recently I read somewhere on the internet that some whistlesmiths do have “whistle tours”.
that is, where they send whistles on a tour along people interested to try them so that they can first see and try before deciding whether that particular make is for them or not.
since nowadays we have to order over the internet a lot especially when you live in a place where no fellow whistlers are around, this would sure be a good option.
how does one get on a “tour list” and are there currently whistlesmiths who do this kind of tours?
and what are its “rules”?
Most of the ones I’ve seen have been done through that OTHER message board (OK, it’s Gaelic Crossings). However, you kinda have to be lucky, because even on that much smaller board, they fill up very quickly. Mr. Syn recently said he would do a tour of two new low D whistles, and both tours filled in less than a day. Even some of the regulars missed it.
Generally you get to keep the whistle for 3 weeks, then you just pay the postage to the next person on the list.
So far, the whistle tours have been originating over on http://www.gaeliccrossings.com . The ones I know of have been:
Stacey O’Gorman (Alba Whistles)
Erle Bartlet (Syn Whistles)
Danial Bingamon(Jubilee Whistles)
You could email these makers and ask if they will be having any more tours soon.
Steven and Kathy are much quicker than me and they covered the subject well. I frequent about 4 boards now, I can afford the time since I’m retired, but even as old an slow as I am, I’ve managed to get included on three of the tours. It’s a truly great experience when you are located in an area without much actual wistle exposure. Now, you know about it, expand your surfing a little, be patient and you shall indeed be rewarded.
