I'm looking for some recommendations for a low A whistle (i.e. a fourth below a standard high D). Being only a part-time whistle player and not particularly rich, I will probably be looking at the middle to low end of the market.
I have tried a Shaw, and found it far to breath-hungry for my liking. I've tried Susatos in the past, not in A, as far as I remember, but in G and F, and found them much more pleasant in tone than their higher-pitched siblings, while being much more playable than other brands at the same pitch.
So, at present, Susato is top of my list. But I would be grateful if anyone could give any other recommendations, or tell me what to avoid like the plague (Of course, I'll go and seek them out anyway, to see for myself what's wrong with them).
I bought 'Er Indoors a Susato for last Christmas/Yule/Hannukh as a requested prezzy. She's happy with everything but the colour (Hobgoblin only had one left, in faecal brown ). It's a fairly small bore, so not too much of that low whistle 'Titanic' sound, but it's in tune and plays what it says, which is the starting requirement.
I have a susato alto A and find it fairly easy to play. I'm short fingered and I can reach this comfortably. It does have some pitch issues around the G/G# that I find difficult to compensate for. don't know if it's a common problem or just the one I got. Mine is black and it was purchased from a place in Maine via internet. reasonable prices quick delivery.
I bought a Tony Dixon Alto A and it's really nice. I have it right by me here and I just had a quick tootle on it - I love it's low breathy tone. You can see it on his website here: http://www.tonydixonmusic.co.uk/catalogue/dixonshop.html
You have to scroll down some way - it's the DX007 - Tuneable Alto Whistle and it costs £31 (I'm no whistle expert - but I like it - I've ordered a standard D as well.
I agree with RichardB - that particular whistle in the polymer body sounds fine, is pretty accurate in intonation, and is reasonably priced. It is also lighter than the Susato, and more pleasing to the touch.
I have an Alba in A and in G - Great whistles. I usually use them when playing along with singers who like to go a few notes below the range of the flute and where I don't want to overuse the flute's second octave.
They have met with admiration from everyone who has tried or heard them. If you do decide to buy, go directly to the maker's website - albawhistles.c.uk I think.
I have had a Susato in A for quite a while and was never happy with it. Overblows too easy, no volume in the lower octave.
A couple of weeks ago I received an A whistle made by Jon Swayne and I do like it very much.
I you do not mind the speficic sound of a wooden whistle for sure this is a whistle I would recommend.
Price was 200 (pounds sterling). Jon's mail: js@swayne.demon.co.uk
Be aware that Susato uses a variety of bore sizes.
I've had two Susato low A whistles. One had the narrow bore, the same bore as their high D whistle. It had a nice sweet tone (almost recorder-like) and was pefectly in tune. The other had a somewhat larger bore and sounded more like a typical whistle. It was considerably louder.
The low A I'm playing now is an aluminum Burke. Pricey I know, but it plays great.
I have a Chieftain A untunable - very nice. It's quite hard to compare it with Susatos but that is a serious whistle, no doubt . It may take, i think, a bit more air and its backbressure is stronger, but it is reliable and well in tune. Costs about 150$.
Susato is a good choice, too. To me, it is ideal for those who begin whistling as it is "player frendly" - takes few breath and is exellently in tune. Low Susatos are really more pleasant for playing than high - they do not cut brain in pieces with screamy tone.
A Whistles
A Whistles
I'm looking for some recommendations for a low A whistle (i.e. a fourth below a standard high D). Being only a part-time whistle player and not particularly rich, I will probably be looking at the middle to low end of the market.
I have tried a Shaw, and found it far to breath-hungry for my liking. I've tried Susatos in the past, not in A, as far as I remember, but in G and F, and found them much more pleasant in tone than their higher-pitched siblings, while being much more playable than other brands at the same pitch.
So, at present, Susato is top of my list. But I would be grateful if anyone could give any other recommendations, or tell me what to avoid like the plague (Of course, I'll go and seek them out anyway, to see for myself what's wrong with them).
# Posted on November 26th 2008 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: A Whistles
I bought 'Er Indoors a Susato for last Christmas/Yule/Hannukh as a requested prezzy. She's happy with everything but the colour (Hobgoblin only had one left, in faecal brown ). It's a fairly small bore, so not too much of that low whistle 'Titanic' sound, but it's in tune and plays what it says, which is the starting requirement.
# Posted on November 26th 2008 by Guernsey Pete
Re: A Whistles
I have a susato alto A and find it fairly easy to play. I'm short fingered and I can reach this comfortably. It does have some pitch issues around the G/G# that I find difficult to compensate for. don't know if it's a common problem or just the one I got. Mine is black and it was purchased from a place in Maine via internet. reasonable prices quick delivery.
# Posted on November 26th 2008 by whistle girl
Re: A Whistles
I bought a Tony Dixon Alto A and it's really nice. I have it right by me here and I just had a quick tootle on it - I love it's low breathy tone. You can see it on his website here: http://www.tonydixonmusic.co.uk/catalogue/dixonshop.html
You have to scroll down some way - it's the DX007 - Tuneable Alto Whistle and it costs £31 (I'm no whistle expert - but I like it - I've ordered a standard D as well.
# Posted on November 26th 2008 by RichardB
Re: A Whistles
I have some whistles, made by Ken Matsusaka, which I enjoy playing.
They cost more than Susatos though. He has sound samples;
http://www.szbe.net/index_e_main.htm#whistleA
# Posted on November 26th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: A Whistles
alba whistles are not cheap but the quality and sound are exceptional. treat yourself.
# Posted on November 27th 2008 by oldhippyandy
Re: A Whistles
I agree with RichardB - that particular whistle in the polymer body sounds fine, is pretty accurate in intonation, and is reasonably priced. It is also lighter than the Susato, and more pleasing to the touch.
# Posted on November 27th 2008 by will morgan
Re: A Whistles
I have an Alba in A and in G - Great whistles. I usually use them when playing along with singers who like to go a few notes below the range of the flute and where I don't want to overuse the flute's second octave.
They have met with admiration from everyone who has tried or heard them. If you do decide to buy, go directly to the maker's website - albawhistles.c.uk I think.
Chris.
# Posted on November 27th 2008 by Crackpot
Re: A Whistles
Sorry, ...co.uk
# Posted on November 27th 2008 by Crackpot
Re: A Whistles
John Sindt makes a lovely low A whistle. I think I paid around $120 U.S. for mine.
# Posted on November 27th 2008 by whistler gan ainm
Re: A Whistles
Many thanks to all for you suggestions.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: A Whistles
I have only played John Sindt's d whistle.
I bet the A is a good one. John Skelton also plays a Sindt.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: A Whistles
I have had a Susato in A for quite a while and was never happy with it. Overblows too easy, no volume in the lower octave.
A couple of weeks ago I received an A whistle made by Jon Swayne and I do like it very much.
I you do not mind the speficic sound of a wooden whistle for sure this is a whistle I would recommend.
Price was 200 (pounds sterling). Jon's mail: js@swayne.demon.co.uk
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by low b flat
Re: A Whistles
Be aware that Susato uses a variety of bore sizes.
I've had two Susato low A whistles. One had the narrow bore, the same bore as their high D whistle. It had a nice sweet tone (almost recorder-like) and was pefectly in tune. The other had a somewhat larger bore and sounded more like a typical whistle. It was considerably louder.
The low A I'm playing now is an aluminum Burke. Pricey I know, but it plays great.
# Posted on December 1st 2008 by Richard D Cook
Re: A Whistles
I have a Chieftain A untunable - very nice. It's quite hard to compare it with Susatos but that is a serious whistle, no doubt . It may take, i think, a bit more air and its backbressure is stronger, but it is reliable and well in tune. Costs about 150$.
.
Susato is a good choice, too. To me, it is ideal for those who begin whistling as it is "player frendly" - takes few breath and is exellently in tune. Low Susatos are really more pleasant for playing than high - they do not cut brain in pieces with screamy tone
# Posted on December 6th 2008 by Viking of Kiev