Hi. Does anyone play an Alba whistle, particularly the Low D? I was looking for a critique, if possible, on their sound and playing traits. I am considering one as an option to an Overtone. I would love an Overtone, but can't find one in a reasonable amount of time. Thanks for the help.
Lowhistle
I have an alba low whislte and I love it. The sound is much better than the Chieftain low D for instance. More flute like and mellow. It doesn't sound like a whistle. The whistle is loud enough to be played at a session. The last hole is hard to reach and because I am short handed I have to use my pinky.
I have the high D and a low A and am very pleased with them. Loud enough, not shrill the way some others are, need a bit of puff to get the upper half of the upper regiser. Hard to play this part of the range quietly - but I find that with a lot of whistles, so it could just be me - usually I play the flute. The whistles are well in tune.
I cannot however say what the stretch on the low D would be like.
I think that if "a reasonable amount of time" is what dictates your fancy, the tin whistle (what ever size) is an excellent option for you. Congratulations
Thanks. llig, by a reasonable amount of time I meant the time it would take to get an Overtone. The wait is incredible for a new one. Ralex and Crackpot, are yours tuneable?
Lowhistle
The few Albas I have tried I have not really liked. They are softer than many whistles, as has been described here. They however lack any real "bite" to them. If you want it for slow airs then the Alba would probably be fine but for faster tunes you would be better off with something else. But that is just my opinion. I know folk who really like the Alba whistles.
I play an original Overton low G which I've owned for about 20 years. The problem with these instruments is that they only sound good when they're warm. A lady told me this many years ago. All the big players used to keep them in a bucket of hot water during concerts, she used to put hers down her cleavage, I tend to stick mine under my armpit to warm it up.My other instrument is a Bleazey blackwood D, which is loud , I prefer it to my Abel,
Ric
Question for Whistle players?
Question for Whistle players?
Hi. Does anyone play an Alba whistle, particularly the Low D? I was looking for a critique, if possible, on their sound and playing traits. I am considering one as an option to an Overtone. I would love an Overtone, but can't find one in a reasonable amount of time. Thanks for the help.
Lowhistle
# Posted on March 4th 2007 by LoWhistle
Re: Question for Whistle players?
I have an alba low whislte and I love it. The sound is much better than the Chieftain low D for instance. More flute like and mellow. It doesn't sound like a whistle. The whistle is loud enough to be played at a session. The last hole is hard to reach and because I am short handed I have to use my pinky.
# Posted on March 4th 2007 by Ralex
Re: Question for Whistle players?
I have the high D and a low A and am very pleased with them. Loud enough, not shrill the way some others are, need a bit of puff to get the upper half of the upper regiser. Hard to play this part of the range quietly - but I find that with a lot of whistles, so it could just be me - usually I play the flute. The whistles are well in tune.
I cannot however say what the stretch on the low D would be like.
Good luck.
# Posted on March 4th 2007 by Crackpot
Re: Question for Whistle players?
I think that if "a reasonable amount of time" is what dictates your fancy, the tin whistle (what ever size) is an excellent option for you. Congratulations
# Posted on March 4th 2007 by llig leahcim
Re: Question for Whistle players?
Thanks. llig, by a reasonable amount of time I meant the time it would take to get an Overtone. The wait is incredible for a new one. Ralex and Crackpot, are yours tuneable?
Lowhistle
# Posted on March 4th 2007 by LoWhistle
Re: Question for Whistle players?
I think this is another case of llig's wit going over heads! I got it for what that is worth!
# Posted on March 4th 2007 by proinsiasrua
Re: Question for Whistle players?
The few Albas I have tried I have not really liked. They are softer than many whistles, as has been described here. They however lack any real "bite" to them. If you want it for slow airs then the Alba would probably be fine but for faster tunes you would be better off with something else. But that is just my opinion. I know folk who really like the Alba whistles.
# Posted on March 5th 2007 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Question for Whistle players?
They are very different to Overton whistles
# Posted on March 5th 2007 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Question for Whistle players?
I'll second both of No Cause For Alarm's comments
# Posted on March 5th 2007 by Yohan
Re: Question for Whistle players?
The magnetic music shop in Doolin usually stocks a range of overtons. Worth trying I suppose
http://www.magnetic-music.com/
# Posted on March 5th 2007 by kilfarboy
Re: Question for Whistle players?
I play an original Overton low G which I've owned for about 20 years. The problem with these instruments is that they only sound good when they're warm. A lady told me this many years ago. All the big players used to keep them in a bucket of hot water during concerts, she used to put hers down her cleavage, I tend to stick mine under my armpit to warm it up.My other instrument is a Bleazey blackwood D, which is loud , I prefer it to my Abel,
Ric
# Posted on March 11th 2007 by ricthewhistle