The more I participate in this list the more I learn. At a trifling 58 1/2 years old, I matriculated from rec**der to whistle 2 years ago.
Jerry Freeman’s instruments enabled and encouraged me to play. Carey Parks helped me get a very playable whistle through the airport metal detectors, taking away any excuse for not practicing. Guido Gonzato’s whistles and website educated me. Tommy Dion’s wooden whistles and a Bb chieftain that Tommy tweaked gave me a different perspective on whistle craft. So did Walt Sweet’s Pro delrin assault weapon. Glenn Schultz (Z’‘L) water weasels opened my eyes to what is possible. Glenn’s students and disciples abound here. I haven’t seen a post from Michael Burke since I’ve been on C&F but I learned of his instruments here. The same goes for John Sindt. Thanks to them both for their craft and their stunningly beautiful and playable instruments. I’m very happy, as is my wife, with two fine new whistles from Tyrone Head which I will take on vacation with me. Recent acquisitions of a Copeland Silver D and a magnificent Busman (speaking of Glenn Schultz’ students) Boxwood/Brass D are ultimate examples of where form and function meld. Mack Hoover (your neighbors will love you) and Chuck Tilbury make nice whistles and are true gentlemen to do business with.
There are so many more that I’ve left out. Not intentionally, I just haven’t had the pleasure of trying their (your) instruments. Whoa is not a disease, it is a blessing. If it is a disease, then curse me twice.
I absolutely agree. I’ve learned so much lurking around on this site. And the whistles which I own are not only terrific, but so are the makers of those instruments. A very special community. Thank you.
No more than usual. I’ve just been playing for a few hours today and it reminded me how much I enjoy making music considering how late in life I started playing an instrument.
Plus it’s a stunning day in San Francisco today. Kinda like paradise.
Thanks for those kind words. I think all of the whistle makers will agree when I say that we get great joy from making instruments that people love and use to make music. Thanks in return to the customers who think enough of our work to spend the money on our whistles.
BTW-- if you think WHOA is expensive, take a peek at some other instrument forums like mandolincafe.com or ukuleleunderground.com .
The price of even the most expensive whistle doesn’t approach the stratospheric levels that other instruments draw. And NONE of them offer a perfectly serviceable,albeit machine made, instrument on the order of $10. Consider yourselves lucky…
The whistle isn’t my primary instrument but this is my favorite music oriented board because of the makers who contribute here and also because of the rest of the folk who contribute.
And Paul’s correct… WHOA is nothing compared to my guitar fetish.
I just want to echo what Michael has said here and add that since I
started playing whistle I’ve never had so much fun with music.
I come from a classical guitar backgroung which I very much enjoyed
but I enjoyed making classical guitars more, in that I had fun.
To make a good quality guitar it would cost far more in just the materials
than any of the whistles I have in the picture below.
For me it’s a ‘No Brainer’
I still make and sell guitars for the pleasure and fun of it,
but I play whistle for the pleasure and fun of it.
I’m very happy, as is my wife, with two fine new whistles from Tyrone Head which I will take on vacation with me.
Thanks for the kind accolades… Just looking back over the years. I really love making whistle/ flutes and It’s a delightful pleasure seeing them being played.
-Ty
Though A Newbie on this site, I am an old timer on a banjo site, and I have always been grateful and felt previledged to read posts and participate in discussions with the builders and makers. Through their pariticipation it is my humble opinion that they have earned and deserve the benefit to show their wares from time to time. Saves us from so much googling, eh. Brad
