CP: Grand Opening Special--special invitation and thanks

[brewerpaul]

@srt19170

Are you aware that bubinga (particularly sawdust) is toxic? Although when finished and sealed it isn’t usually a problem, it is problematic for whistles/recorders because many people will have a reaction on their lips/mouths. (I once had a bubinga recorder that made my mouth numb, which is how I come to know this.)

– Scott

Good point! Be sure to wear a good dust mask when you work with these woods, and wash your hands when you’re done. Don’t rub your eyes with sawdusty hands. Keep your shop clean.

[ChuffedAlex]

@Wanderer

@brewerpaul

Congrats Wanderer! I wish you much success and fun in whistle making.
So, who’s gonna review YOU?

Lol, knowing C&F, I’m sure a few folks will step up to the plate

As busy as I’ve been learning how to do this, I really haven’t missed reviewing whistles…much. But I think the few years I spent doing it has really helped me try to listen to my work objectively. Of course, the trick of playing a generation back to back with your own whistle really helps highlights the differences

I recently received my Mahan Woodwinds whistle in cocobolo.

I am a novice woodturner (have done a few lace bobbins) and I am impressed at the quality of the woodwork, and the overall quality of this whistle. The turning has brought out the grain of the cocobolo wood beautifully.

The sound is sweet, I wouldn’t say it was too loud but it is pleasant in all >three< octaves! The brass headstock and Delrin fipple are fairly short as is typical of many handturned whistles, but I do not find it difficult to play.

A nice hint of chiff adds character to the tone, but I’m not experiencing much backpressure until I get to the top of the second octave transitioning into the third. This is my first handmade and my first wooden whistle, but I have owned and played whistles for 20+ years.

I own several wooden recorders, and I have heard the comment that wooden whistles sound more like recorders than they do metal whistles. This doesn’t sound like a recorder; it sounds like a whistle, but the sound is mellower than that of a metal whistle.

Of course there is no comparison to an off-the-shelf Generation, which is what led me to the C&F forum and website in the first place out of self-defense!!!

In short, I like it very much and am trying to restrain myself to a gentle breaking in period as recommended!!!

[Daniel_Bingamon]

Make sure sure the superglue has well dried before trying to play.

@Loren

For those who have whistles with metal banded mouthpieces, it’s easy enough to insulate oneself fairly well from direct contact with the wooden endgrain by simply applying a thin coating of superglue around the the back edge of mouthpiece, just don’t get any of that glue into the windway. Putting a couple of drops of super glue on a pipe cleaner is a good way to apply it.


Loren

[Loren]

Aww c’mon Daniel, don’t go ruining my fun - by warning them

[doogieman]

I also purchased one of Greg’s cocobolo whistles and it has quickly become one of my favorite whistles.
As has been said - the sound is sweet and a bit on the soft, gentle side. More of a kitchen whistle than a session weapon. The top notes can be pushed to come out clear as a bell. I have found that it needs a bit of warming up before the sound really blossoms for me. I have had no issue at all with playing quickly and cleanly on the whistle.
My one criticism - and I mentioned this to Greg - on my whistle there is some unevenness where the brass band meets the wood. It takes the craftsmanship rating from “Exquisite” to “Very Good” IMHO. The whistle is still a thing of beauty and, for me, looks are secondary to the sound.
Nice Whistle!