Dream Whistle

Subject: Dream Whistle
From: Vixen
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 08:32 PM

Okay, Whistling Mudcats...

I'm thinking of getting a Copeland whistle in D. The question is, Brass, Nickel, or Silver?

Second question; if you could only have one whistle, what would it be? (key, maker, and material)

V

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 08:55 PM

My Howard Low C Nickel - original run. Would prefer though if he could do a low D in that style too - later 'improved' models were louder for sessions, but lost the haunting orchestral quality. Low air throughput, wide drainpipe.

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 10:39 PM

I had a brass Copeland in D, and I've played someone else's nickel. The brass sounds warmer and richer than the nickel, but the nickel's brighter and louder. Brass tarnishes like a sumbich - I don't think the nickel's as bad. I don't believe I've played a silver one.

If I could play, and I could afford another Copeland...well, D's best for playing with others, but I LOVE the way Bb whistles sound. Possibly nickel this time.

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: Brían
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 10:53 PM

I might ask what you are using it for. If you just want to play solo or quietly(if that's possible) in your own home, I would go with the Bb as Jeri said and brass. If you are looking to play mostly in sessions, I would go with the nickel in D. Personally, I find slow airs way too underplayed in sessions. That's why I am saving up for an Olwell flute. Of course, I ordered the one with the big holes and bore to be heard in sessions.

Brían

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: GUEST,Allen
Date: 18 Apr 05 - 04:00 AM

Clarke D.

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Apr 05 - 04:55 AM

Overton D/C in stone look. Newly developed and not cheap, but with a lifetime guarantee and excellent tone.

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 18 Apr 05 - 05:38 AM

The favourite Howards I am referring to are not quiet, and have big holes, a wide bore, and I have large hands.



"I've played someone else's nickel"


Ooooooohhhh, you naughty boy!

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 18 Apr 05 - 07:07 AM

If money was no object, I would buy another whistle in yew from Weston Whistles

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: Brían
Date: 18 Apr 05 - 09:09 AM

I guess that's what they mean by "in the public domain."

Brían

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: Ernest
Date: 18 Apr 05 - 02:10 PM

Clarke D, unpainted, wooden mouthpiece for me too (although I have a battered unidentifiable german whistle in E that is very nice and quiet, even if the sound is not great, i like it)
Yours
Ernest

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: Vixen
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 08:18 AM

Thanks for all the responses!

The Westons look really nifty...I hadn't known about them. I had considered an Overton, but I think I need a tunable whistle, since I have to blend nicely with Reynaud on concertina, fiddle, or hammered dulcimer. That's been difficult to do with my non-tunable whistles (Oak, Feadog, Generation). Consequently, I've been playing a Ralph Sweet D in wood and Susato C, G, and low D--I seem to be able to play them all in tune with whatever instrument Reynaud's playing. I play whistle occasionally in jam sessions, and occasionally with a larger ensemble, but mostly it's just me and Reynaud playing weddings, re-enactments, renaissance faires, and the like.

I've been thinking about a Copeland because I played a Copeland once, for about 15 seconds, and I loved the sound--it was a brass one--and I have heard a couple of other people I know play Copelands (also brass) and I like the sound of them too. I guess what I'd really like to do is hear how they all sound when *I* play them, and then pick the one I like the best....

Just some ramblings...

V

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: Brían
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 11:08 AM

I have a C?D combo by Patrick O'Riordan. You can read about them here: Chiff and Fipple. Unfortunately, there is a long waiting list. They are sweet-sounding and loud.

Brían

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: GUEST,Melani
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 05:43 PM

I love my brass Copeland D. I've got something like 30 or so flutes and whistles at this point (mostly a lot less expensive!), and the Copeland is practically the only one I ever play anymore. The nickel is just to "hard" in tone to suit me.

Subject: RE: Dream Whistle
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 08:13 PM

If you want a decent whistle but dont want to spend 'Overton' money ,
try a Tony Dixon - Tunable PVC and NOT 'Orrible expensive but with a really nice tone !