Some of us really like A whistles
so I wonder which A whistle you like and why.
I think the copeland A whistle is one of the great whistles–
the perfect combo of beauty and power. IMO.
What’s your favorite A whistle? What are you playing?
I have a Burke in brass and a Sindt in A.
DIY made of gray pvc.
Thanks. Will you say something about what you think
of these whistles and what they’re like?
I’ve played the Sindt A, in fact.
What do you think of the burke brass A?
Does it have a very pure sound; the aluminum
Burkes I’ve played do, but these have been in high D.
Grateful for info.
Hi Jim:
I’d describe the brass Burke A as less traditional sounding than the Sindt. The sound is still very pure, but warmer, softer and brighter sounding than the aluminum Burkes I’ve played. Both are great whistles.
I also have an aluminum Burke A that I like quite a bit.
I have a wonderful Overton A that Colin Goldie made for me. The low register in particular is rich and full-- it feels resonant and very sensuous. Plus, Colin gave it a terrific electric blue anodized finish to match my PT Cruiser 
I have a Water Weasel A that is one of my favourites.It has a lovely pure ‘traditional’ tone…
My friend plays an Apalachin Dulcimer which she tunes to D and the A Weasel gets along just fine with this instrument…
Another vote for the Water Weasel A. I had a wooden Thin Weasel A, and I consider the PVC version better, and that’s saying a lot. I’ve had several other A’s, but this one blows them all away.
What does the membership think of Susato’s A? I’ve been thinking of getting the Susato M-series set in A, F and G to fill out the common keys for non-ITM.
I have an old Susato A which I like very well.
Also an old C which is one of the best C whistles I’ve played.
I’ve not played the newer As much. I don’t think
the newer wider bore whistles are much for me,
but people have written in saying they like them
better.
I have a Sindt A. I’m quite pleased with it.
Home made plastic tube A - looks awful but sounds GREAT!
I just received a Burke low A in aluminum. It has a really fine sound, especially the lower notes in the low register. It requires some push in the upper notes of the second octave, more than on my older model Burkes, but it’s not too much to get used to.
Abell blackwood A. One of my favorite whistles. Has a ‘woody’ sound with some resonance. Not overly loud. Might call it ‘mellow.’ Very reliable player- doesn’t make surprise noises. Easy to blow. I’ve posted a lot of clips on Clips&Snips with it. They fairly represent the sound a listener hears, but the sound you get when you’re playing it is far nicer. I use it to practice new tunes on to save the ears (and to enjoy the sound).
Tony
Walrii,
I once owned a Susato A, I had issues with the resonance - the plastic sound - BUT I gave it to a freind of mine who loves the thing. I think he tweaked it up a bit (he’s a big time tinker). I’ve heard him play it and it sounds much better than when I had it. I’ll find out what he did - it wouldn’t have been much, he’s got a delicate touch and a superb ear.
Cheers,
I don’t know how Clips and Snips work. Is each one of these supposed to have a recording? If so, where do I click?
(Forgive my ignorance, please; it’s the first time I’ve looked there).
There is a link on the forum index page. It goes to here:
http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/
~Hans
Well, after almost a week with my new Burke low A aluminum, I’m learning it! What a superb whistle! What a sound! I had trouble getting used to this whistle because the toneholes are larger and wider apart. I kept getting air gaps and losing the bell note. But now I fixed some errors in my playing, and I can hold it relaxed and keep closing those holes. I can even play fast tunes! I love descending into that lowest note. It just feels so good!
I have often worn earplugs, but the A is low enough that it doesn’t bother my ears. The higher whistles do (even with the A, I still wear earplugs if I play for a long time).
I can tell this is going to be my favorite whistle, my “reach for” whistle, the ONE (think The Matrix)!
I’m HAPPY!!
Definitely O’Riordan Traveler - powerful, yet honey-like tone; Pat’s Traveler series in that mid ground Bflat, A, G just can’t be beat.
Philo