Sausato makes two types of Bb whistles, a smaller bore one and a larger bore one. The smaller bore uses the same tubing as the high D (as far as I can tell from the website) and the larger one uses the next size up. They say that the smaller one is a quieter one while the larger one is more resonant.
Does anyone have experience with these? How do they compare with the sizes of the Bb’s of other makers? What is the practical difference in sound? I am interested in a low-cost Bb and I happen to like the Sausato consistency.
I agree with Jessie about the balance across octaves on the Susato narrow Bb, and I found its tonal character less reedy sounding than the higher keyed Susatos, but it is entirely too quiet for me to play it with others. I ended up getting a Bb aluminum from Mack Hoover because I needed a louder one. I don’t know how the med bore Susato Bb would be…
I should say that our group rarely plays in a key in which I need a Bb now!! Do fiddlers not particularly like that key or something??
Lisa
I have a small bore Susato Bb (It’s currently on its way back from a loan to Tennesee, or I’d make a clip). They used to sell it as part of a C-D-Bb set, which I have, and the bodies are all the same diameter. I think sometime last year they chose to start making the Bb in the wider bore, and I’ve never played one of those. I’m not a susato fan, and I don’t care for the C and D, but I like the Bb and will be keeping it.
The small bore is a good Bb whistle. Mine is part of a D-C-Bb combo. It is amazing how much quieter it is than the D, due to the increase in length. I have a Generation Bb that seems louder, especially in the bottom register. I like the sound of both the Susato and the Generation.
