What’s the sound difference between brass and nickel O’Briain ‘Improved’ whistles? I’ve never played a nickel anything.
Wasn’t there a thread about this? Did you search? Blackhawk has both, you might want to contact him.
Of course I searched 
but I didn’t see anything comparing the two. It was usually a statement of ownership.
Edit - I’ve emailed blackhawk, thanks for the tip
[ This Message was edited by: avanutria on 2002-08-11 13:48 ]
I haven’t tried both, but I love my brass O’Briain. For comparison – my other top favorite whistle is my Hoover. Those, I play every day.
Somewhere behind those come my tweaked Meg and tweaked Generation. The Dixon might make its way up there if I can get those high notes sounding better, though I’m beginning to wonder if I just like metal (and maybe wood – haven’t tried one yet) whistles better.
Then I have whistles that I play only once in a great while. Doolin 1-piece, Sweetones, a tweaked Feadog, an Oak, an untweaked Meg.
I’d love to try a nickel O’Briain, so I’m looking forward to seeing what people who have tried both have to say.
Tery
To me, there’s no difference between the two. I don’t like the feel of the nickel in my hands, that’s the only difference. But they both sound better than many of the “high end whistles.” Since I don’t like the feel of the nickel, I’m open to offers via email.
blackhawk,
I’ve heard similar complaints about whistles in a nickel finish as it’s smooth polished surface becomes ‘slimey feeling’ when your hands perspire. I’m wondering if you could take steel wool and give it a satin finish without wearing throught the plated surface. That way, you would benefit in a non-slip finish that doesn’t darken from oxidation.
I don’t see why not, Tony. It’d be an interesting experiment, anyway.
Btw, the nickel O’Briain has found a new home, thanks all.
Does anyone have Cillian’s URL? Might just order a tweaked D…
On 2002-08-12 10:14, nickt wrote:
Does anyone have Cillian’s URL? Might just order a tweaked D…
You can order one from Shanna Quay
Audrey
Heck, my O’Briain tweeked is my very favorite whistle, I could gladly give away the rest of them and be happy with this one!
Anna, Brass or nickel?
I have the brass one but, never played the nickle version. Generally, and IMHO, nickle sounds thinner than brass… more flute like.
Here’s the link to the discussion of nickle VS brass.
Thanks for the link Gary! I’m seriously considering ordering one of each and comparing for myself. I can probably sell the other if I only like one.
But…other whistles are in the mail…and celtic fest coming up… and… and… 
Brass, Beth! Brass! Is there anything esle?
Waiting for the Mothership…
[ This Message was edited by: Anna Martinez on 2002-08-12 16:44 ]
That’s what I’m trying to figure out! 
If there’s no significant difference in tone and playability, I would choose brass every time, because I like the patina (“used” look) which it gets. My (nickel) Oak still feels like an alien creature, while my (brass) Feadog feels like an old friend with whom I have a good relationship.
I have a brass Acorn (latest version). It appears to be structurally identical to the Oak, but the Oak has a brighter, clearer tone, and is not as loud in the second octave. I have even switched mouthpieces between them, and the differences remain, so it’s due to the tube and not the fipple. However, I suspect that there wouldn’t be much difference between them if the Oak had thinner plating. (It’s a relatively heavy whistle.) To my ears, the tone is gorgeous. I just wish it looked like brass.
By the way, I have ordered a brass O’Brian “improved.”
[ This Message was edited by: Ridseard on 2002-08-12 17:37 ]
Hmm my problem may be solved…I just got my handful of home-tweaked second-hand whistles in the mail, and one of them in particular is rather nice indeed. I must research this further…
Yes there is something else: WOOD!!!
Nick
Wooden whistle fan extraordinaire
IMHO, just seems that the brass seems more “forgiving” than nickle…