Hey Guys, how you would rate the Cheiftain ‘A’ whistle.First on a scale from 1 to 10 then tell me one good thing and bad thing about(if there is one)that whistle.Thanks
They vary. Some are unplayable and some are about a 5 or 6, with everything in between. One good thing? Aluminum is cool. One bad thing? It’s a Chieftain (often out of tune, filled with controversy, etc.).
Good: exciting, chiffy sound that kind of sounds like Irish flute.
Bad: upper notes are not strong enough to be as exciting as the tunes you want to play on that whistle. Like Tam Lin for example. If the high F# and E were stronger, it would be a good whistle for that type of tune. But in upper register, you just hear a lot of air, especially if you are playing a fast tune. But many use low whistles for the slower stuff. For slower song accompaniment, I don’t think it is sweet enough.
A hard whistle for beginners to play because of air requirements so resale value is limited, especially non-tuneable, like mine.
Well-machined, mine is in-tune and very comfortable to hold and play.
When there were few low whistles available, they were a good choice. But eclipsed by many others since, I reckon.
in regard’s to the “cheiftain” line of whistle’s. i can appreciate how others
may feel in regards to the instrument. ofcourse, not allways good things
have been said. personally, i enjoy the chieftain and refuse to compare
it poorly to other makers!!! they are good whistle’s indeed. i played these
low whistle’s for quite some time. every maker deserves some credit as
a maker! they carry a great sound indeed! unfortunately, bad things have been said. i suppose, give a listen to those that have recorded with them!
again, find your own path to what is exceptible and what is not. my hat’s
off to “all” the makers. 
they deserve it.
Here’s a little about the history, but you’ll have to read between the lines to understand, as people must be diplomatic when addressing large audiences.
I’d have to give mine an 8. Understand, tho, that mine is a Chieftain Gold, and it’s tuneable. The good about it - a very VERY warm sound. Bad - before it was made tuneable, it was flatter than a pancake. But, Phil (giving props where they are due!) adjusted it and made it tuneable, and now it plays like a champ.
The Gold has a noticeably warmer sound than my Chietftain F, which is aluminum. There’s my 2 cents worth, which in the present economy means I owe you guys some change. 