I said I was going to wait a few days and get to know the two Susato VSB whistles I got today before I posted a review, but it’s really not necesseay to wait.
I couldn’t be much happier with the new design… they eliminated almost everything that was negative in a regular Susato and kept everything that was positive about them with this design.
The shrill and overly loud second octave has been significantly reduced.
The overall volume has also been reduced to a quite bearable decible level, and the volume across the octaves is balanced very nicely.
This is still a fairly loud whistle though, so don’t say I didn’t warn you. 
Keeping the ring finger of your right hand down for balance has no noticable effect on any note G and higher in either octave.
OXX OOO produces a truer C natural than forked fingering, but there is only a slight difference between the two fingerings that can easily be compensated for with a little adjustment in breath pressure.
Those in the habit of using forked fingering will not find this whistle any more tempermental with it than most whistles are.
The windway is more narrow than that of a regular Susato, so the air requirements have been significantly reduced.
The mouthpiece isn’t quite as chunky as a regular Susato either, but it’s still impossible to grip it between your lips… an issue I still wish Susato would address.
The tone is still very reminiscant of a regular Susato, but I believe it leans more toward the tone of a Dixon.
The whistle allows for a good degree of expressiveness, and doesn’t jump into the second octave too easily… but it’s by no means difficult to reach the second octave.
Without hesitation, I recommend the new VSB models to players of all levels.
That’s about all I can think of to include in this review right now, but I may add more to it in the comimg days after I get to know the whistles better.
Hey Raindog,
Who’s carrying these new whistles and how much are they going for?
thanks
On 2002-03-01 20:14, livethe question wrote:
Hey Raindog,Who’s carrying these new whistles and how much are they going for?
thanks
I picked mine up from Thom Larson at The Whistle Shop, but you could order direct from Susato.
Thom sells the VSB Soprano D Kildare for $22, the same price Susato charges for a direct order.
Thom does not yet stock the VSB Dublin models, but a VSB Soprano D Dublin direct from Susato costs $13.50 which is quite a bargain indeed.
Was I right or what…every time I play it I enjoy it more. I like mine so much that I’ll soon order another one, only laser etched. This one is a true winner..