When I started making my Sassafrass Whistle Rolls, I jumped right in with the big ones, but have been thinking about offering smaller ones as well. Several people have asked, and I even already have one order.
Here’s a simple case prototype of the SassySackSingle (decorative for beauty, but built for instrument safety and useful function) It is basically just a glorified version of the standard cases like those that come with Burkes etc., but with some important changes. It is well padded, fully lined, Velcro closure, has the loop for belt or other attachment, a top loop for hanging on a mic stand, etc., is treated for stain resistance, and is beautiful. It will hold up to a C.
SassySackSingle front
SassySackSingle open
SassySackSingle back
(Although the prototype is sized for only one whistle, the rest will hold two.)
If these are priced at $25, will people actually buy them?
Input appreciated!
EDITED to add: DISCLAIMER - Whistle cases will be of assorted upholstery weight materials, and will not be of the same material seen on the prototype (unless I can find more!!) Color preferences can be requested, and I will make every effort to oblige, but I can’t do custom ones for this low price.
I think you’ll do very well selling these for $25. Even better if you offer differing designs…maybe something with Celtic knotwork, for instance, or Navajo style artwork, or a Kokopelli figure somewhere in the design.
I would much prefer something like this to a plastic case such as the one that came with my Burke (no offense intended to that case) because moisture can evaporate from your case.
With a plastic case, I found that I had to let the whistle dry before putting it in the case or else there were little signs of corrosion on the whistle. And if you are carrying whistles around, it seems you would need to put them in a case right after you had played them.
I think they are certainly worth $25 judging from I can see of the amount of work involved and the fine workmanship. Will people buy them? Boy, I just don’t know any other whistle players, so I don’t know what they do now, etc. I should think they would for whistles they had a high regard for.
I don’t know if input from such a biased source (I’m sleeping with the custom bag) is appreciated, but compared to the bags I’ve seen from various sources, your line of regular bags should be a bargain, considering quality, appearance, usefulness, and protection of the whistles. Go for it.
I think that’s a great looking little whistle case, and $25 is a very fair price. (My wife quilts and knits, so I have some idea of the labor and cost of materials involved). I’d buy one. In fact, I’ve already inquired.
Annie! Those are gorgeous! And I think that $25 is a very fair price to ask. In fact, I think this is going to be on my Christmas “wish list” along with one of your larger ones (I’ve already mentioned it to Mr. Izz )
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