Hi, everyone I am considering buying another whistle. To make clear, I probably don’t need one as I just bought a narrow bore Burke D Brass whistle in December. I can’t really justify it beyond the fact that the whistle would be made of wood instead of brass. I like the Burke and have been studying Irish music through the Online Academy of Irish Music here in East Tennessee.
Should I buy one? If so, why? I’m considering an Abell Whistle or would be open to other suggestions (McManus, Milligan, etc).
Also, a few questions about an Abell. Is the Abell standard D the Irish D that most whistles are set in? What wood should I get for best tone? African Blackwood? Which one does Tony Hinnigan use?
Personally, I’m at the lower end of the market regarding whistles, & would only contemplate a delrin model at most.
I know wood can sound nice, but to me, a delrin would come close enough.
I like my brass, & I like my aluminium whistles - I even like my ABS whistles at times - it would depend on how & what you are going to use it for, I guess - it’s your choice.
Abell “standard D” is the same D that every other whistle is.
The Abell delrin model is every bit as good as their wooden models. I used to have an Abell in blackwood. I now have an Abell in delrin. I’ve played Abells in blackwood, kingwood and delrin, and they’re all substantially similar (allowing for minor variations due to the handmade nature of the product).
It’s worth noting that the Abell is a different blowing instrument than a narrow bore Burke. When I was newer at the whistle, I didn’t like them (primarily playing Sweetones at that point). They required more push than I wanted to give. I’ve since come to appreciate them highly.
I have a friend with an Abell D and often thought about it. It is a lovely whistle. But since I already had an O’riordan D in blackwood I thought I had the wood bases covered. Although that hasn’t stopped me from buying multiple brass whistles. Buy what you can afford if you enjoy it. It keeps the whistle makers in business, even if we are buying used. The fact that a whistle could hold its value on the resale market helps people who may be considering buying new. Win Win.
Wait, you’re wondering if it’s too soon to purchase another because you bought the last some 7 months ago??? It typically takes me about 7 days to reach this same deliberative dilemma. You are to be congratulated on your self restraint!
On the other hand, the majority of my whistle collection together costs less than a new Abell, so that does change the equation. I’ve been close a few times to ordering a McManus or Milligan, but still haven’t taken the plunge. My teacher has an Abell which he’s offered to let me try, but I don’t think I’d learn a whole lot from a quick toot. I’m often not comfortable with a new whistle until I’ve played it for a week or more.
Looks like you might be geographically close to Chris Abell–if it were me, I might inquire whether I could visit, especially if he has some whistles on hand you could try. But do buy something new, and then please report back.
I don’t really think in terms of “quality”. Certainly, I have run across some whistle brands that I’d consider ‘bad’. But generally, I think in terms of ‘characteristics’. Busmans are of excellent quality. As are Abells. But they’re very different instruments.
Wanderer, how do you place the mouthpiece to play the Abell? It seems odd not to have the traditional fipple slope to allow it to sit just between the lips?.
All of the Abells I’ve played have been substantially similar, no matter the material. There is, naturally, a bit of variation from whistle to whistle due to the handmade nature of the item. So they won’t all sound exactly the same.
Resting on the lower lip, tip of the whistle just barely in the mouth. See this picture:
That’s pretty much how I play it. That’s pretty much how I play every whistle, even those with a long beak.
Does someone have a link to the pictures of different woods used in the Abell whistle? It’s not on his website. I did email Chris to ask about this as well.
That is a great pic of Wanderer and Mary Bergin. Playing the whistle resting beak on the lower lip is standard for all my whistle playing and holding straight out front. Yes, Abell whistles have the short beak, but, look at Mary Bergin’s whistle with the longer beak and she too rests the whistle beak on the lower lip. I’m sure there might be occasions when the thrill of playing moves the whistle beak inserted a bit further into mouth, but, the tip and straight on works best for me. YMMV
