Material: African Blackwood and Stainless Steel
Bore: Standard
Key: Soprano D
Case: Felt lined hardwood
Price: US$348.00 (web site price - email Bree for a quote)
URL: http://www.thinweasel.com/
****** Added 07/26/2005 - finally I had time to record ******
Sound Sample: (sorry it took so long)
I finally had a chance to do a couple sound samples. Though it’s quite warm and the window was open - you might hear the crickets in the background. Once again, I’m a beginner so listen to the sound sample for a taste of the whistle’s voice, and imagine what a good player could do. This is clean with no reverb or effects.
http://www.tofutaco.com/Whistle/20050727_ThinWeasel_Sop-D_Blackwood_01.mp3
http://www.tofutaco.com/Whistle/20050727_ThinWeasel_Sop-D_Blackwood_02.mp3
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I was planning to buy a Thin Weasel in a year or so, when I hope to be a better whistle player, and I had saved some cash. As it happened, Glenn Schultz (the whistle artisan for Thin Weasels) passed away in June. A loss for his family and a loss for the larger family of whistle players who knew him, and people like me who just knew him through his craft.
I have owned a Water Weasel (Glenn’s PVC whistle) for several months. I remember my first thought when I received the Water Weasel. “I wish I could show this to my father.” My father, like Glenn was a master machinist by trade. My father taught me some of his trade, and I could see from the Water Weasel that Glenn was a rare and precise artisan.
I happened to receive a bit of extra cash in June, so I corresponded with Glenn’s daughter Bree after she left a post on this board saying, in part, that there were some of Glenn’s whistles looking for a home. I believe there are still some of Glenn’s whistles available through Bree. I assume they will become more rare as time passes - but will still be found second hand.
Disclaimers first:
- I’m a learner so listen to the sound sample for a taste of the voice, and imagine what a good player could do.
- My review is based on my limited knowledge and experience, about a year of casual learning and playing.
- I’m usually easy to please.
- I purchased the whistle.
Having said that - let’s get on with it.
****** Added 07/26/2005 - finally I have time to write the review ******
Don’t let my gushing fool you into thinking I am being gratuitous. I’m going to tell you exactly what my impression is after enjoying this whistle for a couple weeks. If my praise seems excessive, it’s only because it is deserved.
Visual Aesthetics:
Well, this is something you can judge for yourself in the photos. Where some would say a picture is worth a thousand words - I will say that this whistle admired in the hands is one big contented sigh. The pics are nice, but turning this whistle over in your hands to admire the simple and beautiful style combined with a deep rich colored wood that glows warmly from within is hard to put in words. It’s just simply, naturally, beautiful. Not much to add except - it’s prettier than the pictures.
Mechanics:
This is the ultimate whistle example I have seen of “form follows function.” As I mentioned earlier, Glenn was an amazing artisan and incredible machinist. It shows in the simple Water Weasel, it is completely expressed in this Thin Weasel. Every joint is perfect and the finish is flawless. The brass tuning slide has a smooth friction fit that adjusts easily and holds place while being played. Not fancy mind you, just total attention to detail in a simply built instrument.
Playability:
Effortless. For the most part my favorite whistles have been on the heavy side, all metal in brass and copper. This whistle is not heavy, but the feel is substantial. The holes are comfortably sized and finished - my fingers land a lift easily. The back pressure is medium, and breath requirement is flexible through two octaves for nice expression. Even the bell note is full and quite flexible - play it light or strong and it doesn’t break up. The beak is comfortably shaped. It’s well balanced and easy to play - once again, effortless.
Tuning:
I played it for a few minutes, set the slide with my tuner and checked it out. Starting at D and all the way through two octaves, the tuning stays mostly within three cents. No surprise considering the care used in making this whistle. The C natural (OXXOOO) is right on. Where some (even good) whistles are a touch squirrelly on the second octave E, this is solid in every note. The power jumps a bit between the high A and B, but it’s really just a pop in the volume, still shriekless. Of the whistles I’ve played, only the Reyburns have comparable tune precision, very closely followed by the Burkes.
Voice:
Smoooooooth. Ever had a sip of Kahlua coffee liquor? That would be the equivalent libation - smooth and exciting. Right in tune and resonant - I wish I had a better word than resonant because it seems an understatement, but that’s the word that comes. It’s also very flexible with great potential for expression. This is a whistle I have a lot of growing into to play to it’s potential. Just simply smooth, resonant, and exciting.
Subjective Summary:
This whistle is very much too good for me at my current skill. Not to say that I can’t play it - it’s really effortless and a joy to play and learn with. Glenn’s wife Viki put a note “Play the life into these!” on the invoice. I put some breath through it every day - and so it seems to be pulling me along. As I said before, I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to own one of Glenn’s Thin Weasels. I’m completely convinced this is one whistle I’ll never part with.
I’ll close a little bit sentimental perhaps, so please forgive me. I’ve said it in my mind a few times - I’ll say it once here. To an incredible artisan who will be missed greatly, thank you Glenn.
