I just won one of the last produced SYN Large Bore Low D’s. The maker is changing the design for smaller hands. Has anyone played this instrument and if so, can you provide some feedback?
Thanks
I only played one of the early protos and so I don’t know how much my feedback would fit, but I remember the sound being very nice, the holes being quite large and the breath being like a copeland ( med to heavy ).
Thanks for your feedback Steven.
Erle makes quality products. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your whistle.
I own one of those prototypes, and I also like the sound a lot, as well as the easily accessible second octave.
My only problem is that the holes are so big and so far away from each other. I can only play the whistle when my hands are ‘warmed up’, and have to use the joint of my left ring finger to cover that hole, as the part of the finger you normally use (i.e. the part between the two joints) won’t cover the hole at all.
I received my SYN Low D “Large Bore” from Mr. Bartlett today that I won on eBay. At first glance one can see that this is a very well built instrument. The whistle bodie is made from my favorite material “Brass”. The mouth piece is made of a black PVC like material and the fipple block appears to be made from an exotic wood.
It is about the same weight as my Aluminum Chieftains and lighter than my Brass Chieftains. The holes are very smooth and well rounded. I have medium to large hands so the piper grip works well for me here and its not a strain.
Now its time to play…the sound is very different indeed, its kind of a light airy, but solid sound…perfect for a session, no mike would be needed. It has a very smooth transition between octaves and has great back pressure. The slightest puff of air brings this Low to life.
I am always wanting to explore with other whistles and I am sure glad I did with this SYN Low D from Mr. Bartlett. By the way it will soon be a rare bird…he is in the process of changing the design and with that it can only get better from here. 