Visit to Chris Abell

Whistle
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I just got back today from my visit to Chris Abell. He has an elaborate workshop, and he makes his own tools (for use with lathes, milling machine, etc.). He is a sweet person and was happy to walk us through the whistle-making process. I love to meet instrument makers. I have an incredible respect for them, as they make things not only of beauty, but of function.

I got to play one of his flutes (the shop flute)…truly amazing. It’s a wooden Boehm flute. It sounds and feels reedy like an Irish flute, but it has the power and intonation of the best concert flutes. A beautiful thing. He stays ahead on headjoints, and I was able to come home with a wooden Abell headjoint for my silver flute. Now I can’t put it down. The sound is incredible. I also picked up a high f whistle. It is too cute for words. It has a very pure and strong tone. It clogs a little after playing for a short while, but I think (and hope) that will go away with time.

Someone asked me to ask him about the idea of a delrin mouthpiece with a blackwood body…he said he thinks it’s a matter of asthetics. He wonders if one would want an all-wood whistle, an all-plastic whistle, or a hybrid mix. He says it’s personal choice. As for worrying about wood, he seasons his wood for A LONG TIME. He believes that if it it going to crack, it will do so before it leaves the shop - unless one seriously abuses it, and at these prices, I don’t think anyone would do that.

Chris was very open about his process, and getting to see that sort of thing is always exciting for me.

:slight_smile: Jessie

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Thanks Jessie for sharing your visit with Chris and for asking him about the delrin headjoint on a wood body. I wonder if neat people are attracted to whistle making or if something about the process of making such simple and wonderful instruments changes a person…or both?

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Jessie,

Any photos?

Jens

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[quote]
On 2001-07-22 18:57, livethe question wrote:
if something about the process of making such simple and wonderful instruments changes a person…or both?

I can say that it does!! Been working on learning wooden whistle making by long distance from the legendary Weasel for a year now, and the experience has really changed me. A big part of tht has been the experience of knowing Glenn ( which I heartily recommend to all), but part of it has been the satisfaction of watching a stick of wood and some metal tubing turn into a whistle, knowing that I was the one who wrought this minor miracle. The experience of putting my first whistle to my lips and actually hearing strong, clear notes emerge is something I will never forget.
Even for those who have no interest in making whistles for others, I’d definitely suggest trying to make at least one, just for the experience of the thing.
PS–watch this space for my whistles… :slight_smile: