Serpent Whistles
Up

 

Google
 

[Bill Whedon] ("Serpent," or "Serpie" to his online friends) is a relatively new whistle maker who is coming up with some very nice designs.

His whistles are handmade of a variety of materials including brass, copper, polymer, and hardened steel (!), and are well-tuned and individually voiced.

The sound of his whistles is somewhat breathy, very traditional, with a bit of a "burr."  It blends well with other instruments, and is perfect for laying down a reel or other traditional music.  Volume on the whistles I've played ranges from soft to moderate, though Bill tells me he can also makes whistles that are quite loud.

[The Choice Wife] (MP3, 318k, Serpent "Village Viper" B-flat prototype in brass and steel.  This whistle is also noteworthy for being the only whistle I own that will actually reach a 4th octave D.)

[The Crib of Perches] (MP3, 563k, Serpent polymer whistle)

[Silent NIght] (MP3, 750k) the original melody as written by Franz Grubber, slightly different from way it's sung today.  Serpent polymer D and Howard low D whistles.

[The Home Ruler] on Anaconda A whistle.

Every now and again I play classical music on whistle.  Here is a duet by Telemann, the [Sonata No. 2]. This is on the Village Viper B-flat.