I have recently bought a Generation Bb whistle after buying about 3 different makes of D whistles, and love the tone. I cant wait to get a good low d (most likely a Howard–are they good??), anyway, do any of u own and use this whistle, and if so what tunes do u use it for. I know i can transpose a tune, but was wondering also whether there is any music for this key, as this register-Bb- sounds really great.
Andy,
I’ve got one in nickel (did you get brass or nickel ??) and I like the sound too. I tweaked mine as well and it sounded even better.
I’ve got to start stretching my fingers though as I have a problem making the stretch using a normal (Is there such a thing) whistlers grip and don’t want to whimp out and use a pipers grip.
I find it easier to play slow airs on it, mainly because of the “grip” thing.
I use it for hymns and stuff as they are in the right key and it sounds good for that. Also, as you can play in the key of F (I think that’s right) it works for that key too.
Hope this helps
Adrian
I have a beat up, dented, brass Generation Bb that is great (I don’t know how old it is, but it was dented and a little crusty when I bought it from a music shop here in Atlanta-- it had been floating around the back in a box for a while). I love to play pretty much anything on it. It does give your fingers a good stretch though!
Tres
I own a Susato Bb. I echo other comments regarding the tone, but the hole spacing still seems odd to me. I’m more comfortable with my Shaw Low A than the Bb! Still, I find I can use it alot and it’s mellower tone is a sometimes pleasing alternative to the shriller/louder Susato D/C.
Hmm, Bb whistles also play in Eb, whereas C whistles easily play in F. However a Bb whistle can play in F, if you half-hole the 3rd hole (plays an E), the same way D whistles can play in A.
That being said, I use my Bb’s as if they were D whistles. 
Jens
Sorry about that. I knew I was wrong with the key.
A
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Yeah, I just use my whistles as if they were D whistles
Dont worry about trying to transpose because then you get the whole problem of having to read a D as a fingering other than XXXXXX
Nico
Nico, I just do like you: xxxxxx = D on any whistle. My ears are very “flexible” and I think that it is easier to read different keys than to learn different fingerings. And if I know the tune, I play it by ear, anyway.
- claudine -
[ This Message was edited by: claudine on 2001-08-02 10:46 ]
Adrian,
Don’t feel like you’re ‘wimping’ out by using the piper’s grip. In many ways it is superior to the tips. Your fingers are actually in a better position for moving quickly and with more control - it places your hands in a much more relaxed state. As opposed to squeezing the whistle, you’re able to hold it lightly.
Peace,
Erik
I,too, enjoy Bb. I have been using a Generation that has a somewhat reedy tone and a bamboo whistle from India (a very low cost item). Yesterday a Chieftan arrived and all I can say is WOW! The key of Bb isn’t that far removed from D but it is enough to take my playing pretty much out of the “shrill” range. Playing alone, as I do, there is no need to “fit in” with other musicians so choice of key can be determined by my current “whim” and Bb is a frequent choice. It’s easy to finger and blow and easy on the ears.
Andy
Congratulations on your low Bb..one of my favourite keys of whistle. As others have said you can play anything you like on it as long as your guitarist can capo up to first fret (Eb/Bb).
The Bb whistle is particularly useful when trying to learn/play along with recordings of old style pipes which were often in Bb, also low (Bb/F)concertinas.
Sue
Not being a hardcore Irish Trad purist, I am beginning to realize that I don’t really have a favorite whistle key.
I was partial to the Bb for a while because physically it is a bit longer than the traditional D whistle, and has a bit more “bottom” to it than the D whistle. Then I bought my Dixon F and was fixated by it for a while. I now own a Dixon Low D and find myself wandering around the house all day playing Davey Spillane’s “My Heart Will Survive” The only key I am missing now is G. When I get one of those, I will probably discover just how many G/C tunes there are out there.
Bb is a great whistle if the tune you want to play is in Bb. If you are trying to play Silver Spear at a trad session, I wonder if you might be better off with a D.
I mentioned liking the Bb whistle because of it having a bit more “bottom” to it because I have heard more than once on the CalIrish and IrishTrad boards the comment that “the tinwhistle is OK, but strikes me as a bit shrill…” Not everyone in Irish Trad is enamoured with the tinwhistle.
I watched Yanni’s tribute video the other night; I am a big fan of his flutist/woodwind player Pedro Eustache. I had ALL my whistles out as I attempted (emphasis on attempted) to jam along with the various tunes. I probably used all of them at one time or another as I tried to find the whistle that required the least finger gymnastics.
I am not a golfer so I will just have to assume all those clubs those guys carry around are there for a reason. The same with my collection of whistles of various keys. My favorite is the one I need at the moment.
Blaine
I have a modest collection of Copeland whistles. The BEST one in whole lot is the Bb. That thing will rattle the glass in the windows. It is my favorite key.
Bob Pegritz
Bflat is one of my favorites and is particularly good for tunes for the pipes (The Chanter’s Song?). Generation Bflats are usually the best of that lot and you should try an Overton B flat - maybe my favorite of all whistles.
As I mentioned in a previous post…I just bought a Silkstone Bb at the Whistle Shop and I love it. I’m using it this morning to play Danny Boy at a funeral. I discovered I can use the same fingering as my D whistle but in a lower key. Have nver tried a low Bb…hmmmmmmm…WhOA’s me…Gm
I have a Bb Water Weasle (made by Glenn Schultz of course)and I really love the sound and playability. It is very mellow and flute-like.
Hello again everyone! I made back alive.
I use Bb whistle mostly in the songs when playing with the band since it’s easier for the vocalist to sing in a bit lower key.
I spent a couple of days in Miltown Malbay and saw just amazing Bb session. It sounded just great. The whistler had a nickel generation Bb and the piper had a Bb chanter.
Also there were two fiddles. Bb when playing dance tunes has something very different compared to D. For example listen the tune Strayaway Child from Chieftains’ Celebrations-cd.
And in that session, Jackie Daly was sitting next to me.
/Arto