The R&D on my complete PVC whistles is almost finished, and here’s a pic of the current prototype soprano D.
They’re not for sale yet, so this isn’t a commercial post… but I’m hoping to make the official announcement very soon!
The pic doesn’t show it, but the inner bore of the tube is flared at the bell end, which significantly strengthens the 1st octave bell note… there’s a little tech secret for all you prospective whistle makers out there!
The pic does show, though not very well, that the tuning joint is at the head.
Although my lower keyed whistles will have multi-section tubes, the tuning joint will always be at the head… I find that to be the best place to put it, and my manufacturing methods make putting it there almost a necessity.
Let me be the fifth one to post congratulations, and to observe that it’s amazing that the thread has already lasted this long without someone jumping on your head and accusing you of making a crypto-commercial post!
Here’s the sound clip for those who requested it.
Please excuse the background noise… no editing was done to the recording in order to represent the actual sound of the whistle as closely as possible.
I chose ‘Danny Boy’ because of the sustained high notes, and because it has a C-natural in it… which was cross-fingered OXXOOO. http://webpages.charter.net/raindog1970/Danny_Boy.mp3
Oh, and the only Delrin in my whistles is the fipple plugs… the mouthpiece end is just made from darker PVC than the rest of the whistle.
There is a good degree of variation in the color of the dark PVC I use… most of it is dark grey, but some is lighter, some is almost black, and some has lighter and/or darker streaks like marble.
The variation is just a QC issue with whoever is in charge of mixing in the color where the pipe is manufactured, but it doesn’t seem to effect the quality of the PVC in any way… and I think a little variation in the color makes things more interesting, kind of like the variation present in wooden whistles.
Exceptionally cool, Gary! I wonder where you found such a quiet environment for the recording! Mine includes several cats, a parrot, and the occasional baby crying! Very pure sound, and you should be mucho proud of that. You’ve accomplished something I’ve thus far only heard from Paul Busman! (send me a free whistle now, Paul??)..
You have a whistle to be very proud of, my friend!
Cheers,
serpent
Is the mouthpiece similar to a Sindt? (that would be a good thing) The flair on the inside to strengthen the bell note is a great idea. The Danny Boy Mp3 sounds terrific!
Gary,
Congrats mate,
Both the whistle and the playing are lovely, i have heard several of your clips now and i have to say i am impressed with your playing and obvious feeling for the tunes you play, ornamentation in appropriate places, not overdone, good breath control, and the tone that only comes with feeling and practice, and passion for your craft
Keep up the good work,
regards
David
Gary, that was a sweat rendition of a tune I just can`t stand. Beautifully played and I will take one in Eb and D thank you very much.
Darn nice whistle my friend.
you have been
Very pure sound, and you should be mucho proud of that. You’ve accomplished something I’ve thus far only heard from Paul Busman! (send me a free whistle now, Paul??).. 