Recommendation: Low G and A?

Whistle
1

I’m looking for a couple of moderately price low whistles in the key of ‘G’ and ‘A.’ Anyone have a recommendation for me? I’m leaning toward Susato, Shaw, or Kerry Pro at this point. Can anyone recommend a good whistle in these keys and where to get it? I live in whistle wasteland, so I’d be mail ordering. Anyone in the U.S. have a used one they’d like to sell? Thanks in advance!

2

In the moderate price range, I would wholeheartedly recommend Glenn Schultz’s Water Weasel (WW)in low A. It’s about $70 - $75 and can be gotten from Andy’s Front Hall, maybe the Whistle Shop and at most places on the net that stock whistles. I just tested and reviewed five A whistles for someone on the Board and the WW was the cheapest of the lot and surprisingly came in second; no. one costs about five times as much. It’s a solid whistle, responsive, easy transition, pure tone at both ends, very nice. I personally like the funky appearance - grey pvc tubing and red plastic fipple. No experience with the WW low G. Good luck. Philo

3

I would add to PhilO’s post and recommend the WW low-G also. The holes are kind of large on all of his medium to low whistles (I found myself instinctively using the piper’s grip on the Bb last night), but the sound is simply remarkable, and the price can’t be beat.

I might also add, you can get them directly from Glenn; he usually has some of all the PVC keys in stock.

Charlie

4

I have a Silkstone G/A set that I love.
Thom at The Whistle Shop can get a set for you if you want one.

5

If you don’t mind a whistle that is a bit quieter than most I highly recommend Mack Hoovers. I have a low G CPVC and it sings soooo beautifully!!

Deb

6

I got the Tony Dixon A last week and it is hauntingly beautiful. I adore it and can’t put it down. My fingers are drawn magically to it.

7

Thanks everyone for the input. How 'bout the Susato Low G and A? The price sure makes them tempting, and Susato whistles, except for maybe the Low D, generally get good reviews here. Any Susato Low G or A owners/players out there?

8

Bartleby, I personally don’t care for the Susato A I had. Loud, harsh, and not as easy to finger as I was used to. I wouldn’t recommend it.

9

I agree totally with Tyghress. I had both an A and a G Susato. Both were harsh and took a lot of air - totally unnecessary in an A or G. My suggestion in your price range would be Mack Hoover. His standard bore instruments are not really quiet, as are his narrow bores, and provide excellent sound and playability for fair dollars. If CPVC is not to your liking, request your instruments in brass or aluminum. I truly could not ask more for the price than Mack has provided for me in my aluminum A and G.
Cheers and good luck with your choice.
Byll