I’m thinking of getting an O’Briain Improved Feadog. However, over at whistleanddrum I see I can choose either a brass or nickle one. So, what are the differing characteristics?
Also, on a possibly unrelated note, what’s a good, loud whistle for session playing?
-A Susato standard bore D whistle is plenty loud for anything, and not expensive.
-I haven’t played the OB whistles, but have read posts referring to one as
warmer-the brass, and the other as having a brighter sound.
I would recommend the brass. Nickel whistles sometimes seem to slip in the hands. The O’Briain is a great whistle. As far as a loud session whistle. I play in a fairly small session and my Sindt does just fine. If you want really loud I would try to track down a Copeland.
The only difference I noticed is that the brass tube doesn’t feel as slick as the nickel. They play and sound the same to me.
Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate it. I forgot to introduce myself to the board, my name is Gene Mayes (doh) and I’ve just gotten into playing the whistle. My brother-in-law gave me a Clarke Original after I had fiddled (no, not literally; I didn’t use it as a bow) with his Feadog. He’s a guitar player, not a whistle player, by the way.
Anyways, I’ve played it a bit off and on til I saw this one Pogues video which reminded me I had it (I’m primarily a mandolinist and sitarist) so I dusted it off and have been playing it for the past week or so.
So, anyways, hello everyone.