Snowflake Challenge: Day 10

Challenge #10

Five Things! The five things are totally up to you. Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

Up to me, you say? In that case, here are five varieties of instrument that I play.

Irish Flute

Here is my McNeela:

McNeela is not positively regarded by a lot of players (one Internet wiseass referred to their flutes as being made from "Pakistani firewood") but this particular instrument produces a lovely tone, especially when it's oiled regularly and kept at a good humidity. (This wasn't the case throughout its life as you can see from the slight bend in the body, which has led to its being fondly dubbed "Mr. Derpy.")


This is my second main flute, an Ormiston in blackwood. It produces a big tone. I mean BIG. I don't play it as much at home as I'd like, because damn this guy is loud. But yeah, absolutely beautiful sound, super responsive, and a really strong, dark bottom 'D'. I love this flute so much.

Low Whistle

This particular whistle is an MK Kelpie. It's not tuneable, but as I don't play this one in groups that's not really an issue. Anyway, it's got a really lovely tone, a pretty strong low 'E' (usually the weakest note on an Irish flute or low whistle), forgiving air requirements, and really good balance across both octaves.

Plus, it would double as a weapon in a pinch.

Pennywhistle

Being, from top to bottom, a Burke Al-Pro, an O'Riordan, and a Mack Hoover narrow bore, all in D. The Al-Pro is my go-to session instrument. It's got a lovely sweet tone and is fairly audible in a group setting. The Hoover, by contrast, is quite soft and generally what I practice on to avoid annoying the neighbors.

The O'Riordan is the king of high D whistles, and Pat O'Riordan made this instrument for me personally. I ADORE it and would probably opt to save it in a fire ahead of any human beings who happened to be with me.

Great Highland Bagpipes

Or, this Blair practice chanter, because I live in a multiunit dwelling and value my life. That said, plug in earphones and it sounds and responds pretty much identically to a traditional practice chanter. There's also a setting for the chanter plus a full set of drones, which I am so far away from managing IRL, but man, using it makes me feel like such a badass. One day, I'll actually get there. 😎

Angklung

Angklung being a traditional Indonesian instrument from Java Barat. They have to be played with a group because each angklung can only generate its specific pitch. Now that I'm not a student with an obliging schedule I'm no longer able to play, but maybe one day I'll be able to make it work again.

At any rate, if you ever get the chance to hear an angklung ensemble in person, go for it. It's really, really cool.

これで以上です。