I posted this on the Instrument Exchange, but since a lot of people don’t look there, I cross posted here. I’m looking to buy a Shaw whistle in A or G. If you have one that you don’t use any more, but is in good shape, send me a PM with your price, and maybe we can make a deal. I would prefer to buy from someone in the US due to high international postage rate. Thanks!
You might try over at Elderly instruments. They have pretty good prices on Shaw whistles, and free shipping. I have been looking for where to buy one as well, but have not yet convinced myself that it is what I need.
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/cat_or_pgc_page?page=2&query_start=21&step=20&cat_or_pgc=170N&special_links=&sort_on=cat_or_pgc,artist,title&reverse_str=&instock_only=
I won’t shop at Elderly Instruments again. I bought some whistles from them that were packed poorly in one box. They arrived all scratched up. Also, their prices are about 10% higher than some of the brick and mortar shops in town.
I’m still looking for a used Shaw in A if anyone has one they no longer play.
Yes, it is very saddening that we have a perfectly good place specifically designed to buy/sell/and trade instruments but some folks simply refuse to use it. Instead they’d rather clutter up the sites where discussions take place. Nothing personal intended toward your post, just agreeing with one of your points and venting some frustration that I should let go of. I should also point out that Shaw whistles are not something we commonly see sold/bought here. I don’t know why.
There’s an A on that big Exxx auction site for $40 right now. There’s also a G for $32. Both in the US from what I can tell.
Good luck,
ecohawk
Sorry about your problem, Rufus. Not to defend Elderly in this case; they handled your order badly, and I hope you complained and they made good.
But I wouldn’t count them out because of one mistake. FWIW, my last orders from Elderly a few years ago were straightforward and problem free.
As someone who has been at this music about as long as Elderly has been around, I think they deserve some credit for their years of serving the folk community, even in this internet age. They’ve been a resource when there were few others. And my impression from an insider friend is that they do promote a company culture of caring about the music and players.
Of course, a pattern of botched orders from Elderly (or anyone) would be fair game for Chiffboard comment.
And if you have access to a good local B&M source, by all means support your local business. 
“There’s an A on that big Exxx auction site for $40 right now. There’s also a G for $32. Both in the US from what I can tell.”
I won’t buy used whistes on that site. There are too many people selling used Clarkes, Shaws and Waltons as “vintage,” “rare,” or “antique,” when they are just “used.” One recently said “Freeman tweaked” when it wasn’t, and there was a “vintage Bakelite Generation” that wasn’t vintage or made of Bakelite. People buy boxes of junk at garage sales and over hype the trash on Eb**. Also, I have purchased several used items over the years that were damaged, but no mention of the damage was in the ad. I think that buying from someone on Chiff and Fipple would be safer.
WhistlingRufus, not having much luck with online shopping in general, eh? As ecohawk suggested, if you limit yourself to the C&F UIE, you might have to wait some time - and possibly you’ll even wait in vain. Of course it’s worth a try, but if you really need one right now, an online shop might be the better solution. You usually have support and warranty then, if there really is something wrong with the whistle. (Also, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw themselves are some very kind and friendly folks to deal with; but postage overseas is quite a lot, of course. FWIW.)
Good luck however!