Could anyone help & tell me what differences are there (if any) between an Alba High D non-tunable parlour whistle (which I have) & a High D Q1?
Thanks
Q1 depart from the traditional Albas and their “quena-like” sound blade.
Q1 have a straight, dull blade made from a separate piece inserted within the whistle. I think it’s usually blue-anodized (or lacquered?).
I’d call its sound “pure” i.e. not breathy, though mine has some reedy overtones.
If I’m not wrong the Q1 has also a narrower bore. It has low air requirements and is balanced across octaves. It’s IMHO a faster player too.
It is supposed to play quieter, but I hear them plenty enough for small sessions.
The Q1 is the only alloy high D I kept (now, I’m NOT a high whistle fan) and I consider it perfect for practice. It’s rock solid, and I often carry it in the side pockets of my photo bags, just so I don’t feel “naked”.
Now, maybe the maker will chime in to correct me…
Q1 at the top.
The Q1 is around half the price of the Parlour whistle, and is also non-tuneable. I don’t have the Parlour whistle, but I do have a Q1. There are reviews of the Q1 by well-respected players on the board (so I shan’t add my beginner’s opinion except to say I like mine very much - it’s quiet and for me has a beautiful tone).
But it’s not so quiet that the neighbours can’t hear it…the second octave cuts through the party wall of my apartment like a knife 
Edited to correct my stupidity in not RTFP… amended to show the non-tuneable Parlour whistle. Sorry!
Thank-you Gentlefolks
Well WhOA is me whistle due to arrive Thursday AM post permitting!!!
Well, I got the Q1 on Friday morning & been playing it a lot ever since. What can I say I like it!!! It is a very different whistle to the parlour high D: faster & little less breathy. It has certainly been the most rewarding High D to play ‘from the box’ as it were, and (as all new whistles!!) has become my firm favourate - untill the next one.
Well done Alba!!!