Recently I’ve received a couple of newly purchased whistles and failed to comment on them on the Board because I realize that I’m apparently hesitant to post less than wonderful reviews. I wonder how many of us do this (Loren has waxed poetic on this very topic often)? I’ve finally, after long thought, decided that it’s unfair to everyone and unwise. So, here are two less than perfect reviews (quickies):
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Seery soprano D delrin - I almost returned this whistle to Steve at Shana Quay mainly because of some initial difficulty in hitting high notes without terrible shreiking. Steve, as always, was great to deal with and gave me an additional 30 days to make up my mind. I’ve kept it happily. It looks great, very much like the Abell delrin (I have one on order)and is well fitted, including the slide. It’s a bit more difficult than most other soprano Ds to get enough tightly formed air to push to the second octave wo getting overly loud and blaring. That said, I’ve become used to it, love it, and play it often which is necessary in order to handle the higher octave transition. The tone is bright, pure and it is relatively loud. Some discipline is required (not unlike Overton in a different way)to avoid shreiking. Hitting the upper B can be scary. Overall, when you get used to it, the Seery is well-made, has strong sweet tone, is good looking and durable. This last is particularly attractive, because it travels well and requires little or no maintenance (it will definitely accompany me on vacation in the Outer Banks this summer). So, while less than perfect, I do recommend the whistle.
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Reyburn Low D (with offset fingering)- This whistle was also well-made and attractive, but definitely did not suit me. I had more difficulty in transition than with any other low D I’ve ever tried and found the tone to be less rewarding than anticipated. I also found the offset fingering distracting, as I’ve become well used to piper fingering. It was overall very uncomfortable for me musically and physically. However, once again, Ronaldo was a pleasure to deal with. He spent time with me in making the whistle, sent it quickly, took it back and refunded my money immediately and graciously and solicited my opinions. He quickly sold the whistle to someone else who loved it.
I’ve posted these to provide balance, because it seems as though all I ever see on the Board is “wow, it’s great” from everyone on every whistle. Some of these reviews die out over time and disappear because the whistles were never really so great and no one ever said it.
Two points in conclusion. First, as with the Reyburn, these reviews are subjective and we all have different tastes and tolerances. As pointed out by one member one man’s whistle heaven is another’s hell. Some of us like some keys made by some of the best makers and not other keys; some whistles can vary even whistle to whistle within same maker and key.
Second, we can point the community in well-informed directions with respect to whistle purchases without loudly trashing both product and maker.
I don’t know, I guess I just had an extra two cents today. Philo