Yesterday,I received my Alba low ‘C’,after a relatively short wait,in high end whistle terms,of four weeks-And believe me,this IS a seriously ‘High end whistle’!
I always fancied going beyond the ‘Low D barrier’,but was concerned that I would never make the (imagined) reach,or manage to cover the huge holes that such a beast would surely need-How wrong could I be?
The low ‘C’ has a total length of 63cms,making it an impressively big ‘horn’ compared to my Chieftain low D (my nearest comparison). The all important stretch is as follows (distance between edges of holes from top to bottom);31mm,29mm,56mm,20mm and34mm.
Due to Stacey’s design,the holes aren’t particularly big-the 5th hole is only 10.5 mm in diameter(compared to 12mm on my Chieftain D and 13mm on my Howard low D).If it was a flute,then I’d almost describe it as ‘Ruddalesque’. These measurements make the Alba very player friendly,even for a person with very thin fingers like myself. 
Now for sound and playability.This low C is just a DREAM to play! it is very mobile,easy blowing (not a great deal of back pressure-but enough to give some controlling ‘feedback’).The transition between octaves is easily achieved,octave ‘balance’ is good.I easily got up to high ‘B’ on first attempt (I found that a Xooxxx fingering worked well).I have no doubts that I will be able to go higher if I try.
Now that sound.The Alba does exhibit a certain amount of ‘Cosmic drainpipeyness’(!) to it’s sound,though it’s mellow,rather than booming.
I’ts truly great for slow airs,but is mobile enough for dance music (in the right hands-but give me time,LOL!).
The curved windway,with Tufnol fipple,really works-I had very little problems with moisture,despite playing for a long time without ‘knocking out’.
I got the tunable model.I would describe the tuning slide as very ‘functional’ rather than elegant-nicely engineered slide that will not slip,with a knurled band for grip on the outside.
As I have already said,this really is a DREAM to play,it’s already one of my favourite whistles,and I’m sure it will remain so.I must add that Alba whistles are SERIOUSLY good value for money too!
I will end this brief review by congratulating Stacey O’Gorman for producing such a well contructed and pleasing instrument(I’m sure that it should appeal to some Professional musicians out there).Thanks also to Zubivka,who was patient enough to answer my numerous questions when I P.M.ed him in order to pick his brains,prior to placing my order.I’m very,VERY pleased that I heeded his opinions! 
Good one Kev
But I must correct you before I get in trouble, its not got a Tufnol fipple plug but one that I cast masel,think I will call it Albanite 
So it has a moisture resistant albanite fipple plug with fipple art
very high rated art, design&craftsmanship is the low C 
thanks for the great revue kevin, specialy on the accurate measurement!! enjoy it 
I tried one of Staceys’ low Cs in France 2 weeks ago and can say that she has got it RIGHT.It’s the only low C I’ve played where the E is strong,most other whistles in C are ok but they all have a week E in the low reg.I stopped making low Cs for this very reason.
Well done Stacey,mooor pooor t’ yi elbow.
Phil.
could this be thanks to the rather small stretch between the 4th and 5th hole, compared to the 5th and the bottomhole?
Thanks for correcting me on the fipple material, Stacey.
I just checked that bottom ‘E’-yup it’s SOLID.
I’m one ‘Happy Bunny’!
p.s.- Review edited for a ‘typo’ only-such a flawless instrument deserves a flawless review!
« Huh?
Dat fella doesn’t not only gives away free seedy’s, now it’s free complaments?
And I 'ark free moosic lessons to dat Zoob Pepe-la-pewter-weesel pinko?
What’s next? Free meals? Well, ain’t no such thing as a free meal, sez Theobald Roosevelt, father of (1) the Kaboom system, (2) the Tessas Wrangers and (3) the Afrikun Sepharees. (…rant) »
Sorry, folks, my console just got hacked by the CNAWA (Committee of Non-American whistles Activities)
Stacey makes a tremendous whistle. She makes good instruments too.
Gob Smacked
Thanks Phil
And the rest O yers guys
