Finally taking a break from home renovations and played and recorded a bunch of favorite tunes of various types on new Albas, Serpent and Harper.
Alba A/G set: These are cosmetically gorgeous whistles (previously described) and finely crafted with wonderful fit and finish. They have a beautiful and somewhat unique tone that is Alba signature (for this aluminum line) and truly haunting yet sweet at the same time (that may be contradictory, but it’s the best I can do; they sound great). You can lean into these much like my recollection of Overtons (check this with Bloomfield). The air requirements seem somewhat like Overtons as well, i.e., you need to use the diaphragm, which complements the leaning into characteristic. One note. At first I noted both the beautiful unique tone and much breathiness which diminished the strength of tone. One little piece of teflon tape in the groove on the body tube part that enters the slide made the sound come alive. Stacey told me that the grooved section that comes with some teflon on it is specifically made for that. I really like these and don’t mind an occasional re-tefloning. I play them with the slide out about 3/16", where there is a line of demarcation on the whistle. The tone is like none other and I love to hear it over and over.
Alba “practice” soprano D: This non-tuneable aluminum whistle (with Tufnol plug and blue anodized blade) does not have the signature Alba sound of the above. Its tone is more traditional or typical of some of the really good classic “cheaper” whistles. I do not mean that it has any of the cheaper whistles sometimes thinness or inconsistency of tone or imbalance, only that it has that kind of traditional sound. This whistle has moderate volume and low air requirements, great balance and nice full tone. This simple whistle is one of my favorites and now comes everywhere with me. It’s a great whistle and I love it. Easy to play, no clogging, etc. etc.
Serpent Viper: I have previously described the beautiful cosmetic appearance of this whistle (brushed satin finished brass with fabulous etchings). It is all brass, including the head and fipple; I find it physically balanced and not at all too heavy. It is tuneable. I’m sorry to disappoint Bill, but the tone of this whistle is hardly reflective of a “viper;” I found it pure and sweet, with low air requirements and moderate volume. A lovely whistle that somehow obviously reflects the caring input of its maker. I have ordered a dreadnought that will hopefully satisfy my evil twin as well. Another keeper.
Harper soprano D: This I purchased second-hand from a Board member. It is also cosmetically beautiful and a solid player. For comparison, it is much lighter than the Viper, being made of aluminum. It is non-tuneable and edgier in tone than the Viper.
All of the whistles are cylindrical (the Harper flares bell-like at the bottom; hmmm, a bell-bottom whistle; were these around in the sixties?)
Finally, as an addicted whistle purchaser (AWP), I can say that it was truly a pleasure dealing with my dealers Bill and Stacey.
On to the next project.
Regards,
Philo
I got my Q1 (“practice” soprano D) earlier this week and have been playing it steadfastly all day today, and agree with everything you said. The real test will come tomorrow around 4 a.m., when I play while the wife’s asleep! 