Freeman Bluebird Production

[Tyler DelGregg]

Has Jerry stopped making the Bluebird? I have a collection of this Blackbirds in D and C. I also have two Mellow Dogs. They really are fine whistles. Unfortunately, I sold the one Bluebird that I had. I was told that he altered the playing characteristics of his newer Bluebirds. I was actually surprised at how different the Bluebird was from the Blackbird; it required more push, which was the main reason why I don't have it any more. Now, I rather want to play the Bluebird again.

[Steve Bliven]

Probably best to contact him directly for product information and availability. He'd know better than we do...

Best wishes.

Steve

[Chifmunk]

Hopefully Jerry will post himself about it, but...
A few months ago I ordered some Blackbirds from him (wonderful whistles!), and I asked about getting a Bluebird. He said he has gotten away from making them- something about them being problematic to make consistent. I think the Mellow Dogs and Blackbirds are the ones to order now. And of course the tweaked Generations. I like the very pretty warbly bird chirp and low air pressure requirement of the Blackbirds for myself. The Dog seems very smoooth and clear but not shrill.

[mickey66]

Has Jerry stopped making the Bluebird? I have a collection of this Blackbirds in D and C. I also have two Mellow Dogs. They really are fine whistles. Unfortunately, I sold the one Bluebird that I had. I was told that he altered the playing characteristics of his newer Bluebirds. I was actually surprised at how different the Bluebird was from the Blackbird; it required more push, which was the main reason why I don't have it any more. Now, I rather want to play the Bluebird again.

I bought his "Bluebird in summer of 2015 and it was different from the way everybody described the "Bluebird" whistle. A lot of back-pressure and way too much for me! Being a whistle tweaker.... I had at it! Now, I really like the way it plays and sounds. It's NOT the "Blackbird" by any stretch of the imagination! But, a really good whistle and in-tune with itself! Has a lovely tone and I hope Jerry still builds it! Jerry rarely posts here anymore sad to say! M

[mickey66]

Hopefully Jerry will post himself about it, but...
A few months ago I ordered some Blackbirds from him (wonderful whistles!), and I asked about getting a Bluebird. He said he has gotten away from making them- something about them being problematic to make consistent. I think the Mellow Dogs and Blackbirds are the ones to order now. And of course the tweaked Generations. I like the very pretty warbly bird chirp and low air pressure requirement of the Blackbirds for myself. The Dog seems very smoooth and clear but not shrill.

Well, that answers some questions for me! Thank You! I own two great whistles Jerry no longer builds....A "Gendog" and now the "Bluebird" I like both of these whistles and Jerry is a brilliant whistle builder,Tweaker, etc,etc. He told me the "Gendog" was not anything of note! BUT, he had a few and wanted to sell them off! Well, I like that whistle a lot! "Bluebird" problematic? I think, he is probably correct about that one. I had to work on mine for a couple of days but was worth it! Sadly, not everyone knows how to tweak whistles. The "Bluebird" was not a cheap whistle either(by cheap whistle standards)! M

[Chifmunk]

Jerry rarely posts here anymore sad to say!

Yes, I agree that's unfortunate.
I adore my Blackbirds C and D, and my Mellow Dog D. Jerry's also a pleasure to deal with when ordering, and answers questions in depth.

[Tyler DelGregg]

Yes, Jerry is a swell fellow. He posted an in-depth explanation on the whistler's facebook page regarding how the Generations have changed over the years and why. He meets Mary Bergin every year, and often speaks to Mr. Sindt (don't know his first name). One interesting thing I learned was that even in the old days when Generations were more consistently good, many players would go through bins of them to select the best. I thought this was a more recent thing. I was glad to learn Mary Bergin thinks highly of his low (alto) G because I have one on the way. By the way, I have a collection of his Blackbirds and Mellow Dogs. Sold off all the expensive ones and kept Jerry's whistles.

[mickey66]

" I was glad to learn Mary Bergin thinks highly of his low (alto) G because I have one on the way." He doesn't sell an alto low G on Ebay....Tyler did you buy direct from Jerry? M

[Mike Clougherty]

Mickey, I think what Tyler meant is his tenor G. There is still a listing for it on his eBay.

[Jerry Freeman]

Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for the interest in my whistles.

I stopped making Bluebirds because it has been impossible to get consistent results with them and I was going through a lot of wasted time and frustration. The frustration was compounded by the fact that Iarla McMahon won the under 12 All Ireland whistle championship with a Bluebird, which increased the interest in them. I wish he'd won with a Mellow Dog or Blackbird, but sometimes fate has an odd sense of humor. Whenever I've offered Blackbirds and Bluebirds side by side at a live event (e.g., Catskills Irish Arts Week), invariably after trying both, people put down the Bluebird and buy the Blackbird. I may try again, but I can't make any promises.

Best wishes,
Jerry

[Tyler DelGregg]

Yes, sorry, I meant the tenor G.
Jerry, do you plan to make a low D one day?

[Chifmunk]

The Blackbirds are extremely nimble, liquid, and warbly. And they don't require a lot of air push so I don't have to gasp for lungfuls of air. Love it!

[mickey66]

Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for the interest in my whistles.

I stopped making Bluebirds because it has been impossible to get consistent results with them and I was going through a lot of wasted time and frustration. The frustration was compounded by the fact that Iarla McMahon won the under 12 All Ireland whistle championship with a Bluebird, which increased the interest in them. I wish he'd won with a Mellow Dog or Blackbird, but sometimes fate has an odd sense of humor. Whenever I've offered Blackbirds and Bluebirds side by side at a live event (e.g., Catskills Irish Arts Week), invariably after trying both, people put down the Bluebird and buy the Blackbird. I may try again, but I can't make any promises.

Best wishes,
Jerry

Jerry, please don't give up on the "Bluebird" whistle! It's a lovely whistle! M

[mickey66]

The Blackbirds are extremely nimble, liquid, and warbly. And they don't require a lot of air push so I don't have to gasp for lungfuls of air. Love it!

Yep! Tis a fact!

[mickey66]

Mickey, I think what Tyler meant is his tenor G. There is still a listing for it on his eBay.

Thanks, Mike!