Why Bb?

sbhikes · Post by **sbhikes** » Sun May 20, 2007 2:46 pm

What's the purpose of a Bb whistle?

Denny · Post by **Denny** » Sun May 20, 2007 2:51 pm

Ah...what's the purpose of a "D" whistle?

This sounds like a trick question...

Cayden · Post by **Cayden** » Sun May 20, 2007 2:51 pm

Playing in Bflat and Eflat?

Denny · Post by **Denny** » Sun May 20, 2007 2:56 pm

that seemed too easy an answer for me...

walrii · Post by **walrii** » Sun May 20, 2007 2:59 pm

I thought it was to provide us an excuse for another "whistle keys leading in to modes in Irish music" thread.

sbhikes · Post by **sbhikes** » Sun May 20, 2007 3:19 pm

It's an honest question. Are there many tunes in that key? Is this a key people sing in? Or is it just that it's lower and sounds more mellow? I was just curious. I did buy one, but because I wanted to stretch my fingers. Doesn't seem like the real reason for having one to me!

Aanvil · Post by **Aanvil** » Sun May 20, 2007 3:31 pm

I think Mr. Laban is getting soft.

I have the two Bb Gens. available. Save for a little plastic in the heads that took about one minute worth of effort clean they were good right out of the barrel.

Keep playing it.

I eventually understood why some people like them.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » Sun May 20, 2007 4:21 pm

Hmmmm........

Adrian · Post by **Adrian** » Sun May 20, 2007 4:46 pm

I agree Tommy!

Flogging Jason · Post by **Flogging Jason** » Sun May 20, 2007 5:33 pm

Here's my honest opinion/thoughts(the sarcasm has already been spoken for). I keep several whistles in several keys, including Bb, for the following reasons:

A) I play solo alot and I enjoy the different characters a given whistle can lend to a tune.

B) I can play along with other musicians who are more comfortable in other keys. For example, a guitar player knows a tune(let just throw out The Kesh) in Bb, I can play it on my Bb whistle without transposing....or making the poor guy use a capo.

That's my reasons....other than pure obsession!

FJohnSharp · Post by **FJohnSharp** » Sun May 20, 2007 5:50 pm

I love the sound of a Bb whistle. That's reason enough.

khl · Post by **khl** » Sun May 20, 2007 6:49 pm

One purpose (not yet mentioned) of Bb in general is to drive alligators mad :
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... Id=7442915
I'm not certain what this implies for Bb whistles.

walrii · Post by **walrii** » Sun May 20, 2007 8:36 pm

sbhikes wrote:Or is it just that it's lower and sounds more mellow? I was just curious. I did buy one, but because I wanted to stretch my fingers. Doesn't seem like the real reason for having one to me!

Having given my smart-a** answer, I'll give another, more reasonable one. I got a Generation Bb becaused it was lower and sounded more mellow and because I wanted to stretch my fingers. So, your reasons sound perfectly real to me!

As for the earlier sarcasm, that comes free of charge with membership in the forum - welcome to C&F, sb.

walrii · Post by **walrii** » Sun May 20, 2007 8:46 pm

khl wrote:One purpose (not yet mentioned) of Bb in general is to drive alligators mad :
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... Id=7442915

According to the link, black holes hum in Bb so there is yet another use for a Bb whistle.

I'm not certain what this implies for Bb whistles.

a. Don't play your Bb whistle around uncaged alligators.

b. Do carry your Bb on your next interstellar voyage.

Wait! Whoa! Could the Ressikan Flute be tuned to the unplayably low Bb of the black holes? Maybe it is solid with no holes for a REASON!

scottkent · Post by **scottkent** » Sun May 20, 2007 9:05 pm

At http://www.guitarnut.com/folktablature/ you will find wonderful versions of the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Silent Night in Bb. Reason enough to own one.