My Granda bought me and my sister these two whistles when we were youngsters but now I'm older I love getting a good sound from them. I need to learn a good reel.
Wow, this video was exactly what I was looking for! I probably don't want to get a Bb at the moment, but I can see myself working up to it. Thank you for the video! It's great to have access to this information
I have a nickel allergy (not uncommon) so that'll be brass for me. I think I preferred the sound of the brass. That's fortunate because I just bought a Generation brass Bb. It arrived yesterday.
Hi Doug. Well that solves that question then. Someone in the comments mentioned that the nickel is actually just plated. I’m not exactly sure if it makes a differences rather than aesthetics but I like the brass getting its natural patina on it and because of that looks old. I also find it’s not as slippery when playing.
Hi, I write from Italy, that is, on the other side of the world from Australia. I like to see the comparisons between different whistles; I have a vintage brass Generation in Bb that I bought new a few years ago as a leftover in a music store and then, a few days ago I bought its more modern brother in Bb nickel-plated brass from Amazon. Well, I compared them they sound more or less with the same volume but the tone is a bit different and in both the sound is clean and of good quality, I still haven't figured out which one I like best, and I still can't manage to give a definitive judgment also because the last one purchased I played it 3 or 4 times for a few minutes but I immediately liked it. I have other whistles of the Generation of different tones but I think the one in Bb is the best and the most successful.
Have recently acquired a a nickel generation B flat whistle. I also have a collection of other whistles, various keys (from high D, to low D). Also various prices. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and sound of my B flat generation, and play it often. Thanks for your review. Appreciated. Steve, South Australia.
I have ordered brass one after spending few days of all comparisons on ytb :D Brass in every comparison and in every scale has less squeaky highest notes than the nickel. I like clear nickel sound but highest notes on nickel are too artificial and bright to my ear. On low register there are no differences at all if product has no defects from manufacturing.
I like the brass one better , but someone gifted me with a nickel one, so that is what I am going to play and love. It does have a sweet tone , it’s fun
6:38 I am in my early 70s and a novice, learning on various D whistles. I've gone from Clarke original, to Sweetone, to Dixon Cupro nickel to Dixon 005. I do best with the Dixon 005, which has a good deal to do with the plastic not being as slippery on my well-worn finger tips. I thought I would try brass and to change things up a Generation Bb seemed like a fun idea. I've had the Bb for a few days and have been struggling to find the optimum finger positions. I'm very glad to have found your video. You covered the fingering intricacies and reassured me about the choice of a Generation rather than splurging for now. To get punny, fingers crossed I make progress. Good video.
Hi Greg, it’s an awesome little instrument isn’t it. I think the generation Bb’s are quite fun! Yeah, I hack the traditional grip on it and use my ring finger to space out the gap between the 6th and 5th hole. Thanks for commenting 😄
Great review! Just found your channel, love to see another whistler from down under! What part of Aus are you from? I've been able to get these Generation B flats in my local music store.
I have the nickel one, and I will try your idea using the pinky finger for the bottom hole, as I do find the B flat quite a different beast than my C or D. Thank you for your videos!
Hi Chris. Yeah it’s a little bit of a stretch that last hole. I even tried pipers grip but just resorted to using my pinky. It’s works fine 😅. Thanks for watching. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Both are brass actually. Nickel plated brass is slightly more durable than clear varnished brass. It's more a matter of luck which one plays and sounds better. In your case nickel wins.
@@HymnWhistle the fipple head determines volume mostly. Since the blue one has the best voicing of the two, try swapping it to the other one and note the difference.
I have the nickel one since like.. 2014 or so... and also a Brass in C. I really like the nickel whistles from generation, tho the holes haven't perfect tuning acording to more experimented people, and maybe could need a bit of work there, but the sound at least is nice, and clear... I am afraid that the gritty or fuzzy sound from the brass ones does have nothing to do with the metal itself but more with the head design or maybe the conecting point between both, as my experience with other brands that also features brass, do not tend mostly to have that sound. But being honest we can´t be too exquisite for the price, those are nice instruments to start learning melodies and having fun
Maybe I got lucky with some clear sounding whistles. I know some people say that you have to try a few to find one you like. That being said and covid days (not appropriate to try all of them) it sounds like a lucky dip 😅. Have you cleaned the whistle lately? I do rinse and clean mine every 2 weeks and let them air dry.
I have half a dozen generation or similar quality whistles, of various keys, they are fine for learning but eventually you will need a better instrument I chose the Killarney Brass d. To put the difference into perspective ,my wife really dislikes me playing the generation, she has sensitive hearing, when I bought and played the Killarney, her only comment was "that sounds better" I have not discarded the cheaper whistles in fact I probably play them more often because I have one in the car and one in the van, which is a good tip, play when you have a break and it keeps the practice time up, however in the evening I play the Killarney, the tone is pure and when I play it I do not want to stop. There are multiple whistles which "experts" recommend but listen to the many samples on you tube, remember though a good player can make a copper pipe sound good!!!!!, Buying expensive will improve the tone but will not necessarily make you a better player only practice will do that
Great thoughts Brian. I agree. I have a generation in my car. And for the price they’re great! Especially if you tweak them apparently. I do hope to get a Killarney one day.
