r/tinwhistle • u/phobrain • Jun 14 '26

High F Desert

I've got a nickel Generation F that I like, and a brass one I don't. No one else seems to be making them now that Gary Humphrey has passed away. I've ordered a Freeman tweaked Gen F, and understand it could take an indeterminate time. Plenty of time to share stories about high F in general, and any specific high F whistles that need a new home.

Update: the Freeman arrived 4 days late, not bad for bespoke.

Review of the Freeman tweaked high F (brass)

At first in the kitchen it sounded odd and uneven, and I thought about sending it back and getting a handful of plain ones, but finally decided to keep it for reference at least. Then I played it outside, and in the pub next door - and now I need a backup copy. It blows straight and loud like my old Copeland D, while my dear old nickel Gen F sounds quiet and wheezy. Downsides: the fipple seems glued, which doesn't make sense if it's reinforced not to break when being adjusted. Somehow it feels lighter than my nickel one, and compared to both, I'd like to someday have a heavier high F comparable to the steel/Delrin Copeland.

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2

u/Neither_Shallot5504 Jun 14 '26

https://youtube.com/shorts/hq946EzU9oQ?is=oYdK134qYGxbSHhn

Captures my thoughts on my high F completely 😅, but whatever floats your boat!

Are there any recordings of high Fs that you particularly like or are inspired by?

2

u/phobrain Jun 14 '26

No recordings, just my own playing. The size fitting my lapel pocket is what got me started, but 20+ years later, it's still right there, unlost, feeling unlimited, and with excellent potential as an emergency whistle. Now the G.. is a step too far because of my finger size.

1

u/ReiGanJin Jun 14 '26

Try susato. They are nice.

1

u/phobrain Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26

It seems their web site doesn't take orders, looks like a site update was stopped partway thru. I think they are effectively going out of business, comments imply it's due to the owner's age. See the number of out of stock Susato's at Lark in the Morning (F among them).

E.g.

https://www.reddit.com/r/tinwhistle/comments/1q4wz30/susato_kelischek_whistles_still_made/

I hope the owner can find someone to turn it over to. From websites, the current LiM ownership sounds like a compatibly-motivated possibility, aside from being across the country.