Can somebody please tell me about these Hoovers I keep hearing about? What is a narrow bore, and a traditional bore whistle? Why do some people feel that the cpvc whistles don’t play as well as the brass ones, or vice versa? I’ve heard from different people, about 50/50 when it comes to the pros and cons of Hoovers. What’s going on???
On 2002-01-16 17:31, Kevin J wrote:
Can somebody please tell me about these Hoovers I keep hearing about? What is a narrow bore, and a traditional bore whistle? Why do some people feel that the cpvc whistles don’t play as well as the brass ones, or vice versa? I’ve heard from different people, about 50/50 when it comes to the pros and cons of Hoovers. What’s going on???
The brass whistles are a bit quieter and sweeter in tone, and I believe the narrower of the two makes. The CPVC are a bit louder, not unlike a water weasel. I own several, and have played others at sessions around the world.
I’ve never played one I would call bad. I like the look of the brass whistles a bit more.
I think whistle god is Brian Lee.
Now JessieK…Let’s don’t start that again! Hee…Gm
A.K.A. Porridge? 
I own a Hoover high F CPVC and a brass narrow bore C. They both play beautifully. The narrow bore brass is probably too quiet for sessions, but sounds really nice, and is tunable (and in tune!). Great for practicing without disturbing folks…
The CPVC is really nice too - very loud with a sweet, clear tone. Very little chiff. The tone holes are slightly oversized which makes it great for expressive playing. I’ve played it on several concerts in recent months.
One of the caveats with CPVC whistles in general is that there aren’t as many tubing sizes, and so makers are creating whistles with the same bore dimension for various keys, which you may or may not like, particularly on either end of the spectrum. I’ve also heard this comment as it relates to the 3 bore sizes for 12 keys of Susato whistles.
I happen to like the bore size for the F - it’s basically a large bore high F whistle…
I have an mp3 audio sample of Mack’s CPVC F on my website - email me if you are interested, and I’ll point you to it.
Another Hoover you may want to look into is his aluminum conical model - not sure what he calls it or how much I’m supposed to say about it, but Mack forwarded a prototype for me to try, and I must say I was impressed. The only negative for me was that it wasn’t tunable, which I happen to prefer on metal whistles.
Best wishes
Robert
[ This Message was edited by: rpmseattle on 2002-01-17 13:16 ]
I posted a review of my Hoover narrow bore on 16 October 2001. (It’s on about page 17 or 18 if you care to go back and read it. Look for it under the name Tuugaalik. The narrow bore is still my favourite below-decks whistle.
I don’t really have anything to add about the narrow bore, but I have since spoken several times with Mack, and I now have two more of his whistles.
The high quality of the narrow bore is replicated in the two other whistles, (wide bore D and Bb). They are quieter than most whistles, and they get a LOT of use.
Mack is a really nice guy to deal with. He is the kind of person you wish you could visit with and get to know.
You can’t go wrong with a Hoover.
I’ll second that motion, Peter. Gm
Hear, hear!!!
My Hoover brass C is a great quiet whistle. Very pretty and well-made, too. However, it clogs easily because of its extremely narrow windway. That’s not a big problem if you’re using it only for practice. It’s certainly not for sessions or performances, though.
My CPVC B is good (pure tone, no chiff), with lots of volume (wide bore, big holes). Pretty and well-made as well – looks a lot like ivory with a white marble fipple(so say other people).
My CPVC low D is easy to blow, has an easy reach, but the low notes have to be blown gently and are very soft. That however was due, at least in part, to my specs: I told Mack I wanted very easy blowing of all notes all the way to the 3rd D. I think the compromise is the very sensitive low notes. Although, its low volume seems to stand it in good stead for non-intrusive background playing during the quiet sections of church worship and prayer.
Just tell Mack what you want - he’s great to deal with.
[post-edit]
My conclusion - Hoovers are respectable mid-price whistles. But note quietness of the brass whistles: may or may not be appropriate for you, and clogging is a problem. While Hoovers are nicely done, obviously one should not expect the finishing and refinement of whistles that are more expensive. I think the quality is commensurate with the price.
[ This Message was edited by: tuaz on 2002-01-18 01:51 ]
Besides making great whistles, Mack also makes house calls! 
Right Mack?
Vinny
[ This Message was edited by: Vinny on 2002-01-18 08:31 ]
Speaking of the Marvelous Mr. Mack, has anybody heard from him lately? I’ve tried sending him an e-mail several times, and it’s bounced each time - something about being rejected as spam. Now, I’d be the first to admit some useless content in e-mails, but I think calling them spam is a little harsh…
Anyway, if Mack should read this, I’d appreciate a reply back.
Thanks, all!
Cal