I have come to love playing the Bb whistle. I currently have a Bb Generation, Reyburn and Thin Weasel. All are very lovely but I tend to prefer the sound of the Reyburn in most situations. It has a very balanced tone and moderate volume. The Thin Weasel is loud which can also be good in the right situation.
I am curious what Bb whistles you all prefer? For sound, playability, breath requirements, volume, etc.
Thanks.
Sindt or Humphrey
Susato, Generation, Water Weasel, Syn
I had a perfectly lovely Overton Bb that I now regret selling.
copeland
I happen to agree with you. Reyburn.
Burke brass and O’Riordan - superb, and very different from each other…
Best.
Byll
Overton, Generation.
Burke Brass.
I have a Generation Bb nickel tube fitted with a Hoover Whitecap that is superb. Completely changes the character of the whistle (for the better). An inexpensive way of having a great Bb.
Overton bass Bb, Generation brass.
Thin Weasel, Water Weasel. I actually like the Water Weasel A better than the wooden one, but in the case of the Bflat, I like the wooden significantly better, because it has much better balance – it doesn’t have the screaming upper octave that the PVC whistle does. Similar, although not as pronounced as the E whistles.
I’m with Chas-- my Thin Weasel Bb is probably the best whistle I’ve ever played, any type, any material, any key. I don’t really know what it is but I have an eerie connection with this whistle. I feel like I can actually mold each and every note in the whole range to the exact sound I want at any given moment. Amazing.
I happen to have a bunch of solid Bflats, including O’Riordan Traveler, Copeland, Abell blackwood, Water Weasel, Generations (blue and red tips), Syn, Burke brass, Susato. Not a dud in the bunch. If I had to pick one, it’d be the O’Riordan. WW is a thoroughbred at moderate cost, tremendous value. Gens are both dollar for dollar unbeatable, and the Susato may be the best of that maker line.
Philo
Your Bb TW is nice. I remember it from the last C&F NE gathering.
Chieftain Gold
Burke brass Bb
I keep on getting surprised by Susato. I just heard a Dublin Bb played - made my hairs stand on end …
Bb is great key. lots of good stuff seems to happen on it on all types of whistles - I also have a sweet-spot for A and Bnat. There’s someting in that register that contains a ton of character.
Water Weasel Bb and Generation Bb in brass , well , these are the only two I have ! And I must say that I’m happy with both of them , especially the WW !
Normally I like to play the Bb whistles when I’m listening to south african music , Abdullah Ibrahim , Lady Black Mambazo , African Jazz Pioneers , etc..
Manuel
I have quite a few good Bbs including an Abell, but I have three favourites. A Bernard-made Overton which might just be the best Overton I own. A Sindt and a Jerry-tweaked Generation.