There are some fine whistles being made now by the "newer" makers. The days of just a few whistle makers are gone, and some of the newer makers are making some really fine whistles.
I have whistles from David O'Brien, Erle Bartlett (Syn and Black Diamond labels), Ian Turnbull (Impempe), and Mack Hoover, and they are all in their own way outstanding. There are many other newer makers who I haven't got to sample, and this is a shame as I bet their whistles are lovely as well.
One very cool thing is that most of the newer makers' prices are extremely reasonable. These whistles represent a great value.
Obviously no-one has given these guys any business lessons - you've got to charge three times what it cost to make them to actually run the business effectively, and preferably make 'em with a short life, so the customers keep coming back.
Some of these guys are making things that'll last a lifetime.
Whistle makers are coming and going all the time. A bit like players - some stand the test of time, others don't, and some established makers retire or pause for one reason or another.
Erle has been making whistles for over 15 years, latest offering is a cool low D, He makes a nice bodhran as well as a few other things. Ian Turnbull is beginning to get good reviews after a few years of working on it. Mack Hoover is turning his hand to wood. There's a few other makers to keep an eye on: Misha Somerville's MK low whistles are the best I've seen, while Maurice Reviol is beginning to get noticed for his excellent range (Low C to G). Lots of good stuff hapening.
As for commercial viability, I'd hate to be the maker who built planned obsolescence into a folk musical instrument - leave that to the software junkies on the good ship "Pop" (she seems to be riding low on the plimpsol of late).
Newer Whistle Makers
Newer Whistle Makers
There are some fine whistles being made now by the "newer" makers. The days of just a few whistle makers are gone, and some of the newer makers are making some really fine whistles.
I have whistles from David O'Brien, Erle Bartlett (Syn and Black Diamond labels), Ian Turnbull (Impempe), and Mack Hoover, and they are all in their own way outstanding. There are many other newer makers who I haven't got to sample, and this is a shame as I bet their whistles are lovely as well.
One very cool thing is that most of the newer makers' prices are extremely reasonable. These whistles represent a great value.
--James
# Posted on September 7th 2006 by beardflute
Re: Newer Whistle Makers
Obviously no-one has given these guys any business lessons - you've got to charge three times what it cost to make them to actually run the business effectively, and preferably make 'em with a short life, so the customers keep coming back.
Some of these guys are making things that'll last a lifetime.
# Posted on September 8th 2006 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Newer Whistle Makers
Dale Wisely has umpteen reviews on the chiff and fipple web site. Great and knowledgeable resource for whistlers.
# Posted on September 8th 2006 by breandan
Re: Newer Whistle Makers
Whistle makers are coming and going all the time. A bit like players - some stand the test of time, others don't, and some established makers retire or pause for one reason or another.
Erle has been making whistles for over 15 years, latest offering is a cool low D, He makes a nice bodhran as well as a few other things. Ian Turnbull is beginning to get good reviews after a few years of working on it. Mack Hoover is turning his hand to wood. There's a few other makers to keep an eye on: Misha Somerville's MK low whistles are the best I've seen, while Maurice Reviol is beginning to get noticed for his excellent range (Low C to G). Lots of good stuff hapening.
As for commercial viability, I'd hate to be the maker who built planned obsolescence into a folk musical instrument - leave that to the software junkies on the good ship "Pop" (she seems to be riding low on the plimpsol of late).
Mitch
# Posted on September 12th 2006 by Mozle