A while back, I bought a Silkstone narrow-bore alloy soprano D and fell in love with it. It’s the easiest-to-play whistle I own, and is a really beautifully built little instrument. The volume is well balanced throughout its range, and the octave shift is easy and clear. I’ve taken it to some sessions with me and I play it when I don’t know a tune so well because it’s so quiet that it’s unlikely that anyone else can hear me. It has a sweet voice, not pure like a Burke but very sweet and quite sure of itself.
In a fit of WhOA, I ordered his alloy low D as well, and it just arrived yesterday. I took it out of its pouch in my office, and again was impressed by the aesthetics of Paul’s work. It looks like a serious instrument that someone put significant time into creating. Unfortunately, I had to wait until I got home to try it out, but boy was it worth the wait. It is as easy to play as the soprano D, its octave shift is just as easy, and it takes no extra effort to play the high notes in tune. It’s tone is extremely thick, rich, focused, and powerful. I’ve played about 5 other low D’s, and none of them hit the spot quite like this one.
I have to say that the Silkstone alloy d I borrowed from a friend was enjoyable to play and the craftsmanship was excellent too. Recently, I bought the pvc C in British Racing Green. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it since I hadn’t heard one. The risk paid off. It has a slightly woody tone, so much so that I bet many people couldn’t tell it wasn’t if they were blindfolded. The holes are extremely smooth and feel great to the touch. It’s easy to get a good seal on them.
I bought the whistle used and contacted Paul with some questions, and amazingly, he was open to doing any repairs I might need! Now that’s a warranty Thankfully, nothing is wrong with the whistle, but it’s great to know that Paul is like many other fine whistlesmiths out there that back up their work wherever the whistle may go. Paul is also a very funny fellow, which you will see if you read his website.
I agree! There is something special (to me) about being able to talk, phone or email, to the person that made my whistles. The fact that they are willing to service the instrument for life is one more reason to enjoy buying more whistles
Although I am a newcomer to Chiff & Fipple I feel I must add my voice to the praise for the Silkstone Alloy Narrow Bore High D. It is a simply superb whistle and is by far the easiest D whistle that I have played. Given my advanced years and lack of talent the latter point is of some importance.
Comment has been made that the Silkstone is not as pure sounding as the Burke Narrow Bore. For me that is one of the attractions of the Silkstone - in my humble opinion it has more ‘character’ than the Burke although I have to admit that I have never played or heard a Burke ‘in the flesh’ and base my judgment solely on posted clips which, with the limitations of recording facilities etc, may not do the Burke justice.
I can also confirm that Paul is a great bloke to do business with.
I’ve also had great experiences with Silkstones. I have seven now, in various keys and both materials. My favorite is the alloy D+. The narrow bore D is nice, too, but I prefer the wider bore. I tend to blow a little too hard for the narrow bore, making for a thinner sound. This isn’t a fault of the whistle though – when I pay attention and play it like it wants to be played, it sounds wonderful.
Thankfully, nothing is wrong with the whistle, but it’s great to know that Paul is like many other fine whistlesmiths out there that back up their work wherever the whistle may go. Paul is also a very funny fellow, which you will see if you read his website.