Many thanks to all of you who took the time to pick up, play and evaluate the many tour and sample whistles that I brought to the event. I, and the mfgs who sent them, appreciate your time.
A Special Request:
Would anyone that played one of the following whistles at the Bay Area event please take the time to send me a quick note (via email link below) about your thoughts and feelings on the playability and construction of the whistles you tried? I would like to reward the manufacturers for taking the time and trust to send these to us and get that feedback to them. I will post all comments here once received and compiled.
Thanks
Erle Bartlett - Syn Whistles
Ironwood High D
Brass Low D
Daniel Bingamon - Jubilee Whistles
Practice Whistle Low D
Aluminum Tunable Low D
Simon Styles - Weston Whistles
Wooden High D (still trying to figure it out. Consensus so far: Oak)
Copper High D
Copper Low D
Chromed Copper High D
On a more disappointing note:
Since she could not be here personally, Sandy Jasper of Elfsong also sent a whistle for us to evaluate. Unforutunately that whistle did not make it to my hands soon enough (or yet) to do that. I felt it appropriate to mention her intention here though. Once the whistle does get here, maybe we can get something going amongst some of the attendies to give it a try. More on this later.
The ElfSong made it here today. I put more information in the original thread for the gathering. It will be up to Sandy just how much exposure and where for the whistle though since it is actually her whistle. I will mention it to her though.
I have only received TWO replies to this request so far.
I really think that we need to support the manufacturers that took the time and expense to supply these instruments for our evaluation and enjoyment by giving them feedback. It will be annonymous. Be as blunt as you wish. I know each of the mfgs involved are more interested in improving their work than their own personal feelings.
I think I tried some of the whistles involved–I did as NorCal commanded when he pointed and said “TRY THOSE WHISTLES, KAR”–but I think I wasn’t clear that I was going to be asked for a review. I tried so many that day, and I didn’t think to organize my thoughts so I could give a review.
Let’s see…I tried his Burke black-top, which is probably one of the best whistles I’ve ever tried and I really want one.
I tried the two wooden whistles, but I don’t recall their names. The one that looked more like a recorder was better, very easy to play, nice sound, easy second octave, very sweet whistles. The other one, a one-piece, I put down after about 30 seconds. Just didn’t like it and I can’t say why.
Next time I will try and be more diligent in testing and repsonding!