Why do I not like the Crayon colors the pennywhistle comes in.(not even brass, copper). I have to admit the grenadilla (purple ?), pink ivory (wood) & 14K rose gold by Chris Abell, and the cocuswood & 14K rose gold again by Chris look good. But the plastic whistles look like toys. I do like the sound of these whistles, but the colors make me want to hide my whistles. Any others like me?
James,
I’ve discovered by self-observation lately that I seem to be a collector (not merely for collecting’s sake; I actually play my whistles) of African blackwood (grenadillia, which runs black with brown or purple or grey highlights) whistles. The reason is mostly for the sound; I really prefer the wooden sound to that of metal. But, in part, the reason is probably due to the appearance.
I’ve an Abell set (G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F) in blackwood and silver, an O’Dwyer “Lon Dubh” in blackwood and brass, a Ralph Sweet whistle with three keys and an interchangable fife head in blackwood and silver, and a Fred Rose in blackwood and gold plated brass in on the way. The only exception to this theme is one I just ordered from Chris Abell: pink ivory wood and silver with an extra rotatable low Cn hole (like a Silkstone Ace D-Plus).
The money spent aside, I think there’s a simple beauty present in the appearance of these whistles. So, I guess what I’m saying to you is, “I agree.”