Long time, no post by me. Been away too long. I have seen advertisements on FaceBook for whistle heads that can be made to replace the traditional mouthpiece on a transverse flute–you know, the standard, old fashioned silver’ flute. When set up as suggested, the lowest scale had D as the bell note, which is fine with me. It is my understand that, with that low-end limitation, all other notes that are attainable on a traditional flute are attainable on the one with the whistle head. I have a decent Yamaha introductory flute that probably cost about $300.00 that I rarely play, partially due to a neck problem (my neck, not any part of the flute) and largely due to sloth on my part. I see that the price for the head is somewhere between $250.00 and $300.00. The maker suggests sending him the flute to insure correct fit, tolerances, etc., which I think is a good idea. I am inclined to do that. Before I take that plunge, I was wondering if anyone out there has acquired one of these heads and if you are pleased with the results.
“educciman” (Martin Niethammer in Berlin, Germany) on this forum (hasn’t visited since Apr 2018) was in development of a whistle head as well. No website AFAIK, but he has an email of { educciman (at) gmail (dot) com }, and YouTube videos. Wonder how he’s getting on?
There were some delivery difficulties with Nick Metcalf discussed by a member in a C&F thread a couple of years ago. I don’t know the current status. I think Nick sells his whistles on eBay and may have resolved such earlier reported issues. Here’s the previous thread, though, for whatever information you think it might contain.: https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/ethnicwinds-whistles-and-nick-metcalf/94602/1
If I wanted such a thing, I’d be looking at one of Martin’s for the work I know he’s put into refining the head to play true over all three octaves. That’s not to say the others won’t work, but I’ve been consistently impressed by his obvious understanding of the issues and how his instruments have played.
Tom: It is so good to hear from you. I have missed your company. If you choose, contact me off board. We can catch up, and relish in both of us still being alive…
