I’m very interested in getting a Dymonwood whistle made by Gene Milligan. I’m curious of opinions of these whistles and also I would like to know why more whistle builders aren’t using dymonwood if it’s maintenance free for the most part?
Thanks
AB
It’s not the healthiest material to be turning and making into dust for one as it’s composed of multiple layers of hardwood (usually birch) veneer that have been dyed and then compressed under high heat and pressure with phenol formaldehyde resin. Depending on the dyes used they can contain cause a lot of issues, especially combined with the resin. Chances are the finished product for the customer wouldn’t be problematic, but the raw material for the maker wouldn’t be the friendliest to work with. Been one reason I’ve stayed away from the stuff.
In addition to the health concerns of working with it, I have found the stuff to be rather weak, that is to say, prone to break much more easily than an identical item made from solid wood.
I made whistles from Dymondwood in the past. There are some really beautiful colors available, from mild to wild. They can be sanded and buffed to a high shine without any finish applied, since the material is to a large degree plastic.
A good dust mask and collector is a must working with this stuff. The finished whistle has a rather strong phenol smell although this dissipates with time.
If you want maintenance-free, Gene Milligan makes a very fine whistle in Delrin.
i have one of gene’s in dymondwood. i like it a lot…to my ears, i could tell no difference between it and one of his in blackwood. both were excellent whistles. because of the dry climate i’m in, i chose the dymondwood. you can’t go wrong with one of his whistles. its my favorite d. love its tone and response.
I have Milligan whistles in dymondwood and in hardwood. I enjoy them both.
I usually play the dymondwood the most, simply because it’s more maintenance free.
I own Dymondwood instruments built by Paul Busman. The D is among my favorites. If one plays much at Celtic or Renaissance festivals - in the out of doors - I have noted that their intonation changes very little in hot, cold, or humid conditions. Excellent instruments.
Best.
Byll