Wow. I just bought a generation Bb and I think I’m in love. I’ve generally been disappointed with Generation Ds, but this Bb is simply beautiful. I go for the traditional sound of cheap whistles so it is sometimes a challenge to get whistles that I like in keys other than D or C. I’ve rarely played a whistle of such beautiful tone. It’s mellow and sweet but with plenty of chiff and a more solid sound than the Gen Ds that I’ve purchased. A great whistle for anyone wanting the trad sound (and price tag) in Bb.
I’ve always loved my Genny Bb too, even more so after I tweaked it a bit. I filled the cavity, filed some harsh raised edges out of some of the tone holes with a metal file (and a bit of undercutting) and sanded the soundblade a bit smoother (mine had the thinnest piece of plastic protruding from the edge of the blade that was so thin it was almost see through). It kept the same tone but got rid of the faint buzzing noise on the bell note. It also became a little more clear in the upper end of the second register; The high F and G became much stronger and weren’t as overpowered by breathiness.
I’m with you totally. I love my Gen Bb.
I love the feel of my Gen Bb, and feel like there’s a great whistle in there somewhere trying to get out. So far, my treaking hasn’t done the trick, although I haven’t tackled messing with the soundblade yet.
I’ve been starting to think about Hooverizing it. (I love my D Hoover white-cap on Oak). Has anyone done a white-cap in Bb?
Yes. I have two Gen Bflats - one red head and brass and one blue head and nickel - both really good, really old and really cheap.
Philo
Great news…I thought that I was the only person around to be wrapped in their Genny Bb whistle..It is only the second whistle I ever pick up now after buying a second hand and rather beat up Chieftain Low F… Mind you, I also like my Genny C… Both Gennys being brass of course..
I love mine too, but I had to buy 4 before I got one that didn’t split the second octave. However, I love the sound of the last one I purchased.
My Freeman Tweaked Gen Bb is one of my favorites.
My 25 yo battered and dinged Generation Bb was by far my favourite whistle until 2 weeks ago when I lost it at a festival. It had a rich, warm tone at the bottom end and was clean and effortless in the high notes. I bought another one over net hoping for another good one but no such luck. I’ve taken to it with the wife’s nail files and it’s improved but it still has slightly buzzy overtones in the top g a b and it seems to take a lot more air to blow. I want my old one back.!!!
My Bb bluetop was fantastic until my 5-year-old worked out he could fit 4 crayons and my Feadog inside of it. Then he proceeded to work some inovative perterbations on the lot against the leg of a chair.
The Feadog survived - the Gen, sadly lost it’s alure and has become “squeeky” in the upper octave.
Hey Mitch,
You stock generations, can you find me a nice brass Bb? Try out a whole boxfull. Let me know
Mark
You can hear my old Bb on my only clips and snips submission
in Reels July 2005 “Jug of Punch”
http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/reels.html