I’ve debated getting a big “expensive” set for some time now, and I finally decided to shop around. I had e-mailed Erle Bartlett about the availability of a full Syn set (For those who are curious: 1 head, 8 bodies: A,Bb,B,C,D,C#,Eb,E). He said that he could scrounge me up a set. Yay!! I have since received an e-mail from him stating that he sent off the set on the 5th. So, we shall see how long it takes the set to get from Australia to the States. I’ll keep you guys posted, and give you guys my thoughts on the Syns after I’ve played them for a few. You know, I’ve been thinking, and I’ve come to a decision in my life. I think…that its time…that I take a hiatus from whistle buying. Don’t know for how long, but we’ll see how things turn out. Nonetheless, I’m not going anywhere! So, in lieu of what I’ll have (and what I’m keeping), they are as follows:
Full Syn Set
Dixon Soprano C w/BTS
Walton’s Nickel C
Clare 2-piece Brass D
Generation Nickel G
The rest of my whistle collection (that I don’t play) are what I have put up for sale.
Good to hear that Erle is still offering the Syn’s.
They will probably take some time for you to get used to, but after a while, I think you will find them extraordinary whistles with lots and lots of possibilities. I still love my set, and I won’t part with it, ever.
I’ve played around on quite a few other high end whistles, but these are the ones that really does the trick for me.
I had a Full set but I traded it for a Water Weasel Eb some times I regret that as now I am missing some keys (A, Bb, B, C#) but the Water Weasel is a great whistle and not easy to find. My favorite was the Syn in B but I think I just like the key in general.
I don’t recall Doc having more than one set so it must be mine. They really are fun. I think I am taking a hiatus from buying Whistles as they way out number my Flutes.
those were definantley a porular set then. I myself am awaiting a Black Diamond from Erle as I ordered it from him because he had a special for the tour participants I like the BD quite a bit it has the sound and the amount of back pressure I like I find the Sindt D lakinc in the latter.
Out of curiosity (and cause it’s one of those long-term plans having whistles in different keys): does Erle Bartlett have a website or is it still “just” the e-mail?
And is the prize for a set as stated on the chiff and fipple main site still pretty much correct?
Is their sound rather sweet and pure or “breathy”?
Erle does have a web site for Black Diamond whistles. There is nothing on the site with regard to his Syn or Lancewood whistles. However, there is contact information on the site. Last I heard, he was planning on phasing out the Syn and was going to keep making the Lancewwod. But all that may have changed by now. Best way to find out is to go straight to the source.
I like the Black Diamonds, but the Syns have a very unique sound that I haven’t heard in any other whistle. I feel the Lancewoods are very similar to the Syns, only more volume. And of course they are made from wood.
I love the Black Diamond I had on tour it was like the perfect whistle it had more back pressure than my Sindt but a very similar sound which I love but I find my Sindt plays too easily.
Hey all. Just wanted to let you know…the Set has arrived!!! What a coincidence Dave, that we got our sets on the same day. So, in total, my package took 9 days to get to the States from Australia. Of course, I’ll need a few days to give a decent report/review, but 1st impressions: WOW!!!
So, in lieu of what I’ll have (and what I’m keeping), they are as follows:
By the time I got around to e-mailing Doc about it, the set had gone on ebay.
