Thanks to those who replied…
There is a recent review of the NR if you do a search. It is my understanding that the NR is a new design meant to adress issues that players had with the old style, and is the preferred model. The NR models are stamped “KWL CHIEFTAIN”. Have you e-mailed Phil Hardy, the maker?
phil@kerrywhistles.demon.co.uk
OS = “old style”
NR = “new range”
Keith,
I’m sure Phil Hardy would be glad to field your question(s) about the difference between the OS and the NR. By the way, according to Phil, Cillian Vallely of Lunasa still plays an OS, so there’s something to be said for that right there. IMO, the OS really plays smoothly, especially in the lower octave, though it seems to me that the NR has more gusto, especially in the higher register, and is more responsive when playing faster. I actually traded my OS for an NR, and now sometimes would like to have kept it, so if I were you I’d keep the OS and try an NR as well. As I mentioned in our pm’s, you might also try an Overton sometime if you can–a very different whistle (even though both Phil and Colin Goldie began their whistlesmithing with Bernard Overton), but worth the comparison to the Chieftains, as they each have their own character. Good luck on your whistle quest.