Whistle Comparison: 3 models of Ralph Sweet whistles

Whistle
1

I thought it would be interesting to record a comparison of just wooden Sweet whistles.

This is the King of the Faeries hornpipe, played on the following whistles in this order:

  1. old (bought in 1985) Sweet D in rosewood
  2. Sweet “Killourhy” model D in rosewood (conical model, no longer made)
  3. the new redesigned Sweet D in maple (note that this isn’t his new professional model, just his ordinary D model)

http://www.flutesite.com/samples/sweetcomp.mp3

His original models are a different sort of whistle, with a tone that tends shrill on the highest notes, and requiring a lot of airstream pressure and breath support. These respond best (for me) to very aggresive play. In some ways the old model and the Killourhy are “fife-like,” and if you approach them in that frame of mind they have their own unique charm.

His redesigned whistle, played last in the sample, has a cleaner sound, quite a bit less volume, and requires less air pressure, especially on the highest notes, which I don’t find shrill. It’s a nice whistle. The tone and play are very similar to my Dixon D. The octaves are nicely balanced, and this whistle will actually play a few notes into the 3rd octave.

One thing about the oldest of the three, that old rosewood D I bought in '85: it’s got lovely chiff.

–James

2

Thanks for the mp3 comparison. This is what I like to see on the board. I really like the sound of the new design that was played 3rd. It goes on my future consideration list. Keep whistling.

Ron