Hi
I’m new to this forum and would welcome any thoughts on A whistles that are around, I am considering getting one. I have a Dixon D tuneable alloy which I enjoy but would be happy to have something with a more breathy / sweetone sound and maybe a bit louder for a change. I prefer the tuneable whistles …any thoughts anyone?
thanks
Clare
Welcome Clare,
I have an old narrow bore Susato A that I bought off E Bay and I must say it is one of my favourite whistles. Lovely tone, easy to blow, quick response. Just a good’n.
The Black Diamond from Erle Bartlett (maker of Syn Whistles) might be a consideration. It’s known to stand hold in sessions, so it’s loud enough and it’s known to have a traditional sound, which is more breathy. It’s €83,- new on Gaelic Crossings.com.
Another traditional sounding and a little louder whistle is the Freeman tweaked Mellow Dog, US $36.50 on various shops. Lark In The Morning has a set of D/C Mellow Dog for $41,-.
Susato is very loud and maybe too loud and certainly has no traditional chiff. Also listen to Clips and Snips on this site, you hear many tunes played on many different whistles. Succes!
For a long time I have been looking for the whistle that Chiff and Fipplers call their “reach for” whistle or their “cold dead fingers” whistle–the one whistle in which you find your sound and playing characteristics, the one you utterly love. I found it in the Burke low A aluminum. Such a wonderful sound, a bit husky, a bit fluty, yet high enough to sound unmistakably like a whistle. Yet it’s low enough not to blow my ears out, even on the highest note. And I can play it with my fingertips (with a very slight change of angle in my right wrist). No need for a piper’s grip.
I think A whistles don’t get the credit they deserve!!
I concur with Riverman, the Burke aluminum A is my favorite. The Water Weasel A is another one I like a lot.
Feadoggie
I have a blue anodized Overton by Colin Goldie, and love it. It did take me a bit of time to learn to support the upper register with my breath but once I did it’s been great. The problem was me, not the whistle.
I also have a Goldie A (and Low D and Low C and Soprano C and Alto F and…) which kicks ass.
'Nuff said.
Loren
I’m a fan of A instruments.
Posted these earlier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNFe_1ohBDM&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGQB_UWhWnA&feature=channel
Here is an A flute. (Sometimes I think the best A whistle is a flute.)
I have a Dixon A, in that black plastic-y composite/whatever that material is. It’s nice, I’m happy with it. I assume it’s not as nice as a Burke or Overton, but it’s a lot more affordable.
To add to the list, I have a Sindt A that is of the same quality and style as the rest of his line of whistles - that is - outstanding. Just wish I could convince him to make a G tube that fits the head.
Best wishes.
Steve
The best “bang for the buck” in A whistles is the Tommy Dion A. It’s quality is far above its price range, way better than Susato, IMHO, and into the range of the high end whistles with a low end price. Same for his low G.
Well, I don’t play the higher whistles much other than low D’s, but I do have a very nice Harper Classic A/G set in aluminum (bought from another Chiffer, thanks Steve) that I really like-good solid tone and playability, and with both tubes too. It has a tone similar to an Overton, and is styled much like one-though it has a few nice trim details that sets it apart, including a flare on the bell end of the whistle.
Considering how much I play it, I probably should just offer it up to you guys who do play the mid range low whistles. I just can’t get my hands comfortable on the higher ones, and my ears are used to the low tones of the D too. But I can say this is one of the first A’s and G’s I’ve liked this much after trying a few others-it’s a very good set to have two tubes that each sound this good. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of these around to be had if you want one though, but a good play none the less.
Barry
I like the Alba A whistle and it is not very expensive. It is a very nice sounding aluminum whistle. It is about $135.00 USD depending on the exchange rate. It fits my fingers just right. For me it is easier to play than a Gen Bb.
Ron
I have to second Ron. I’ve just finished a week with a touring Alba A whistle. It was an easy fit for my stubby fingers and a true joy to play.
If you can play flute try a little A bansuri (indian bamboo flute).
I got one from Jeff Whittier, a veteran US based maker for about
45$ some years ago.
Fingerholes are excellent for sliding style.
I have a little A bamboo olwell, which is extraordinary.
If you would like to try an Alba A there is one now touring, the one Duffy mentioned. Go to Staceys place Whistle and Strings and check out the whistle tour under the whistle category. Stacey is open to additional tour members.
Ron