In the thread about the $750 One-Of-A-Kind Engraved Sterling Silver High-D “CC” Copeland, I was heard to remark that all that foliage looked “a bit cheesy” which was a trollish thing to do and had the wonderful effect of producing a heated debate that pitches the High Minded And Pure Players of Cheapos (who understand the music) against the Slightly Abashed And Drooling Hoarders of Whistles (who also understand the music but still like a fine-looking in-tune instrument). Or wait… Was it perhaps the debate between the Snooty And Parsimonious Elitists (who just like to prejudge others) and the High Minded Appreciators of Fine Art And Craftsmanship (who think it noble to spend their hard-earned funds to support the great whistle makers)?
Be that as it may.
I have decided, in order to reconcile the parties and to muss some ruffled feathers, to make a Public Announcement.
Despite what I said about a certain sterling silver whistle, I admit, attest and confirm that a leafy ivy pattern, in the right place and done right, looks very fine and elegant indeed. Sexy even, if I may say so.
Wanted an experienced scrimshaw artist to decorate PVC whistles. Tatooists and grafitists need not apply.
“The Warshingtune Whistlers’ Weekly”
Mack, If you are serious, the percussionist (a very sensitive one) at our session makes his own bone bones and does all the scrimshaw work. I (knowing little) think he does excellent work, fine lines and good designs. Give me a holler if you need to hook up with him.
That reminds me – Does anyone know if Hall crystal flutes are available without leafy graphics? Just plain clear pyrex? I’ve never seen one that wasn’t leafy and flowery. I’m not much of a leafy and flowery guy, y’know.
On 2002-02-28 12:37, rich wrote:
That reminds me – Does anyone know if Hall crystal flutes are available without leafy graphics? Just plain clear pyrex? I’ve never seen one that wasn’t leafy and flowery. I’m not much of a leafy and flowery guy, y’know.
Yeah, I know what you mean. I went to my local Mars and ended up buying a leafy one though, as they all play very differently and the one with the manly knots on it just didn’t do it
Seriously, if you want one, I would go in blindfold and play a bunch of them as they all have slight different characters. Not a criticism of the flutes - they were all okay - but some were more suited to me than others. I played about ten or fifteen of them, and one clearly stood out as “the one”. And in this case, it was unfortunately a leafy one.
On 2002-02-28 13:16, ysgwd wrote:
… dandelion puff pattern …
Geesh, sounds like something Martha Stewart would name, “And new for 2002 is the Hall Crystal Flute in the Dandelion Puff pattern. It’s delicate mosiac of soft floral imagery and subtle aural harmonies will send the message that you are sensitive to the beauties of fine art and music …”
Seriously, I don’t see anything wrong with playing a beautifully decorated instruments. Personally, I would be thrilled to play such an instrument. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder - what is beautiful to me might not be to you.
IMO the arguments of “real traditional players don’t play expensive instruments because they truly understand the music” and “you’ll be sneered at in the New York pub session if you have anything less than a Burke” are just forms of elitism - you can justify them as much as you like but they still boil down to elitism.
Thanks, Bloomfield. I figured anybody
with the wit and delicacy to think
thoughts like ‘Bouquet
of Roses’ and ‘Cain of Abells’ would
confirm my faith in humanity.
Concerning combat:
My wife said to me yesterday: ‘You’re
a lot more to me than just a punching
bag!’ Touching, yes? I think I’m going
to make it through the week.
On 2002-02-28 14:44, jim stone wrote:
Thanks, Bloomfield. I figured anybody
with the wit and delicacy to think
thoughts like ‘Bouquet
of Roses’ and ‘Cain of Abells’ would
confirm my faith in humanity.
Concerning combat:
My wife said to me yesterday: ‘You’re
a lot more to me than just a punching
bag!’ Touching, yes? I think I’m going
to make it through the week.
I guess there’s scrimshaw on a line
of Susatos?
It’s all ways a thrill to find that other people actually read my posts. I do think “Cain of Abells” was pretty funny. But then again, I am a simpleton, if even brownja can figure me out.
And Jim, final inteligence test: Did you get the $20-joke I posted on Loren’s whistle-selling thread?
P.S. I do think it’s touching that you are more than just a punching bag to your wife. Only not the kind of touching I would consider desirable in a spouse.
