This isn’t a review (yet). Give me a few days and I’ll post all my thoughts about my new Abell whistle.
I did want to mention that the mouthpiece is really strange. I can’t believe no one had mentioned it in other reviews. I’ts basically just a flat slanted surface…no “lip” at all. I don’t think I’ll mind this, but I’m still not used to it yet. It forces me to hold the whistle at a much more horizontal angle than I usually do.
The whistle also seems to clog with condensation very quickly, but seems to clear its self out when you play a few higher notes…so it’s not that big of a problem. Does anyone use the jet dry treatment on wooden whistles, or is that a bad idea?
Some other people have said that they weren’t blown away by the sound of their Abells when they first received them, and I would tend to agree, but it is growing on me. The sound really changes quite a bit depending on how I play the whistle, so I’m sure I’ll get better at getting the sound I like.
It is definately the most beautiful whistle I’ve ever seen (with Copeland coming in a close 2nd).
More later,
-Brett
[ This Message was edited by: Bretton on 2001-10-11 15:23 ]
Congratulations on receiving your Abell. I just want to say that the clogging will go away in a short time of playing it daily. And if you play it almost everyday even though the sound is less than thrilling, the sound will improve by leaps and bounds, and you will grow to love it.
Jessie is right. I received my Abell about a month ago. The clogging went away within a day. I am sure it’s because I played it so much. The sound does improve, although I am not sure if it’s the whistle or my adjusting to it. A combination of both I guess. I ordered what I thought was going to be small bottle of almond oil from a local health food store and it turned out to be a 16 oz bottle. More than enough to keep the whistle looking good.
Hey, Brett! I’m happy about your whistle getting there! I know you were holding your breath the whole time! Hehehe! Was it worth giving up those cheap whistles for?
Re: the Clogging - At one point I had a blackwood Abell A/Bb set. I had terrible condensation problems with the whistle and asked Chris Abell if he thought using the dishsoap trick would cause and trouble with the wood or void my “warranty”. He said he saw no problem with me dipping the mouthpiece in a soap/water solution, or putting a soap solution in the windway.
For your own piece of mind, I suggest you contact Chris directly to confirm this, but he’s ususally very good about returning e-mail so you shouldn’t have to wait long for a reply.
Jessie