I just posed this question over on the session, but then thought that perhaps there are more Whistle experts tootin around on this forum, so here goes, again:
Sweetheart Pro Plus Laminated Whistle - Problem?
Does anyone else out there have one of those Sweetheart Pro-Plus Laminated D Whistles?
Mine arrived today & it is almost impossible to get a sound out of the lower notes F E & D!
All the lower octave notes are in fact difficult to play & sadly, the way it is, it must be the quietest Whistle I have ever played!
Now they say that these Whistles are pre-soaked in oil twice, before being shipped out!
But I’m wondering if this one missed it’s oil bath!
Which, if true, doesn’t say much for their quality control, back at Sweetheart HQ!
Any suggestions from any of you expert Wooden Whistle Dudes, will be gratefully received.
Hopefully an oil bath will get this baby singing.
Do you think I should use Amond Oil?
I should say Mrs Pt has two Sweetheart Fifes, which are great wee instruments, so I’m hoping something can be done with this Whistle, to save me from having to send it back.
I’ve had two of these whistles and have never experienced nor heard of this. These are normally very loud whistles that play well. I wouldn’t do anything to the whistle without contacting Ralph first and letting him know what you’re experiencing. He may have some suggestions and be able to help without you having to return it. It could just be one that slipped through QC. Have you checked the windway to see if there may be something lodged inside?
The first one I got developed a problem with the cork joint and eventually wouldn’t stay together, so Ralph replaced the whistle with no problem.
Are you able to take some close-up photos of the window area (inside), fipple, and blade and post them so we can take a look? There are several whistle makers here and if we can see some photos, maybe we can spot something.
Ptarmigan, I have one of the Mello D’s and have no problems at all with the low notes. They are not overly loud, but plenty loud enough. Even though it’s a hassle, I would definetly send it back unless you can find some obvious windway problem. (which you’ve already checked I know)
I’m sure that The Sweets will make it right somehow.
Sometimes the guys at Sweetheart can be a bit forgetful, but they will take care of you. I have a High D by them and the original one I had developed 4 cracks out of the blue so I talked to Ralph (or Walt I can’t remember) and they had me send it back and replaced it.
Excuse me Mr. Ptarmigan - can I see your whistle-player’s licence ?
[ Dick - please thank your buddies for the tunes and songs in Bushmills on the Monday following Miltown, and give them my regards. All the best. ]
PS - sorry I can’t help with your query, not having experience of this particular whistle. Hope you get it sorted, and we’ll have a whistle session next time we meet !
Anyway, Ralph usually responds to his email within 24 hours, (has it been that long yet?) and in an instance like this OF COURSE we’ll repair/replace the instrument! If sending it back is an issue, we can work something out (refund on postage?)
There may be a problem with the block in the windway. We look forward to making this right for you, Ptar.
I’ve never heard of an instance of someone complaining about burning from the Permali or the old Dymondwood for that matter. I don’t know about the linseed oil.
