I took up the offer to buy one of the Non-Tunable D Water Weasels that Alespa (Matt) had for sale. It arrived a few days ago and I wanted to wait to make sure my first reaction would stay the same after a few days of having more time playing it.
My consistent experience playing this is best described as falling somewhere between “fun” and “joy”–can’t find the exact word. It has its own unique sound, feel, responsiveness. Solid volume. I do have to push in the upper notes of the second octave (especially from a to b), but otherwise it’s smooth sailing.
It feels and looks and sounds great. I have to keep reminding myself that this is simply plastic (and the plumbing numbers still there help in that respect). That being the case, you come to realize that, while the holes are shaped well, and the trademark sticker is interesting, the uniqueness in sound here has to be attributed to the headpiece–the genius of Glenn Schultz.
I hope there will be a way to keep making the variety of the Shultz whistles, including the nontunable, and that those associated with Glenn can continue the work.
I’m really glad to have this whistle.