Hi - I recently bought a very gently used Howard Low D (black), but I’m not sure how long ago it was made.
First - I understand that there is a new supposedly improved fipple head. Does anyone know how to tell if I have the old (presumably, ‘unimproved’) head or the new one?
Second - And this may be related to the first issue: No matter how I try to adjust the head, my fingers, my posture, my deodorant, I can’t seem to keep the high A and B ‘up’ without blowing the CRAP out of it! They always want to come out a sort of hybrid between the desired high tone and coresponding low.
Now, the “blowing the crap out of it” part isn’t too bad when volume is appropriate, but on some of the “haunting aires”, which I think this whistle handles beautifully, I would often like to not have to get so loud to hit those notes.
Contact Brian Howard. He’ll be able to fill you in on when the various improvements occurred and might be prepared to adjust your whistle for you. I have a low C which I like but I think there have been further improvements since I acquired mine. I don’t have the problem you mention though.
Odds are you have the old head.
I’ve had them both–the high notes
are a lot more accessible on the new head.
If so, you can get a replacement.
Marsupial’s good advice should still
be followed. Best
For what it’s worth, I find the high notes on my Howard a lot easier to hit solidly after carefully warming the whistle up with a few minutes’ gentle play.
My Susato low D is a lot easier on the high notes, but doesn’t have the power of the Howard on the lowest notes.
Hi, Brian is in Australia and Tasmania for 6 weeks.But the business is still running in his absence.Replacement heads are available from www.howardmusic.co.uk.Good luck