, comforts, and sometimes makes music.

Robert Kottke

VI. REVIEW OF CILLIAN O’BRIAIN AND IAN LAMBE LOW WHISTLES

by Phil Osattin (Philo)

Phil writes:

Recently, I posted asking whether anyone had any experience/knowledge regarding these whistles, as I was looking for a new metal Low F whistle, and knew nothing about these whistles other than their existence and availability. Blayne Chastain played the O’Briain Low F (non-tuneable) over the phone for me and I asked him to send me one. He also sent me one Lambe and one O’Briain tuneable Low D for trial and review.

Both the Lambe and the O’Briain are quality Low D, cylindrical bore, aluminum alloy, two-piece tuneable whistles, with cork and aluminum tuning slides and aluminum headjoints.

I will attempt to describe how they sound, but oddly, will say least about that most important aspect because tonal quality is a matter of personal taste and the descriptive terms so subject to interpretation (note the continued threads debating not only what chiff is, but whether a specific whistle actually has whatever chiff is). Therefore, I will also refer you to sound clips of the respective whistles at the whistleanddrum.com site to hear for yourselves.

I will use the only other high end tuneable aluminum cylindrical whistle (albeit anodized and three-piece) that I currently own (O’Riordan) just as an occasional reference point regarding design differences.

Finally, I have always maintained that at a certain level of workmanship, preferences are dictated by personal taste including an overall sense of how rewarding an experience it is for a particular individual to play a particular whistle. These are both beautiful, well-made quality instruments. I particularly found the O’Briain to be one of the most rewarding whistles I’ve ever played. Now to the specifics.

Appearance/External Design Elements/Finish

The Lambe has a high-sheen polished finish and the tube most resembles an original Howard. The Lambe mouthpiece has elegantly tapered sides. The mouthpiece portion is severely angled and stubby-looking (much like the Abell mouthpiece and not at all uncomfortable). The fipple appears to be black delrin. There is a 3.25” tubular ring at the slide which has artfully and professionally etched into it the maker’s name, county (Clare), and a griffin-like fantastical creature.

The O’Briain has a bead blasted or brushed gun metal grey finish and most resembles an Overton or Chieftain. The mouthpiece is sleek and comfortable, much like that of an O’Riordan. The fipple is aluminum. Two-inch bevels are cut in the tubing forming a flattened vee shape beginning at the top of the airway cutout, providing a very unique and appealing aerodynamic appearance. There is a 2.75” tubular ring at the slide. The maker’s name and key are plainly etched on the bottom of the tube.

Weight/Heft

The Lambe is a bit heavier than the O’Riordan and the O’Briain is a bit heavier still, but comfortable. Both feel a bit lighter than a brass Copeland Low D.

Bore Diameter/Wall Thickness

Both whistles have about a 27/32” bore diameter and 1/16” wall thickness. The bore diameter is very slightly greater than the O’Riordan, and the wall thickness is twice that of the O’Riordan.

Finger Holes

The Lambe holes are beveled and smoothly finished, somewhat tear drop shaped, moderate comfortable size, with comfortable reach. The O’Briain holes are beveled, edges not as smoothly finished (but not uncomfortable or distracting), generally the same size and shape as the Lambe. The spacing is also about the same, except for the bottom hole, which is set about ¼” further down the tube; I found the reach to be a bit greater, but still comfortable. Note that the O’Riordan bottom three holes, for example, are all set further down the tube than the Lambe, ¼”, 3/8”, ½” respectively. The O’Riordan holes are smaller than those of either reviewed whistle. Reach is a function of several elements and I think most of us really equate physical comfort with reach, which is impacted by bore type and diameter, overall weight, and spacing, shape and size of the fingerholes. Therefore, the O’Riordan is very easy for me to handle despite the more distant finger holes (it also has a third piece with a rotating bottom finger hole for adjustable comfort). All things considered, what we call reach or physical comfort, took more getting used to for me on the O’Briain (including playing faster tunes), but ultimately is comfortable. I addressed reach here because I think a lot of us initially equate (incorrectly) that only with the spacing of the finger holes.

Airways/Blades

The Lambe airway is 5/8” wide by ¼” high, with a straight and sharp narrow blade. The mouth blow hole is wide and narrowly arced (top to bottom). The O’Briain airway is 9/16” wide by ¼” high, with a straight sharp somewhat wider bladed area, and a somewhat wider and higher arced blow hole. Note that both airways are wider and less high than the O’Riordan. The O’Riordan blow hole is much more highly arced than those of the reviewed whistles.

Tuning Slide

Both have cork and aluminum slides. The Lambe slide on the sample whistle was very easy to work and stayed in position firmly. However, it had a noticeable slight wobble in all positions, including completely closed. I don’t know whether this is endemic to this line of whistle or just presents in my sample. In any event, it did not impact playability or tone. The O’Briain slide was initially a bit tight, but is very firm and excellent fit throughout in all positions.

Playability (Air requirements, ease of transition, reach, responsiveness, clogging)

Both whistles perform better when warm, as do all whistles of this type (i.e., thick walled aluminum low whistles).

The Lambe is easy and comfortable to play overall for a Low D whistle. It’s light, hole coverage presents no problems, the overall reach factor (see finger hole discussion) is minimal, it’s relatively forgiving, and requires relatively low air. The octave transitions are easy and there was no clogging problem in the sample whistle. The whistle responds well to changes in air flow and finger placement.

The O’Briain was a bit more difficult to get used to initially in that the reach and physical comfort zone were a bit more difficult. However, that soon evaporated, and the O’Briain has quickly become one of the most rewarding whistles I’ve ever played. I would classify its air requirement as moderate. Clogging has not been a problem although it gathers a bit more moisture than the Lambe; this is easily cleared every few tunes or so by blowing and shaking, which I habitually do when playing any whistle.

It is in the areas of octave transition and responsiveness that the O’Briain really excels. This whistle is very responsive both when played softly and when leaned into. It plays in tune with full body at low volume and when really leaned into and makes wonderfully effortless octave transitions. It has a really strong low end and a really strong high end as well, that easily and gracefully reaches the high B (e.g., in the second half of Danny Boy aka Londenderry Air) with no shrillness. Really smooth and responsive at both ends at high or low volume. There are very few whistles that allow for this effortless duality of attack. IMHO, this is the outstanding characteristic of the O’Briain low whistle.

Volume

Both whistles have good strong volume at both ends relative to other Low D whistles (including Copeland, O’Riordan, Kerry, Overton).

Tonal Quality

Both whistles exhibit solid intonation throughout. The O’Briain has a full round smooth sound while achieving both touches of the cosmic drain pipe low end (but smooth) and a strong, non-shrill, non-squawky high end. The Lambe is a bit brighter in the low end and edgier in the high end. Both are “chiffier” than the relatively pure O’Riordan. Now, disregard me, and go to the sound clips at whistleanddrum.com to get a better idea of the sound of these whistles for yourselves.

Conclusion

Two fine quality high end Low D whistles. Both are very beautiful cosmetically in different ways. Chinks in the otherwise fine presentation of the sample whistles consisted of a non-distracting wobble in the tuning slide of the Lambe and marginally rough edges on the inner bevel of the finger holes of the O’Briain.

The O’Briain is the most rewarding whistle both to play and to collect. The steel grey brushed gun metal finish with that simple beautifully beveled vee-shape at the foot of the mouthpiece make it a whistle that I will always reach for. More importantly, the O’Briain is somewhat unique in that you can play both octaves easily in tune and with full body easily at either low volume or by really leaning into it. Moreover, it is “Ford tough” and the slide is wonderful (once you get it started). It should be noted that the non-tuneable Low F displayed the same general characteristics, but was, as expected, easier to play at faster speeds.

VII. CHIFF & FIPPLE IS TURNING JAPANESE!

Amateur Sumo wrestler Dale Wisely (L) and opponent (still standing).

Chiff & Fipple now appears in many languages, including Japanese. Here's the Chiff & Fipple piece on John Sindt, translated into Japanese.

http://www.geocities.co.jp/Hollywood/8682/johnsindt.html

VIII. Updated "Irish Whistle & Music Resources" Site

Dear Dale,

Just thought that you might like to know that in celebration of our ten thousandth anniversary (hits, not years) I have substantially added to my "Irish Whistle & Music Resources" website.

In addition to the free "PennyWhistle font," annotated tunes, and clip art, we now have breathing exercises (well, okay, one breathing exercise so far...) and our new at-home session page. This page--which I'm quite excited about--has free mp3s of traditional Irish instruments
you can play along with. So far I've got simple bodhran samples, slow and fast, for reels and jigs. Now you can play well with others--in the unembarassing comfort of your own home! And just think of the cat's reaction to both the dulcet tones of your whistle AND the pounding of a rhythm section!

Keep up the good work--those of us dumb enough to give stuff away for free ought to stick together.

Best,

David
--
David Armstrong
Author, "Irish Music and Whistle Resources"
Box 551, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 3Z4
dabooks@shaw.ca
http://members.shaw.ca/dabooks/music

IX. CONGRATULATIONS TO JOAN AND MACK HOOVER: 40th ANNIVERSARY

graphic by Walden!

X. SCOTTISH WHISTLE SITE

Dale,

I just blundered into this site by Nigel Gatherer. It deals with many aspects of Scottish traditional music, and has some specific whistle info as well as a decent tune collection. Since there have been some questions on the board about Scottish whistle I thought this might be useful.

http://users.argonet.co.uk/users/gatherer/music.html

Thanks as always for all you do--

Tom Wilson

XI. THE LAST REMAINING TINWHISTLE INTERNET MESSAGE BOARD SUPERPOWER: CANADA!

Rich Lafferty hosts the Chiff & Fipple message boards (http://chiffboard.mati.ca )in Canada,

Canada: Home of Chiff & Fipple's Message Boards, etc.

where it is evidently causing brown-outs in those areas of Canada which don't already have them. He recently wrote in his lovable numbers-geek persona:

...I realized I hadn't looked at the forums' utilization recently. Last time I looked was probably last spring or so.

Then, we were using about 4GB per month of traffic. I remember this,because one month we were up to 8GB because of a couple of people using the private messages for their own prurient interests. :-)( We were also hovering around a million hits per month.

So I did some quick tallies on the logfile, and, well, we've grown. January was the first month where we've topped two million hits per month. I'm boggling here. That's just crazy! We're also about two months away from 100,000 posts, and a month away from 2000 users. Getting rid of images, that's about 600,000 page views per month, from about 40,000different computers.

We've got two threads on the front page with >800 and >300 posts in them, with >17,000 and >10,000 views respectively, right now.

There are almost a dozen people with over 1000 posts, and two with over 2000.

I'm still boggling. Two million hits a month! Some people would kill to get two million hits per month. Even spammers can only tell me how to get one million hits per month. :-) That's almost one hit per second.

I really expected to see it leveling off. Best I can tell, it's still growing pretty linearly.

(Our current bandwidth consumption is 12GB per month, by the way. That's pretty high, but it's not a problem yet. )

-Rich

XII. WHO THE HECK??!

http://3fish.com/

I don't know. I started using the name in about 1997 or so. I later learned there was a restaurant in California by that name and also a short-lived rock band which was a spin-off of Pearl Jam, I think.

Pearl Jam, I think.

Anyway, I think I'll just wait around to hear from their attorneys.

XIII. VISITATION: Poems by Dale Wisely

V i s i t a t i o nxx

p o e m s xxx

D a l e W i s e l y xx

I’ve set up a little website about my book, featuring sample poems, at http://www.dalewisely.com/visitation/ There’s a page where you can order via PayPal and, of course, if you don’t normally use PayPal, they will accept your credit card.

I’d be very grateful for your support of this project. I've been delayed in filling the first orders due to family events. So, it will likely take 3 or 4 weeks to get your copy to you.

Thanks!