What would it take to get the high end whistle page updated? There are a few more builders out there who deserve a bit of coverage, pricing is way out of date, etc.
Of course Dale, being The Undisputed, certainly has his hands full, but maybe he could enlist some help in getting the page updated. Maybe we could make some suggestions on additions, and help gather info/pics?
I think of the people who don’t come to the chat but do read the website, and the dated info. . .
Just a thought…we now return you to your regularly scheduled pgm
I’ve always wondered why Eion Duignan isn’t mentioned on whistle CD page. There are several mediocre CDs there, but no mention of the guy who inspired me to get into whistling in the first place.
I am of course well known as a lover of pure-drop, unadulterated Irish Traditional Music. And while I certainly do not wish to cast aspersions on anyone’s musical preferences (with the stated exception of Alisdair Fraser), it is in this spirit that I will attempt to answer the question why Eion Duignan is not mentioned on the whistle CD page. He is not mentioned because, in order to listen to his music, you have to either: 1) dance naked under the full moon while holding sprigs of mistletoe and inhaling burning sage fumes; or 2) agree to take yoga classes from his significant other.
Ah, well, you know how it is with unbelievers. What they lack in insight they make up in reticence. I will freely admit that Dale has not been as receptive to my attempts at refining his sense of musical style as I could wish. But then again, he may have been distracted by the two interns on the couch with him.
I’d like to commence, per your suggestion, the task of updating the high end page. I could certainly use some help. If you are willing please indicate that you are on this thread. I’ll then ask you to do 2 things: I’ll divide the current entries up among the volunteers (including myself) and ask you to update and revise the information. You’ll probably have to do a bit of research. I’d also ask you to let me know which makers are not listed and we’ll then collaborate on the new entries.
Once done, we can take a look at the other major pages, the low whistle guide and the inexpensive whistle guide, and see if they need much work.
Regarding the CD page, I abandoned it long ago. I’d like to update it and perhaps that could be our #2 project.
If you volunteer, I’ll engrave your name on a plaque which will be posted on the page.
I did some updating down to, but not including Tony Dixon. (Now I’m going to have dinner).
Bloomfield, if you would, please look over Overton and see if you have suggestions. Also, PLEASE do Alba.
As a reminder, that page is intended to provide basic information. I don’t mind folding in reviews, but it isn’t PRIMARILY a review page. When I do comment on quality issues, I try to report on what I read as a consensus view rather than just my own.
Chas, thanks. I think I’ve updated Ralph Sweet reasonably well. I’ve asked Glenn Shultz for updated prices. But, anything you want to contribute on these or other wooden whistles–please do.
IMPORTANT: It would help me tremendously if you would read the entries there to get an idea of the format, content, length, etc.
I’ll be glad to volunteer, for new entries–not updates–of our local Breton craftsmen.
The first I think deserves the publicity is: Yvon Le Coant, woodwinds maker in Brittany.
There are others, like Hervieux & Glet, and Hervé Jezequiel. Maybe the latter will show up at Mesquer Festival next week, since he did last year.
Where else would you specialists meet makers and fine wooden whistles you never even heard of?
Since the home page is being updated, how about an announcement along the following lines?
LANGUAGES
While English is the common language here, we have quite a few members who speak other languages. If you have difficulty expressing yourself in English, feel free to post a question in another language and someone may be able to help you.
I’ve given this a lot of thought, Bloomfield and it just doesn’t hold water. Your point is that Eion Duignan isn’t included on the CD page because his music isn’t pure drop traditional. That idea might have some merit if C&F were an Irish trad music site, but it isn’t. Not even close, in fact. This is a whistle website, and anything regarding whistles is fair play. Whether we post about Kwela, the Pogues, Klezmer, Flogging Molly, KC’s Chinese folk music, Joannie Madden’s playing, Cskinner’s blue grass whistling, Davey Spillane, Riverdance or whatever, this is all about whistles in all kinds of music, and any idea that only Irish tradition is acceptable simply misses the point of C&F. For that matter, if you worship the pure drop, you should immediately get rid of your revered Overton low D, as they weren’t invented until the 1970’s. There’s nothing traditional about them. When Willie Clancy and Micho Russell were born, there was no such thing as a low D whistle. Your standard of pure drop is a very elastic concept that is out of place here.
