(Now that I have had more time to play my Python Low D, I wanted to update my thoughts about it. What follows are my edited thoughts about the whistle.)
I should say that this is my first higher quality whistle. The only other low whistle I own is the Susato Low D non-tunable. I am also very much an amateur whistle player, but I offer my impressions FWIW.
The whistle is made of brass and is very striking in its looks. I chose the floral engraving, which has a vine of flowers, butterflies, etc. winding around the finger holes. It is a very pretty touch. The fipple plug is a white plastic. The finish of the mouthpiece and the overall feel of the mouthpiece are good. The serpent name and logo are engraved on the back side of the headpiece, and the Key (D) is engraved on the back of the band between the sections.
The whistle is well balanced and has been very comfortable to play for longer periods of time. The finger holes are spaced so that you could play it with your fingertips if you wanted but is just as comfortable (for me) with the piper’s grip.
The thing that struck me the most was how quiet the whistle is. In the lower octave, it is very quiet - a very soft and peaceful sound. The second octave has a bit more volume, and the third octave is louder yet without being piercing. The lower volume has made playing this whistle a joy around the house (where my playing always seems to be running into my family ).
Overall the sound is quite lovely, which the slightest bit of chiff. I would describe the tone as pure and somewhat flute-like. The amount of chiff does increase in the second octave and it is a nice balance between pure tone and chiff. The instrument seems to be well in tune with itself.
There seems to be little backpressure and it doesn’t take a lot of wind to get the sound started. I was especially impressed at how easy the second octave was to play. The third octave seems to be easily obtainable as well, although I was also able to get a solid note on the low D on the first try, every time. That is something I never could quite get on the Susato - starting anything on the low D was always a gamble. My first impression was that the Python takes a lot of wind. This was just plain wrong and really was my inexperience with this whistle. Now that I have gotten the feel of the whistle I am able to play longer and more controlled than on my Susato. I was right - I am definitely going to have to work on my breathing to bring the best out of this whistle - a gentle touch is all that is required.
I am thoroughly enjoying the break-in period with this whistle as it definitely has a distinct personality that I am getting to know.
I am very happy overall with this whistle, and with my WhOA, I am sure it will not be my last Serpent whistle. I think everyone should check out Serpent whistles. Now, if I can only keep my WhOA under control…
I just got my first Serpent, a (high D) Vilage Smitty (reminds me of George Clooney in “Oh Brother Where Art Thou”, when he asks the hoboes in the train “Say, are any of you boys smitties? Well, maybe not smitties per se, but at least versed in the metalurgical arts?”).
Anyway, what a beautiful and entirely well made whistle! It does play very different from the other whistles i have, so i’ll wait a couple of weeks before i post a review about the sound. But i’m duly impressed with the quality of Bill Whedon’s work.
Well, i like it a lot. I wish it were louder, but that’s because i’m used to the Water Weasel. It’s in many respects the anti-Weasel: lots of resistance, softer and breathier sound. but it’s one sexy whistle too, maybe the kind of whistle Robocop or some character in Blade Runner would play.
I’ll record a sample and write a better review when i have time, hopefully by next week.
I’ve had my Python Low D for a bit over a week. There’s not much I can add to the very accurate review above. I absolutely love the instrument and play it at every opportunity. Mine is not engraved and looked very smooth and polished when I first unpacked it. After a few days sitting out in the living room where I can grab it at a moment’s notice it acquired a rather attractive, rich gold patina of oxidation. The tuning slide seems to be a very good fit - it moves when you want it to but is perfectly stable while playing.
This is my first Low D of any kind, having only taken up the whistle a couple of months ago (a Dixon brass-slide tuneable high D). I was slightly apprehensive about the finger stretch for the low D - especially having seen some of the big name low D whistles in Hobgoblin a few days before getting it. I have very small hands but still find the Python eminently playable without resorting to piper’s grip.
The sound is exactly what I’d hoped for in a low D. My high D isn’t getting much of a look in at the moment, in part because I can play the Python at 11 o’clock at night without waking the kids.
The trouble is, the whistle’s at home and I’m at work and I really want to play it NOW…
I picked up my Anaconda whistle from the PO today. WOW, I am going to have to find the Bar room brawl thread and enter my vote for Serpent Whistles being the weapon of choice! Very nice first impression, will reserve all other comments until after a bit of viewing and messing with it. My G is right on its heels I hear too.
Yes, this one has the brass fipple plug as well.
I included the link so others can see the complete thread if desired.
I think you should make a whistle out of white translucent Delrin and call it “The Woodsman”. Now, that, my friend, would be “something completely different”!! I’ll even send you a billet!
serpent
P.S. Funny, I just visualized that.. I think it would be a singularly attractive piece! Can I commission one? You do need special adhesives, if you need to glue to the stuff, but I have them… Let’s talk…
Bill-- I’m willing to give it a shot. Actually, I’ve been curious about working with Delrin anwyay. I take it I could bore this stuff using my standard gundrill, use my regular drill bits, etc. I just started a batch, but haven’t really gotten very far into it ( summer has been TOO nice…). If you want to send along a 1x1x12 I’ll get it into the works.
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