After a long wait, albeit exactly when Pat first said they’d arrive, I received my Bflat/A Travelers. The postman delivered them as I was on my way out to a business meeting, and after flirting with the idea of being unprofessionally late, I put them aside and went to the meeting. Therefore, I haven’t had a chance yet for extended play, but did give them a run through. First impressions are that they are very very responsive and require a bit more air, although still moderate, than expected. Fit and finish is impeccable including a slide that fits both tubes to such a perfect tolerance that it gives one the sense of hydraulics when removing the tube. There is a mark on each slide denoting the tuning sweet spot and the nickel hardware matches that on the rest of my brood. Pat also throws in a beautiful and useful corduroy pouch and some nice red plastic protective covers for the mouthpiece; these can be snipped to be used as an overlay when loaning the whistle to another player.
I’ve always felt that the G Traveler was not only Pat’s best, but possibly along with the Copeland the best G out there. The jury is still out as to the best; these Bflat/A whistles are fun to play, super responsive, and have a lovely tone throughout (resonant in the low end and smooth in the upper) and time will tell whether they actually approach the angelic tone of the G.
Also, when buying these direct from the maker, they constitute perhaps the most bang for the buck of any high end whistle. It’s one thing to speak of bang for buck with for example, Generation Bflat, Walton Golden Tone C or WW Bflat whistles, but to speak of bang for the buck on that scale with such a high end whistle is really impressive.
Last but not least, Pat is a no nonsense, stand behind his product terrific gentleman to deal with. Oh, and this set is really well matched in that so far I can’t say one is better than or stronger than the other or even really fits the mouthpiece better.
Uh, I have to go you know where right now.
Philo
You’ll have to get around the NYC area for that, and then you can try all you like! If not, keep an eye on Doc’s site; he really has some interesting pre-owned stuff. We’re packing up to go up to Williamstown to see our daughter - it’s parents weekend. It’s good to hear from you.