Teleportation of the BD C Whistle

Whistle
1

Received Erle’s Black Diamond C whistle today (yes, I chose that one over the D based on the clips and the usual prompt and helpful response to my questions from Erle and others) from Doc Jones - he’s in Idaho; I’m in New York. I was elated yet somewhat alarmed at the speed with which the whistle arrived. A standing household joke is the speed at which the local Chinese takeout delivery gets here - hang up the phone and the guy is at the door - a really great feat when applied to whistles.

Anyway, I just got it - used the tuner, went up and down the scales, did rolls in both octaves up and down, played various tunes (airs, reels, jigs) with ornamentation, blew the notes into both octaves up and down the scales, and tested the high B on that section in the Londenderry Air, messed with the tuning slide, etc.

So just a few first impressions. It reminds me of my Humphrey, but I won’t go there because that’s on loan and I really can’t compare; also the Humphrey is a D and the wide bore model - my guess is is it would more approximate Bloomfield’s narrow bore Humphrey (yes, we will simply have to compare these, albeit D to C).

First, there are no real black diamonds, just an affixed decal denoting “Black Diamond C” on a black diamond background. The black delrin head has what looks to be two lines of separation (3 pieces?), including two differing diameters, with an exposed (as on other Syns)brass pin. It is definitely narrow bore - I am a genius and can tell this because the tube completely fits within that of my Burke Black tip brass session C and even fits partially within the end of my Sindt C (these maneuvers should only be attempted by professionals in a safe setting).

Tone hole spacing and size very much like the Sindt, but the BD is lighter - this is thin walled brass - feels just right to me.

The tuning slide, which like the Humphrey is accomplished by moving the delrin head up and down on the tube, is a bit difficult to work with but perhaps will get easier in time (anyway, seems in tune in its original position).

Now to the important part - playability and sound. I think this is a particularly responsive whistle - I know this is easy to define yet a source of great difference of opinion among players. All ornaments are easily and crisply and quickly accomplished (within my own limited skills), there’s an ease of blending breathe with finger movement to get notes back quickly and fully - fingers seem to fly and stay close to the whistle, no straining to alter breathe - all seems to flow naturally, yet providing a nice full clear tone with some attack chiff. Ample volume (perfect to my taste, probably "moderate’). Also easy to slide notes. Lovely tone, easy transitions, nicely balanced, just a hint of jasmine…(sorry) :slight_smile:

Enough blather; I really like it a lot so far, am keeping it and will probably get the D when I get back from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio - after all I can just have Doc teleport it.

Philo

2

Nice stuff. Yes, by all means let’s compare whistles. Perhaps we might even descend on TomD for the occasion?

3

Well Philo how many whistles do you have now? But hey, Whoa’s counting? :laughing:

4

As always, a pleasure, Bloomy. Upon my return from the heartland, perhaps. If Tom’s tired of hosting, perhaps here; but, be warned Tom is a better host. I will probably only offer you an 18-year old McCallan and some pretzels or the like… :slight_smile:

Tommy - My family has rigged the cabinet with an alarm that goes off at 100 - close but not quite yet…


Philo

5

Yet another advantage of being both a veterinarian and a whistle peddler. You see I’ve got this special lubricant that I use for greasing up calves before I pull them out. It comes in gallon jugs and is very reasonable. I’ve found that slathering a half gallon or so of the gook all over the priority mail packaging not only causes everyone at the post office to insist I go to the head of the line but also knocks a day or to off the trip to any destination. :smiley:

Doc

6

Should have borrowed some of that for my priority mail to Trinidad!!! Oh well, live and learn. More on what is coming back…

s o m e d a y. :roll:

7

**Bloomfield Wrote:

"Nice stuff. Yes, by all means let’s compare whistles. Perhaps we might even descend on TomD for the occasion?

/Bloomfield"**

You and Philo know that you are welcome at any time. Our problem has always been finding the time. The invite extends to anyone else within driving distance of or with subway acess to the vicinity of the Brooklyn Bridge, and would would include a passable repast. I plan on being in town for the rest of the summer and, Good Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise, beyond. Most weeknights are fine with me except Wednesdays. Saturdays or Sundays possible, but I expect everyone has plans for the few remaining weekends between now and Labor Day. I have accured annual leave time to burn and with a little prior notice can take a day off to haul in commestibles, generally in reliance on Sahadis (did anyone say hoummous, baba ganouj, tadziki, spinach pie, meat pie, feta cheese and backlava?). Someone else can bring the breath mints and the potables. For reasons that elude me, Mrs. D. actually approves of these get-togethers.*

In the early fall there is a often a great early evening breeze in my private amphitheater (aka the garage).

I am ready to get definite about this, consistent with the schedules of all interested parties, up to about a dozen–and I’m flexible there too. Also, we need to kidnap some players of other instruments so as to drown out our cacaphony. A few Bombards would probably do the trick, but mandolins, banjos, guitars, concertinas, accordeens, spoons and the like might be better.

In short, I’m game.

Tom D.

*NOTE: The invite does not extend to the armed guards that normally accompany Philo when he brings his entire whistle collection. I will consider sending sandwiches and beverages down to them, but they have to stay in the armored car. The sunglasses and the lapel mikes just weird me out.

8

*NOTE: The invite does not extend to the armed guards that normally accompany Philo when he brings his entire whistle collection. I will consider sending sandwiches and beverages down to them, but they have to stay in the armored car. The sunglasses and the lapel mikes just weird me out.[/quote]

:slight_smile:) but oh there are those times I really am considering moving over to the states… when I hear how much you all have going on and such, in the netherlands we are doing poorly compared to that…

have some fun for us dutchies, too :smiley:

berti