A little over a year ago I bought a Reyburn Low D - Wide bore whistle. Ronaldo told me that I would have to practice a lot to be able to get the most out of that whistle. He was right - it was not an easy whistle to play but I stuck with it is now my favorite whistle and I play it daily. Not long ago I received an email from Ronaldo telling me that he had changed his Narrow Bore Low D and was so sure I would like it that he would let me send it back if I didn’t. I couldn’t let a chance to try his new one go by so I told him to go ahead and send it.
It is much easier to play than the WB .. A beginner would have very little trouble getting nice sounds out of this in a very short time. I tried it on several songs that had me running out of air on the WB and played them with no trouble on the NB. Noticed too that I was able to increase volume without breaking into the second octave by “chance” and it is very easy to make the jump to the second octave. The second octave is a thing of beauty …it seems to be almost the same volume as the first .. Notes are easy to hit up to the “b” and was able to hit the “b” with a little effort. This whistle is more forgiving than the WB not given to making strange sounds if you are a little sloppy on your fingering or breath control.
I have been unable to play the really fast songs on the WB .. Response time or something didn’t allow it but this NB has no trouble that I have found so far. I am not use to having to move my fingers that fast on a “big” whistle so really believe that any delays are on my part. It has done everything I have asked of it.
Sound is typical Reyburn …. Great …… Haunting ….. Dark …. Magical ….Carries you to another place. I play Low D for the sound and I have tried several different makers and IMHO … this is the best .. Hands down. Maybe it is the wooden head piece or maybe the Wee People add a little extra to Ronaldo’s whistles but whatever it is - it keeps me playing his whistles.
I had Ronaldo give me the offset fingering …. This allows me to play with my finger tips and not have to use the Pipers grip. For me … I am able to “half hole” easier and believe I have more control of the holes. I also think anyone with small hands would find this a big help. No uncomfortable hand span and even my Granddaughter can make this reach and she is 8 .
I have found that I am able to control these whistles better if I use thumb rests and like to have 2 - one for each hand. Susato sells them and I like theirs.
This whistle won’t be going back to Ronaldo - I will be keeping it. Some may think I am made out of money owning two Reyburns but not so …. I traded and sold items to have the money I needed. The Low D is what I play 99% of the time. High Ds are just to carry around … learn new songs on. I will stay with the Reyburns because they give me everything I want in sound and this NB is so easy to play it may end up being my favorite. The WB and NB give two different sounds - both great and both will be played on a regular basis.
Did forget to mention that the Narrow Bore Low D is now Ronaldo’s “standard” Low D … don’t want to confuse anyone.
Jim
