For years I shot my mouth off about how hard it was to blow the early Alba whistles, all the while ignoring Stacey’s offer to replace it, because I didn’t want to send away such a beautiful whistle. I just received my A tuneable whistle with an additional G tube. A gorgeous set without any frilly stuff - very classicaly beautiful. SOrt of a combination of a Overton and O’Briain look with Alba signature look. Nice tuning slide with a unique ring around it that looks like a circular rasp or file. Every detail perfectly finished including tone holes. The windway blade is uniquely and perfectly beveled as well. The fipple is some sort of spectacular plastic - black with white clouds blowing through it (seal of approval from my daughter, “Wow”). Air requirements and volume are moderate and tone is terrific. Transitions are a breeze, response excellent.
Now there was also included an extra surprise - a little baby soprano D whistle courtesy of Stacey. This is a very plain traditional Overton-like cylinder, non-tuneable, with a couple of neat little Alba touches. There’s an anodized blue blade in the windway and the Alba Tufnol fipple. I’m having some trouble understanding why this was ever referred to as a “practice” whistle, because it’s a great sounding/playing whistle that stacks up well against a lot of fancier stuff or at least stuff with more fanfare and buzz that seems to be all over the place lately. This whistle has light air requirements, moderate volume, lovely tone, good balance, and easy consistent transitions. I’ve renamed it “constant companion.” The fit and finish of this whistle is perfect as well.
I sat back for quite some time viewing the back and forths on the new generation of Albas, before deciding to take the plunge. I want to publicly commend and thank Stacey for several things.
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Having the pride, patience and commitment to listen to consumer input and change and improve her products.
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Her helpful efficient service and guidance.
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Throwin’ in that dang little whistle, which IMHO, is terrific.
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Doing the above without making a big deal out of it.
Sometimes, I have trouble trusting people I don’t know, and wouldn’t even take Dale’s word for the improved Albas (heck, he admittedly is just the administrator around here, but can he[/i]play_?). I had to see for myself, and I have. Thanks Stacey.
We have some really great makers around here now and a great mix of old and new. The classic Copeland, O’Riordan, Abell and Overton and the promising aspiring unlimited potential and fine craftsmanship of people like Stacey, Serpent, Sandy Jasper, and Paul Busman. Thanks for keeping us all well-supplied and having new stuff to look forward to. You all also exhibit customer relations that make us feel like we’re all part of the same safe community in a world whose byword seems increasingly to be caveat emptor.
Regards,
Philo_