For some time now, I have been working on my abilities to making whistles. A few weeks ago, I received my complete Syn set, and that opened me to playing a plethora of musical styles. I became fascinated with the Mezzo A that came in the set. It’s such a fine whistle. But I wanted something more…something grand…something that may have not even been imagined. I began contemplating the construction of a whistle…unlike no other: a Soprano A. Many people may be cringing at the thought of this, but I am very happy with the results. Naturally, this whistle is more higher-pitched than a soprano G, which is already ear-splitting in itself. This is my "wee"stle’s story.
This is the whistle at a glance. It has taken me the better half of two days to build. I used a variety of tools, including chisels, a drill, a saw, a soldering/woodburning iron, sandpaper, etc..
Here is a closeup of the toneholes. Being that they are hand-drilled, there is some unevenness in them.
Here is a closeup of the mouthpiece. In order to set the windblade right, I heated it up with the soldering/woodburning iron, and molded it down.
This is a comparison picture of my "wee"stle to a Nickel Generation G.
Basic playing characteristics: This whistle is, for lack of a better word, LOUD. Air requirements are average…a little less than a Syn. Fairly pure sound, with a hint of chiff. I tend to lose some of the notes, including the high E, F#, and G#. I have to fluctuate air requirements in order to hit them. And of course, those high notes are dangerous. Being that the whistle is much louder than the Generation G, I won’t be playing a lot of tunes with this whistle. but it’s nice to know that I’ve got it if I need it.
And a small sound clip. Nothing big. Finger holes a tad tightly spaced together, and I had my niece play whatever she felt like playing.
P.S. And if you don’t see (or hear) anything…its not your fault. I am having some problems with bandwidth.
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