I recently had an order for a pair of purpleheart Rovers, in C and D. The customer asked me to take photos of the construction process. I have added a page to my website, in case anyone else is interested in having a look.
Also, I have now got a supply of granadillo. I posted a photo of a granadillo whistle several weeks ago, but the new stock has more variation in the grain. It’s almost like a brown version of rosewood. I have just started turning a granadillo D Rover, so let me know if you would like a photo emailed.
It’s got a built-in maker detector so you can’t steal my secrets. Seriously, I’ve tested the link on PC and iPod and it works for both. Maybe others could comment one way or the other.
Worked fine for me! I’m looking forward to seeing more pictures of the process, actually.
Even better would be a comprehensive discussion of what’s actually going on during each step, perhaps as captions to the images. It would be enlightening not only for the would-be makers hereabouts, but also for any of us who love whistles and just want to know how much work actually goes into one!
I hacked your Maker Detector and opened the file just fine
Interesting pictures, and nice work. You do all of that turning and boring with the far end of the wood free, with no steady rest? You’re braver than me!
Thanks for posting this, David! I trained in luthiery many, many years ago, but wasn’t able to pursue it professionally. Still, I love seeing how these wonderful instruments are made (and all the wonderful tools used to make them! )
Beautiful work It’s nice to see the craft skills.
Can you explain Chamfering the inner edge of a tone-hole, and how this affects the sound, or responsiveness of the whistle. Is this chamfer only on the upper inside edge, or around the whole hole? I love the fact that the “Rover” breaks down into three parts and pocket friendly. I noticed that the third hole from the bottom goes also through the brass joint, ingenious but would this not allow you to chamfer that hole?
You’re right- the fourth hole on a Rover doesn’t get an inner chamfer. I think, in general, anything that smoothes the inside of a whistle will sweeten the tone by allowing for easier movement of the air column. It’s difficult to isolate one factor, though.
I have one more photo to add that shows the finished whistles. I will put it up this evening.
would not open for me?
)
It’s nice to see the craft skills.