I am considering getting a slightly better D whistle. (I have a flat Generation D.) Recordings demo-ing the Freeman tweaked Mellow Dog sound amazing, but I haven't found any with much high range demonstrated. I have read on the forum that they require more air for the 2nd octave, but I don't see that as a problem, as long as that octave is possible. I play sax, orchestral flute, and bagpipes, so I have plenty of air. Does anyone have a link demo-ing a good player doing the 2nd a little more fully on one of these, or advice regarding them? What I love about the tone quality they seem to have is the depth and grit without too much breathiness. I'm interested in it for playing with a jam session that includes guitarists and where I can be miked if needed.
Thanks!
Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
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tin tin
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
The Mellow Dog is a nice whistle, but like all wide-bore whistles, the second octave isn't as sweet as a narrower bore.
Here's the Mellow Dog: http://freemanwhistles.com/soundclips/F ... rnpipe.mp3
If you'd like something sweeter, the Bluebird is great.
Here's the Bluebird: http://freemanwhistles.com/soundclips/F ... rrogie.mp3
(Both of these clips are from Jerry's eBay listings.)
Here's the Mellow Dog: http://freemanwhistles.com/soundclips/F ... rnpipe.mp3
If you'd like something sweeter, the Bluebird is great.
Here's the Bluebird: http://freemanwhistles.com/soundclips/F ... rrogie.mp3
(Both of these clips are from Jerry's eBay listings.)
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Mr.Gumby
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
You have either sat on it or you will need to move the head to tune it.I have a flat Generation D.
My brain hurts
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CatDuet
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
No, I didn't sit on it, but maybe that would improve it, heheh. I got it 2nd-hand, so maybe the previous owner threw it at the wall in a tormented moment. 
I did loosen the head, but to no avail, since it was already pushed in all the way. On my bagpipe chanter, I can adjust things to where they should be by pushing in the reed and using tape to flatten any notes that need it. This won't work on a whistle that's flat across the board. It's tuning on F# is pretty flat even in comparison to the other notes, so it's not a gem. What' the advisability of trying to file the tube shorter? I've been afraid I would bend it, but since I'm planning to buy a new whistle anyway, maybe it' worth the risk.
Are tin whistles supposed to be basically in diatonic tuning?--not super flat on the F#? (and this is a D whistle).
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Mr.Gumby
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
That's pretty much standard, the scale is not an of equal tempered one. And better for it, if you ask me.It's tuning on F# is pretty flat even in comparison to the other notes, so it's not a gem.
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Steve Bliven
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
You might consider contacting Jerry Freeman, maker of the Mellow Dog, directly (he posts here kinda regularly). He's very good about giving advice and or making adjustments on his instruments.
Best wishes.
Steve
Best wishes.
Steve
Live your life so that, if it was a book, Florida would ban it.
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CatDuet
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
Thanks, all. After more inquiry and consideration, I did order the Mellow Dog and the C tube as well that you can attach the same head to from Jerry Freeman. I'm looking forward to them!
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CatDuet
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
Oh, yes, the Mellow Dog IS nice! I got the C whistle tube as well and also find it nice also. My "worries" about the 2nd octave were totally groundless. The 2nd octave pops in there quite easily and has beautiful, sweet tone. It's easier to get than on my non-tweaked Generation. (Granted, I'm a woodwind player already, so I know what to do with my air.) I like how the air operates on this instrument, making it easy for me to bend notes for jazz and country to sound soulful. It's much more flexible than my Generation non-tweaked. The volume is louder than the Generation N-Tw, but it's not painful, it's pleasant. The tuning within itself is far superior to my Generation. Quite happy with my purchase. I feel like, if I practice, i can really begin to sound good now.
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mickey66
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
`About three years ago i picked up the Mellow Dog D/C set from Jerry Freeman. I had an extra Walton Green head so.....i put it on the C tube! I tweaked the head and now have a really great Walton Freeman C whistle! It was my first Tweak! I did good. Jerry's brass tubes are really good ! Having said all this.....i really like his Mellow Dog whistle and i find it very easy to play! Sound is FAB!
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Sirchronique
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
mickey66 wrote: Jerry's brass tubes are really good!
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CatDuet
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Re: Tweaked Mellow Dog 2nd octave
I'm still playing this whistle (the Mellow Dog), and everywhere I go, people ask me about it. The last place was at a conference in Mexico, and in the airport on the way back, one of my friends was asking, planning to purchase it. It's a great whistle!