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Generation B natural?
Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 1:45 am
by Mikethebook
Question. Do Generation make a B natural whistle in either brass or nickel or is this key only available in Jerry Freeman's tweaked versions? Many thanks.
Re: Generation B natural?
Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 6:41 am
by Mr.Gumby
They don't but a Bb is easily converted by cutting back both ends. 'How to' posts for both Bb-B and C-C# conversions have been made several times in the past.
Re: Generation B natural?
Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 9:42 am
by Mikethebook
Thanks Mr Gumby!
Re: Generation B natural?
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2024 4:59 am
by ecadre
Top tip ... go down to your local DIY/Hardware store and buy a pipe-cutter. Don't try to cut the pipe with a hacksaw.
Re: Generation B natural?
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2024 7:01 am
by Mr.Gumby
Here's some guidance, to get you started, posted by Bill Haneman back in 2007 or so:
An inexpensive alternative worth trying:
As it happens, you can take a Bflat Generation and remove metal from both the top and bottom so that the top note is sharpened a semitone and the bottom note (all holes closed) is also sharpened a semitone. By some weird quirk of Generation's tuning, the resulting notes in the middle are well within range as well, and the resulting scale is an acceptable B scale. At least, it works for me.
Total length of the doctored Generation (metal part, without fipple):
316 mm
Distance from the top end of the whistle to the top hole:
132 mm
Re: Generation B natural?
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2024 8:49 am
by pancelticpiper
Here's an earlier thread where I explain my method.
I've made great-playing in-tune whistles in C# and B natural this way.
https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/viewt ... 1&t=113898
Cutting both ends only and you end up with the notes emitting from Hole 5 and Hole 6 being too flat, so these have to be carved out.
Re: Generation B natural?
Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2024 3:54 am
by Mr.Gumby
FWiW, another thread linked to
Mac Nic whistles. They do a B (although named 'H' in the German fashion). At 60 euro perhaps a relatively "budget' option.
Not a recommendation (I have not come across these 'in the flesh' or heard them played, so there's a caveat), but at least worth knowing about etc.
Re: Generation B natural?
Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2024 1:14 am
by ChristianRo
Mr.Gumby wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2024 3:54 am
FWiW, another thread linked to
Mac Nic whistles. They do a B (although named 'H' in the German fashion).
I am almost sure these are equipped with Sweetone mouthpieces, paired with a thicker-walled tube. I remember trying a D or C MacNic many years ago. It was okay, maybe even for the price. Can't speak for the B(H) though.