Cheiftain 'Gold' soprano D

Father Emmet · Post by **Father Emmet** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 2:36 pm

Just acquired a Cheiftain Gold a few days ago, and I have a few questions. It is a large bore (3/4") heavy whistle. Finish has a few nicks in it, and the inside of the tube was coated in brass filings, cleaned up easily, but is this normal?
Also, when cold, the low B (first hole) is noticably flat (?) and comes into tune by rolling back the fingertip, half holing the first hole a bit. Tone improves greatly when the whistle is warmed up, is this normal?
Other than that it plays beautifully with a loud clear tone, although the 2nd octave really requires a lot of breath. Anyone have any similar experience with this whistle? All in all I am quite happy with it.

Bloomfield · Post by **Bloomfield** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 2:41 pm

Most solid metal whistles are flat when cold. The metal expands when warmed up and makers take this into accound when tuning the whistle. You should always warm it up before playing.

About the filings, I am not suprised. Remember these are (were) made in a mashine shop to Phil's specifications.

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 2:43 pm

Yeah, all that is normal for a Chieftain.

Father Emmet · Post by **Father Emmet** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 2:53 pm

Thanks guys, as my first non-cheapie I didn't know what to expect or what is normal or what is a lemon. I like this whistle, plastic fipples just aren't going to do it for me anymore.

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 2:56 pm

Well, Chieftains are very tasty on hot summer days when mixed with water and sugar.

Whitmores75087 · Post by **Whitmores75087** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 5:27 pm

Chieftains are at the bottom of the heap when it comes to the high end whistles. You'd be much better off with a Burke, Overton, Water W, or Silkstone. Live and learn.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 5:37 pm

or an Alba.

raindog1970 · Post by **raindog1970** » Mon Nov 03, 2003 6:25 pm

JessieK wrote:Well, Chieftains are very tasty on hot summer days when mixed with water and sugar.

Hey, you forgot the Jack Daniels!
You just can't have lemonade without a bit of whiskey in the mix!

illuminatus99 · Post by **illuminatus99** » Tue Nov 04, 2003 4:58 pm

I just got 14 cheiftain golds in D and so none of them had nicks or filings in them, where did you buy yours from?

glauber · Post by **glauber** » Tue Nov 04, 2003 5:02 pm

Chieftains? These must be the whistles Paddy Molloney plays?

(runs for cover)

Bloomfield · Post by **Bloomfield** » Tue Nov 04, 2003 5:03 pm

illuminatus99 wrote:I just got 14 cheiftain golds in D and so none of them had nicks or filings in them, where did you buy yours from?

You're a lucky man.

illuminatus99 · Post by **illuminatus99** » Tue Nov 04, 2003 5:06 pm

out of the 70+ cheiftains I got none of them had filings or nicks, a couple were a little tarnished but not too bad.

Bloomfield · Post by **Bloomfield** » Tue Nov 04, 2003 5:15 pm

I just meant you got, like, 77 of the things. Like you can sleep on a bed of Chieftain Golds. Lucky devil, you.

illuminatus99 · Post by **illuminatus99** » Wed Nov 05, 2003 12:27 am

Bloomfield wrote:I just meant you got, like, 77 of the things. Like you can sleep on a bed of Chieftain Golds. Lucky devil, you.

Probably could, although my back would never forgive me

Father Emmet · Post by **Father Emmet** » Wed Nov 05, 2003 8:20 am

illuminatus99 wrote:I just got 14 cheiftain golds in D and so none of them had nicks or filings in them, where did you buy yours from?

I got it from the Whistleshop. I ordered a regular Cheiftain D, but they were out of stock, and Thom was nice enough to let me have the Gold for the same price instead.
I am very happy with it, it plays beautifuly. I was cocerned with the tuning at first, but Bloomfield clued me in to the fact that metal whistles need to be warmed up first, and that did the trick.
I am not concerned with the finishing (there are no sharp edges or anything), and the inside cleaned up easily. I guess whoever does the final finishing at the "mashine" shop was asleep at the wheel that day.

Illuminatus- Have you decided on pricing for your cache yet? I assume they will be for sale and not just used for bedding!