Alright folks. So Dale has an impending
review of a Jubilee whistle. But I was hoping that other owners of these whistles
could sound off and give some breif info/reactions. I can’t seem to find a solid review of these whistles. Although, I’ve seen several posts from the maker, who seems to be quite active and helpful in the C&F community. Thanks all!
-CJ
Hi,
I have a Jubilee Low-Low A. It looks like a gigantic piece of white plumbing–it is one BIG whistle.
While it’s a looong stretch, its not to bad to play. When I play it, it feels like what my Low D felt like when I first got it. It just takes some getting used to. The bottom-most hole rotates so its easier to find a comfortable hand position–I find that this is a really nice touch. The head joint is also angled.
I’m still working at the air requirement and the stretch, but I find that it has a rather haunting sound. The price is very reasonable and the waiting time was short. I guess if I was going to be really picky I would say that there is some roughness around the mouth piece, but that’s not a big deal. I’ve had a lot of fun with mine and can now play a couple of airs on it.
I’ve just gotten one of Daniel’s new DE series, where the headstock is made from Delrin, and I love it! What an improvement over the wooden model… Nice tone, good bottom end, and the tuning is good. When I’ve had one that’s off in the tuning, he’s always willing to make it right. I have copper bodies in low D, Db, C, and a new low Bb, and they are nice indeed! (especially the Db and the Bb!) I also have PVC bodies in low Bb and A, adapted for use with a Dixon mouthpiece - interesting stuff, but I do prefer the copper ones…
Daniel has always been receptive to new ideas, and is great to work with. The body of my copper low Bb and C are on their way back to have a key added to the 3rd and 6th hole - can’t wait to see how that comes out!
Purists on the board will be quick to point out the difference between Daniel’s instruments and higher-end instruments. (and, some of his earlier models were a little rough…) The way I see it, Daniel’s whistles are a work in progress, and I’ve been delighted to see the steps he’s making in them, while keeping them affordable.
Cal
I’ve been hesitant to post my impression of these whistles because Dan is a good contributor to the board, but since a request has been made, here goes.
I have had a set of low whistles (single head, bodies for A, Bb, C, D, and F) and also a brass low-C for over a year. The PVC whistles are an incredible deal at something like 50 bucks for the whole set. The brass one was something like 75.
Someone pointed out the Jubilees are a work in progress, and these were probably made 1.5 years ago, so things have probably changed.
Someone pointed out that the mouthpiece is rough, but my whistles are rough everywhere. The mouthpiece, the fipple blade, and, most importantly, the finger holes. I really can’t get a seal on them. I don’t know how holes can be made so rough, especially in PVC. I’ve made several PVC shafts, and the only time I made a hole as rough as those was when I didn’t get the pipe centered properly, so the drill jumped. In the brass whistle, they’re not even close to round.
The shafts are an interesting design. They’re designed to be played without using the piper’s grip, ie, the reach for each hand is small. This means that the third and sixth holes are very small. This is especially important for the sixth hole, as it means that the E note is VERY weak. It sounds kind of like the player is wheezing or there’s a leak somewhere. I find this kind of irritating.
I do kind of like the sound of them, especially the low-lows, when I can get sound out of them, which often involves shifting hands around in an effort to seal the holes.
Charlie
Thank you for some imput! Anyone else
have comments???
-CJ
I’d just add that the most recent whistle Daniel sent me, a low E (my request) is a TREMENDOUS improvement over his past work. It’s really got an amazingly strong lower end.
Dale
Which series was it from Dale? (a low E is exactly what I’m interested in)
-CJ
I got a PVC whistle from Daniel about 2 years ago and it was very rough but I just had him make a mouthpiece that would fit on a Kerry Low D and he did a great job. He made it with PVC and Derlin, it has a higher breathe requirement than the original mouthpiece but gives a more woody sound. Very well and professionally made.
Joe