Feedback re. Impempe Low D

Whistle
1

Folks,

In looking for a reasonably priced low whistle for my 18 year old nephew, I came across the Impempe site. I’ve read through postings on C&F and seen that people who appear to be well versed in the whistle world appear to like the Impempes. I’m wondering if any of you have played the Impempe low d: a number of people in the postings like the Bb and higher whistles, but I’ve seen no information about the low d. In particular, I’d like feedback about how forgiving they might be for a beginner with low whistles, your overall experience, etc. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Scott

2

I have a low D. It is a nicely in tune whistle. I think it would be a good beginners whistle. It is a medium volume whistle which would be good for a beginner. I might be willing to sell it. PM sent.

3

The Impempe Low D is the first whistle that I purchased from Ian Turnbull, maker of Impempe Whistles. It is a bargain for what he charges. $123usd total ($105 for the whistle, and $18 shipping). Quality machined aluminum construction with a derlin fipple. It is tunable with a sliding joint that is reminiscent of a Burke. The mouth piece is larger than most, even larger that the plastic mouth piece on a Kerry Low D, but it is easy to adjust to. It is easy to hit the bell note, and transitions well from one octave to another. It plays a full 2 ovtaves evenly, and I have no problems hitting the high notes. I’d call it a medium volume whistle, but it can be pushed. Noticable chiff, but no where near as breathy as an Alba. I have only been playing a few months, but I really enjoy this whistle (so much so, that I purchased a full set of Ian’s whistles). It was a pleasure communicating and doing business with Ian. He is in South Africa and has it set up so that payment can be made online through PayAlert (easy to use once you set up the account). His other whistle are priced at $60-$68 and shipping is less for the high whistles. It was only a matter of a couple of weeks from the time I placed the order to when I had them in my hand. I know Ian is on the forum here under the usename Impempe. Give him a shout, I’m sure he’d be glad to set you up with some of his fine whistles. I’d suggest doing it before he figures out he is undercharging for his whistles.

FYI - I am in no way connected with Impempe Whistles. I’m just a very satisfied customer.

Dick

4

Cool! I’m putting one on my Christmas/birthday list!

5

While my hero, Nelson Mandela, was in his last years of imprisonment in South Africa, I visited that beautiful country, on business. While there, I made no friends among those who persecuted others, under the banner of apartheid. I fought against it, at every opportunity presented to me. It was such an honor to develop friendships with individuals from the Zulu, and other tribal homelands. The movie, ‘Out of Africa,’ has a line in it concerning the fact that one leaves part of oneself, when one leaves Africa. It may sound trite, but I experienced that phenomenon, as have so many others. I have never experienced anything remotely like South Africa.

Fast forward 20 years, and I read about a South African whistle, called Impempe. I contacted Ian Turnbull, shared some of my African experiences with him, and a long distance correspondence and friendship began. Ian gifted me with an early tunable Impempe, which was rare, at the time. I have played that whistle quite a lot. It had some minor manufacturing challenges, and Ian continued to improve his instruments, as he was able to afford the necessary tools and machinery. I hope to experience an example of his mature instrument, in a few days.

I believe in investing in people. Real investing is more than simply money. It includes respect and support. Ian believes in what he is doing, and believes in his country. Apartheid is officially dead, but so many, many challenges remain. Ian builds a fine whistle, and is an exceptional human being, He is part of the good, in a country that needs people like him.

Until I read this thread, I was not aware that Ian produced a Low D. With many current aluminum low D whistles costing between $300 and $400+, this Impempe is truly economical… The instrument in the picture looks beautiful, and knowing Ian’s constant quest for quality, I am certain the reality is even better.

Best to all.
Byll

6

I would be happy to answer any queries Scott - drop me a PM if you like. I started this whistle making quest because of the desire for a low D that was out of my price range at the time. How hard can it be to make I thought :astonished: well it took a number of tries and a range of the soprano’s before I could get a Low D that I was satisfied with. I don’t say much on the board but check in regularly. Have made some wonderful friends and found ecellent advice on whistle making. My hope has always been to provide a quality affordable instruments to South Africans - the international market is the overflow. When Hohner stopped making whistles, the available whistles declined to one brand name in SA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTdCDGa-PBc. With SA’s heritage of kwela music, it seems such a pity that we don’t have more locally available - my whistles are a drop in the ocean, but every bit helps and who knows, perhaps whistles can reach their former glory in this African country.

7

Can anybody post us some sounds of the low D Impempe? I would love to hear it with a slower tune–my birthday is coming!!