Yesterday I received the combination Hoover Black-top with the Bingamon tone-bodies (C,D and A). Couldn’t be happier–except to have more barrels from Daniel, which I will order eventually.
The C and D are really wonderful. I have a whitecap that I play on Generation and Feadog D barrels. The sound with the Blacktop is really nice with the brass barrels from Daniel. The whistles have the sweetness Mack’s fipples are known for, but also more volume than the Whitecap. Solid, pure, sweet sound. Great between octaves, even into the third. The Blacktop also resists the clogging that the Whitecap is susceptible to. I own a few C whistles (Susato, O’Brien, Waltons, Clarke Original, Sweetone), and think this one is probably, overall, the best C whistle I have.
I ordered the A barrel, knowing that it would be somewhat quieter than the others, since it is the same diameter only longer. So it’s comparatively quiet on the lower end, but still very nice. If I have a folksong like “Gentle Annie” to play, it drops down to a C in two spots. The A whistle works perfectly for this, playing easily up high (sounding just like a D whistle without screeching or sounding like you’re really having to push), but able to drop down.
It’s enjoyable to see this collaborative effort, even more to get to play its result.