Sweetheart Low D - Dymondwood
Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 7:36 pm
Did you ever have 'one of those days'? You know the sort -- you start a project with the best intentions, and then nothing goes right. Well, this 'review' is one of them. The pictures aren't good, I did literally 20 takes to get 2 decent sound clips, then found out that we don't have a decent way to get the music from the Sony widget into an MP3 format, and I'm not sure of where or how to post them anyway.
BUT....all that aside....I finally have a low D whistle Sweetheart "S" that I flat out adore. The salient points are:
Conical bore, curved windway, wooden with laser engraved logo, corked joint, tunable
1) its wood -- the Dymondwood laminate, but wood nonetheless. I find it esthetically more pleasing than metal or plastic.
2) it is phenomenally easy to play. The holes are offset slightly, making it easier on the wrists. I can play two full octaves without bursting a blood vessel reaching for the high C and D. That high B is reachable with only a tad more effort than the A, and the G comes naturally with no extra effort. The tone holes are exceptionally easy to close. My hands are not large, yet I can get a full reach with no difficulty.
3) the tone is rich and full, not overly loud. There is enough 'room' for expressive playing so I can get a very quiet note, then add a bit of power without it jumping octaves. It 'barks' incredibly when you slam into some notes.
I'm able to play this whistle for a very long time while playing alone without wrist or finger strain, and I don't feel as if I'll faint if I stand up after playing a few tunes. However, I was only able to play one set in session and then set it aside for a bit...came back to it three times, but I don't have the finger speed to keep up, nor the breath control.
Here is a picture of my low D herd:
Okay...I give up...this day - technologically - is NOT my day.
Here it is as a link:
http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/4115086d ... CBs03yRBPk
Please take a look, if you're so inclined. Bottom to top: Sweetheart, Burke EZ in Al, Cook and Kerry. I think you can see that the toneholes are small in comparison to the other whistles. The only drawback is that I can't seem to be able to half hole and get a D#.
Next photo....
http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/4115086d ... CBMil4NyJ8
See the offset? The wood graining and finish are beautiful!
Three O-rings are provided. I only need one to be in concert pitch. The joint is quite snug. I keep the two spare rings on the foot of the whistle. A Susato style plastic thumbrest was provided, but I found it to be an aggravation and took it off.
Walt provided me with what I'm calling a widget. Its a side-blown adapter that fits over the mouthpiece and redirects air so you can hold the whistle in a more flutey position. When I first tried it (months and months ago!) I thought it was neater 'n sliced bread, but I'm not sure if its the 'wow' effect or any real advantage. I haven't used it at all this week. But it IS cool! I'll get a pic of it later.
Lastly, a flute head is available for the instrument, though I did not purchase one....yet. A flute player who tried one was suitably impressed with the sound and playability, and the time may come when I want to have the flexibility to play it as a flute.
Craftsmanship, esthetics, sound quality, playability....but it does come at a price. $395...and I consider it to be worth it.
Feel free to ask questions...If I can't answer them I'll call in Walt to explain.
EDIT: I think this link may work for you. . .but I'm giving up if it doesn't and I'll send pics to whomever. Whole picture album is
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/win_n_amy ... DBtuTV3R5h
Sincerely,
Tyg
BUT....all that aside....I finally have a low D whistle Sweetheart "S" that I flat out adore. The salient points are:
Conical bore, curved windway, wooden with laser engraved logo, corked joint, tunable
1) its wood -- the Dymondwood laminate, but wood nonetheless. I find it esthetically more pleasing than metal or plastic.
2) it is phenomenally easy to play. The holes are offset slightly, making it easier on the wrists. I can play two full octaves without bursting a blood vessel reaching for the high C and D. That high B is reachable with only a tad more effort than the A, and the G comes naturally with no extra effort. The tone holes are exceptionally easy to close. My hands are not large, yet I can get a full reach with no difficulty.
3) the tone is rich and full, not overly loud. There is enough 'room' for expressive playing so I can get a very quiet note, then add a bit of power without it jumping octaves. It 'barks' incredibly when you slam into some notes.
I'm able to play this whistle for a very long time while playing alone without wrist or finger strain, and I don't feel as if I'll faint if I stand up after playing a few tunes. However, I was only able to play one set in session and then set it aside for a bit...came back to it three times, but I don't have the finger speed to keep up, nor the breath control.
Here is a picture of my low D herd:
Okay...I give up...this day - technologically - is NOT my day.
Here it is as a link:
http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/4115086d ... CBs03yRBPk
Please take a look, if you're so inclined. Bottom to top: Sweetheart, Burke EZ in Al, Cook and Kerry. I think you can see that the toneholes are small in comparison to the other whistles. The only drawback is that I can't seem to be able to half hole and get a D#.
Next photo....
http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/4115086d ... CBMil4NyJ8
See the offset? The wood graining and finish are beautiful!
Three O-rings are provided. I only need one to be in concert pitch. The joint is quite snug. I keep the two spare rings on the foot of the whistle. A Susato style plastic thumbrest was provided, but I found it to be an aggravation and took it off.
Walt provided me with what I'm calling a widget. Its a side-blown adapter that fits over the mouthpiece and redirects air so you can hold the whistle in a more flutey position. When I first tried it (months and months ago!) I thought it was neater 'n sliced bread, but I'm not sure if its the 'wow' effect or any real advantage. I haven't used it at all this week. But it IS cool! I'll get a pic of it later.
Lastly, a flute head is available for the instrument, though I did not purchase one....yet. A flute player who tried one was suitably impressed with the sound and playability, and the time may come when I want to have the flexibility to play it as a flute.
Craftsmanship, esthetics, sound quality, playability....but it does come at a price. $395...and I consider it to be worth it.
Feel free to ask questions...If I can't answer them I'll call in Walt to explain.
EDIT: I think this link may work for you. . .but I'm giving up if it doesn't and I'll send pics to whomever. Whole picture album is
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/win_n_amy ... DBtuTV3R5h
Sincerely,
Tyg