anyone playing a Bb?

lyndamic · Post by **lyndamic** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:04 pm

Greetings, all! I wondered if anyone could tell me about Bb whistles. I have very small hands and the low D is a behemoth. Are Bb's much more manageable in regard to size? Do you find it a useful addition to your collection? Do you have any suggestions about other options? I love the sound of the lower whistles and don't wan't to miss out.
Upon re-reading this post, I see that I have fallen victim to WHOA. I am a rank amateur, having played the pennywhistle for precisely one month. I now own three penney whistles, have another on order, and already getting 'peckish' about low whistles.
God help me. I'll need him when my husband leaves.

Bloomfield · Post by **Bloomfield** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:35 pm

Bb's are great. They are manageable for all hand sizes. They sound a bit less offensive in the upper register.

Best thing: you can get a Generation Bb for $10 or so, and they are some of the best Bbs around.

meir · Post by **meir** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:51 pm

also love the dixon tunable b flat.

meir

jim stone · Post by **jim stone** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:56 pm

I have a copeland Bb which is swell.
Also recommend As and Gs

chas · Post by **chas** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:23 pm

Try a Generation. I think the Bb is the best of their line. If you want a little more of a low-whistle sound, you might want a Burke composite. They have a nice, round, mellow sound.

eskin · Post by **eskin** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:29 pm

I have a Sindt B-flat that is fantastic...

IDAwHOa · Post by **IDAwHOa** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:32 pm

Here is a vote for the Hoover Whitecap Bb.

As you can see, there are as many opinions as there are...

WHISTLES!

BrassBlower · Post by **BrassBlower** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:41 pm

Here's a vote for a blue-topped Generation Bb.

ErikT · Post by **ErikT** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:44 pm

I'll second Michael's Sindt recommendation. I have one from him that is very nice.

littlejohngael · Post by **littlejohngael** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:45 pm

NorCalMusician wrote:Here is a vote for the Hoover Whitecap Bb.

I'll second the vote for the Hoover ... Great whistles. My Bb is actually a Hoover CPVC Narrow bore. The sweetest sounding whistle I own.

RonKiley · Post by **RonKiley** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 4:41 pm

Generation Bb either red top or blue top. It is a great sounding whistle and as Bloomfield said the price is right. It plays as well as the person playing it.

Ron

trisha · Post by **trisha** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:15 pm

Generation Blue top, and if you like the key enough try a Burke later on.

Trisha

Mongoose of Righteousness · Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:25 pm

Bloomfield is correct...your best value is a Generation. Might need a little tweak, though.

I dislike Bb sound. OK for some tunes, but overall it's a gloomy sounding key to me. Oddly enough I go to Eb (higher pitch than D by a tad) when I want to give my ears a rest. It sounds sweeter and livlier.

These odd key instruments are good for your own pleasure or for accompanying singing, but not for session tunes. For sessions all you need is D.

Zubivka · Post by **Zubivka** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:31 pm

chas wrote:Try a Generation. I think the Bb is the best of their line. If you want a little more of a low-whistle sound, you might want a Burke composite. They have a nice, round, mellow sound.

Agreed. Next thing best to a cocobolo Grinter. Totally changed my view on Burkes generally.
Finally the only total consensus missing is on the Generations', or Burkes' colours

FJohnSharp · Post by **FJohnSharp** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:32 pm

I have a Generation nickel Bb and an Overton Bb. I find that the spread is similar except for the bottom hole of the Gen, which is a little difficult for me with regular man hands, while the Overton is closer and is very comfortable. I have a Hoover whitecap on my Gen tube and I really like it for practicing. The Overton takes some getting used to.