Hi!
Anyone can tell me about its sound? quiet or loud? bright or warm?
And what about Alba (high or low) in general? Are they good whistles?
Thanks in advance.
No lows so far, but regarding high D’s they aren’t my baby. I’ve to say that my experience is somewhat limited as I’ve only tried one, but extensively (some hours) and I found it rather breathy in the second octave and quite loud at the same time. There are loud whistles with a nice sound (Abell’s and others I’ve hadn’t the chance to try) but not this one (at least for me). Besides, the tuning slide had got solidly trapped and it was impossible to pull out/in to tune up with other instruments.
I’m still so grateful to C&F for the whistles reviews and sound clips that led me going for a Burke Brass pro session. Excellent finish and warm, tuned, balanced sound, also acceptable volume though.
I have had my Alba low F for about a week now. It really does have a unique sound. I don’t know how to describe it. It takes a lot of push to get it up in the high octave, but I haven’t found this as a bad quality. You can give more air and get a fat, nice sound. I’ve fallen in love with this whistle and it’s sound, still there is two things I want to say: You won’t get much pure tones after the high A. The high B seems to disappear somewhere between to much and to little air, it’s very hard to get. It’s loud in the second octave. Too loud. But not piercing or uncomfortable. The other thing is the stretch to the lowest hole. The distance between the G hole and the F hole is rater great, and I don’t think I ever would be capable of playing an Alba low D. But you’re seeking a Bb, so the stretch will probably not be a problem.
I do like it. There’s probably low Fs I’d appreciate more out there, but the Alba do sound special.
Oh, and I haven’t experienced any problems with the tuning slide. But it will probably get stuck if you don’t move it every now and then.
Yep, I’m pretty sure that this trapped tuning slide is more a particular problem than a coomon issue of these whistles. I didn’t mean to generalise
There’s an excellent review of a low D here:
http://tinwhistler.com/music/reviews/alba_d/index.asp
BTW What hands size does one need to play a low Bb? 
I have had an Alba Low Bb for a cople of years now.
Can’t remember the exact date because I changed computers last
year, and the old one had the dates on it etc.
I like Bb scale, and play it in preference to D
(pulling fire-proof trousers on!)
The Alba is a BIG whistle, and you need to get
the old lungs in good shape for it.
It needs significantly more air than a low D
but like everything else, gets easier with practice.
It has a lovely warm, full sound to it,
and matches perfectly the tune
“On one beautiful day” from the Flook CD Haven.
So if you can listen to that track, the Alba sounds like
Sara’s flute (at least on my speakers).
It is also a loud whistle,
easily competing with my Kerry Pro Low D.
I play it piper grip,
and it needs playing every day to keep the
fingers stretched 'cos I have medium sized hands
7.5" long x 4.5" wide - finger length 3".
As to good whistles - this depends on each person.
I like Alba’s - owning a Low D, Low Eb, Sop Bb, Low Bb & Q1.
I like the Kerry Pro better than the Alba Low D,
but the Alba has a different
type of sound to the Kerry Pro, the Alba being more
flute like (I also have an Alba D flute 
)
So it really depends on what tune yer playing and where.
The Alba never needs warming up because of its
curved windway, although people have been known to drown
in the water made when it’s cold 
HTH
Great review 
I’ll listen that Flook’s tune at home.
Thanks!
I have a Bass Bb/C set from Alba - love them. They’re not for everyone, but I like their particular sound - very broad and round. But, if reach is an issue, or air support is an issue, these aren’t the whistles for you - they require a lot of air, and it’s a pretty big stretch for the low Bb. But, I don’t leave home without 'em.
=
You may be interested in the answer I received from the ALBA whistle maker in this other topic
here about a similar question I asked some time ago.
Good Luck!
