UPS delivered my Walton LBD, Clark Sweetone D and Gen C last night! I’m a whistle owner! Thanks to Chiff & Fipple and The WhistleShop.
The review:
Gen C wins the “best looking” award. Unfortunately, it was 60 cents sharp. Soaking in 150-160 degree F water for 20 minutes allowed me to pull the mouthpiece, which took a GREAT ammount of pulling. I nearly impaled my throat when the head finally released. (Ever see a straw go thru a potato?) There was a raised edge to the head end of the tube. I cleaned this up with a jewers file. A bit of clarinet cork lube now lubricates the head. I cleared the windway of plastic flashing & filled the cavity with sticky-tack. These thing greatly improved tone but, it still suffers from a raspy octave jump. Anyone have suggestions for curing this?
The Walton LBD was about 20 cents sharp. It took 3 seconds in the hot water to release the head. I used sticky tack to fill the void, too. The LBD is real thin & breathy sounding but sounds great playing up on the second octave. Pitch bending of notes is quite dramatic on it. It is a bit “squeeky” though. Kinda like playing the first and second octave simultaneously.
The black Clarke Sweetone D was the prize of the litter. Beatutiful mellow tone. It easily plays 2 1/2 octaves. Pitch was less than 10 cents off across all notes, per my electronic tuner. My 9 year old now wants one in RED. Can a kid get WhOA from his parents?
Thanks in advance,
Gary