I get the feeling this has been asked before, but I have failed to find answers in in a search, so here goes:
I need to buy a Bflat whistle. I'd rather not get a Generation. I'm willing to spend a bit more (just a bit) to get one with an even sound, that's tunable...
I have a number of high D's, none of which I'm completely happy with, and a low D by Tony Dixon, which I adore. I can't decide where to go for the B-flat. What do you all recommend?
Yeah I read the C&F review of Sindt's D whistle and it sounded like what I was looking for... does it really retain that cheap-whistle 'edge' as they say? I consider that a bonus. Definitely leaning towards the Sindt.
Although, the Burkes are prettier... ;)
Yep, the Sindt's are a bit chiffy, not recorder-like at all. But there's a real strength and purity to that tone.
I've played whistle for less than a year (so take my opinion with a whole bucket of salt), but I've been listening to them for 30 some years now, and the Sindt just sounds right. I had a chance to play a Sindt Bb and a Burke Bb back to back, and the Sindt was easier to blow, notes were even across it's entire range, and they had more "pop" in rolls and cuts/taps. Every note was in tune, and it seemed to me that I didn't need to make any of the usual adjustments to get all of this, whereas the Burke asked for more breath control to keep the notes even (which is why I've been on John Sindt's waiting list for a Bb and an A ever since).
I think they're both fine whistles, but the Sindt seemed to play itself and sounded terrific.
SPeak the Abells are certainly beautiful but you're right, they're out of my price range. I think it's worth the money to get something you're happy with, but I can't spend that much on a non-primary instrument (until CD sales start picking up!!!).
Pied Piper,
I didn't mean to knock the Generations, some are quite good, I just feel that the quality varies so much among individual whistles, that's not something I want as my "good" one. I have(had) d and g generation whistles, but the g is out of tune with itself and the d is out of tune between octaves. Then again I've borrowed others' and have had no problems with them. As it is I'll probably pick one up, I found a store (actually just one employee) that will let me test them...
Will,
glad to hear your view on the Sindt. It's good that they're a bit chiffy, as you say. The first instrument I learned was recorder (at a Ren Faire), and I'm opposed to using one if it fits the tune. I have a beautiful wooden tenor (D-range) that brings in a unique sound, and actually I like my $7 pink plastic soprano for volume and a bright clear sound over the breathier flutes and whistles. Anyway my point is I pick the whistles I do for their whistle sound, that's part of what makes them worth playing.
And so I am, as of 20 minutes ago, the last person on the Sindt waiting list, so in 8-9 months I'll be a very happy person. If I live through the waiting! This is why I'm never having kids, I can't stand the waiting...
I'm not a whistle player, but it always amazes me to read about John Sindt on these pages. He ran the machine shop at Lamont Observatory (part of Columbia University) when I was a grad student there in Geology in the 1980s. I can now see I should have spent those years studying with John instead of the geology and oceanography professors!
I have a Generation Bb and, although it has a nice tone on the lower notes, its tuning is quite dodgy. I suppose I'll have to get on one of these lists, too...
Well at least we know Mr. Sindt has the technical skill, then! :D
I just bought a Generation B-flat to cover the 8-month gap - and for once the tuning's great! Unfortunately it's quite touchy about the upper octave, to the point of honking. Sigh. Other than that it has a really nice sound.
Thanks ChrisLaughlin for the rec. That's exactly it, the Sindt just sounded like it had all the charateristics that I'm looking for. That's from the website, Will's comments, and the great review on Chiff&Fipple.
So now that I have my coveted spot on the list ;D I have a new question: what are your favorite tunes for the b-flat whistle? I began this shopping trek because we want it in a vocal piece (Ordinary Town by Dave Carter) but I'd like to have a few tunes to do as well.
Catharsis is my favorite on the Bb whistle. Come to think of it, it might be the only one I know on there. When I use my different keyed whistles, it's usually when I'm playing by myself. I just play it like its a D whistle.
You know I've heard Catharsis before, and I really liked it, but then I forgot about it. Well now I have the sheet music, guess I'll have to start learning. :D
Anyone else have tunes they like for this instrument?
No kidding! It's quite a tune. I've also picked up "Khazi" by John McCusker, it's in the right range and it's a great tune. I just posted it for everyone to share. I get the feeling that's all I'm gonna find for now...
B-flat suggestions
B-flat suggestions
I get the feeling this has been asked before, but I have failed to find answers in in a search, so here goes:
I need to buy a Bflat whistle. I'd rather not get a Generation. I'm willing to spend a bit more (just a bit) to get one with an even sound, that's tunable...
I have a number of high D's, none of which I'm completely happy with, and a low D by Tony Dixon, which I adore. I can't decide where to go for the B-flat. What do you all recommend?
# Posted on October 27th 2002 by Trinil
Re: B-flat suggestions
I recommend a burke whistle.
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by gian marco
Re: B-flat suggestions
John Sindt's Bbs are outstanding, and a remarkable steal at $90 US.
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Will Harmon
Re: B-flat suggestions
I vote for Burke or Sindt, whichever one has the shortest wait.
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by glauber
Re: B-flat suggestions
Yeah I read the C&F review of Sindt's D whistle and it sounded like what I was looking for... does it really retain that cheap-whistle 'edge' as they say? I consider that a bonus. Definitely leaning towards the Sindt.
Although, the Burkes are prettier... ;)
Thanks guys.
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Trinil
Re: B-flat suggestions
Yep, the Sindt's are a bit chiffy, not recorder-like at all. But there's a real strength and purity to that tone.
I've played whistle for less than a year (so take my opinion with a whole bucket of salt), but I've been listening to them for 30 some years now, and the Sindt just sounds right. I had a chance to play a Sindt Bb and a Burke Bb back to back, and the Sindt was easier to blow, notes were even across it's entire range, and they had more "pop" in rolls and cuts/taps. Every note was in tune, and it seemed to me that I didn't need to make any of the usual adjustments to get all of this, whereas the Burke asked for more breath control to keep the notes even (which is why I've been on John Sindt's waiting list for a Bb and an A ever since).
I think they're both fine whistles, but the Sindt seemed to play itself and sounded terrific.
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Will Harmon
Re: B-flat suggestions
Hi Folks.
I think the Bb Generation is about the best one they do, I've got a couple of really good ones.
All the best PP
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Pied Piper
Re: B-flat suggestions
Get an Abell. http://www.abellflute.com
Probably out of your price range, though.
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by SPeak
Re: B-flat suggestions
Wow, thanks for the responses!
SPeak the Abells are certainly beautiful but you're right, they're out of my price range. I think it's worth the money to get something you're happy with, but I can't spend that much on a non-primary instrument (until CD sales start picking up!!!).
Pied Piper,
I didn't mean to knock the Generations, some are quite good, I just feel that the quality varies so much among individual whistles, that's not something I want as my "good" one. I have(had) d and g generation whistles, but the g is out of tune with itself and the d is out of tune between octaves. Then again I've borrowed others' and have had no problems with them. As it is I'll probably pick one up, I found a store (actually just one employee) that will let me test them...
Will,
glad to hear your view on the Sindt. It's good that they're a bit chiffy, as you say. The first instrument I learned was recorder (at a Ren Faire), and I'm opposed to using one if it fits the tune. I have a beautiful wooden tenor (D-range) that brings in a unique sound, and actually I like my $7 pink plastic soprano for volume and a bright clear sound over the breathier flutes and whistles. Anyway my point is I pick the whistles I do for their whistle sound, that's part of what makes them worth playing.
And so I am, as of 20 minutes ago, the last person on the Sindt waiting list, so in 8-9 months I'll be a very happy person. If I live through the waiting! This is why I'm never having kids, I can't stand the waiting...
Thanks all,
Cheers,
Kira
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Trinil
Re: B-flat suggestions
It sounds as though a wait for a Sindt is about as long as a wait for having kids. Coincidence?
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by cuchulain54
Re: B-flat suggestions
Not the way I'm gonna baby that thing!!!!!!!!
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Trinil
whoopsy, in my earlier post, that was s'posed to say *not* opposed to using one if it fits the tune.
sorry
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Trinil
Re: B-flat suggestions
I'm not a whistle player, but it always amazes me to read about John Sindt on these pages. He ran the machine shop at Lamont Observatory (part of Columbia University) when I was a grad student there in Geology in the 1980s. I can now see I should have spent those years studying with John instead of the geology and oceanography professors!
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by KenC
Re: B-flat suggestions
I have a Generation Bb and, although it has a nice tone on the lower notes, its tuning is quite dodgy. I suppose I'll have to get on one of these lists, too...
# Posted on October 28th 2002 by Nell
Re: B-flat suggestions
I find that both the Sindt Bb and Overton Bb are superb. Your choice depends on the sound and playing characteristics you are looking for.
Best,
Chris
# Posted on October 29th 2002 by ChrisLaughlin
Re: B-flat suggestions
Well at least we know Mr. Sindt has the technical skill, then! :D
I just bought a Generation B-flat to cover the 8-month gap - and for once the tuning's great! Unfortunately it's quite touchy about the upper octave, to the point of honking. Sigh. Other than that it has a really nice sound.
Thanks ChrisLaughlin for the rec. That's exactly it, the Sindt just sounded like it had all the charateristics that I'm looking for. That's from the website, Will's comments, and the great review on Chiff&Fipple.
So now that I have my coveted spot on the list ;D I have a new question: what are your favorite tunes for the b-flat whistle? I began this shopping trek because we want it in a vocal piece (Ordinary Town by Dave Carter) but I'd like to have a few tunes to do as well.
Cheers! Trinil
# Posted on October 30th 2002 by Trinil
Re: B-flat suggestions
Catharsis is my favorite on the Bb whistle. Come to think of it, it might be the only one I know on there. When I use my different keyed whistles, it's usually when I'm playing by myself. I just play it like its a D whistle.
Brent
# Posted on October 30th 2002 by Musicalbison
Re: B-flat suggestions
You know I've heard Catharsis before, and I really liked it, but then I forgot about it. Well now I have the sheet music, guess I'll have to start learning. :D
Anyone else have tunes they like for this instrument?
Cheers, T
# Posted on November 1st 2002 by Trinil
Re: B-flat suggestions
Yeah, get to work you slacker!
Brent
# Posted on November 3rd 2002 by Musicalbison
Re: B-flat suggestions
No kidding! It's quite a tune. I've also picked up "Khazi" by John McCusker, it's in the right range and it's a great tune. I just posted it for everyone to share.
I get the feeling that's all I'm gonna find for now...
# Posted on November 5th 2002 by Trinil