Hi Everyone.
I am thinking of buying a low D whistle and came acros the S.Z.B.E. Whistles on my searcing. I looked at the low D SZBE 1" model seen here at http://www.szbe.net/index_e.htm and I wonder if anyone can give me any advice/feedback on this whistle.
Thanks in advance.
Gray
I don’t know about Ken’s Low D’s but I own one of his brass High Ds. It’s a very well made whistle with a tone and volume that blends well with a small session. They’re not well known but I’ve never heard anything bad about them.
I second Jason’s comment. I don’t know the low SZBE, but I have the alumin(i)um high D convertible. Fine workmanship, a nice feel, medium volume, easy action, reedy tone. Ken will voice his whistles to your personal preference. Do keep in mind that he divides his time between making whistles and pipes now, so there may be a wait.
One suggestion: As a new whistler, you’ll be a while before you’re able to really evaluate the playing qualities of any whistle, much less a low whistle. Until then, you may want to look to something less custom like a low Dixon or Susato instead. And don’t neglect the high whistle for mastering your basic techniques. Good luck!
Hi Jason and MTguru.
Thanks very much for your replies to my question.
Regarding the low whistle, I realise that its a bit ( probably a lot ) too early to be thinking of one, but after listening to some of the great tunes and slow airs played on the forum and elswhere, I have got the urge to get one and have a go ( God help the neighbours )
I take in what you say regarding the high whistle, I definately wont neglect it, after all the helpful replies to my earlier question regarding high whistles, tutorials etc, I have ordered a whitecap from Mack Hoover, and some cds and tutor books. I also got a Feadog D whistle.
I am determined to learn, so now the practice and listening starts.
Regarding the Dixon low whistle that you mention, I have looked on his website and there are several low D whistles available. Was it the polymer one that you recommend for a beginner? or one of the other type?
Thanks again for your help and advice.
best regards.
Gray
I hope you like the Whitecap as much as I liked mine. It was the first whistle I owned where everything just “clicked”. Everybody has their favorites, but the Hoover sound does it for me.
But the reason I am posting this is the Feadog. I just recently became the owner of a Feadog Pro and it’s a very different player from the Hoover. I find I have to be a more aggressive player, yet maintain strong control to keep it from doing the occasional squawk. Very rewarding once you learn to play the Feadog on its own terms.
I bet one or the other will better match your playing style at first, but do learn to play both.