Review! Carbony Highland Whistle - a whistle with highland bagpipe fingering!

Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this video! Today, Matt Willis Bagpiper reviews the Carbony Highland Whistle, a whistle that uses highland bagpipe fingering! Several tunes are played, as well as a comparison with a Michael Burke penny whistle.
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[@andrewheuett454]

Just received mine after watching this video through a few times. Grips get unlikely to pull off starting from higher notes, but in reviewing the video it seems like you avoided those. Fun instrument, thanks for the video.

[@johnnickpappanastos3382]

Love the sound, and the carbon fiber/purpleheart wood is beautiful combo. Props to the avant-garde makers out there experimenting with new materials.

[@soidog659]

I bought one a few weeks back following your review. Beautiful tone and beautifully made. Love it. Well done to Rob Gandara at Carbony Celtic Winds. Takes quite a bit of additional effort in fingerwork (quite sensitive), which no doubt will come right after some serious practice. Highly recommended for highland bagpipers who want to add a "whistle" to their instrument range and maintain their bagpipe repertoire.

[@MadHatter11371]

Did you find the high A to be unstable?

[@benthepiper]

Ok so two things...1. Would this, if cheeper, be a better starter for people who have for example played the whistle and would like to learn the pipes? And 2. An upgrade, should the maker choose to do it, would be to make it possible to tune from a 440 all the way up to b, thereby making it possible to play with the highland pipers who insist upon pitching up in the 480s.

[@GOBRAGH2]

Neat! I'll check it out! It reminded me of the Ocarina for second as it has a similar sound to what I have.

[@joshuahopkins8747]

Sounds absolutely gorgeous. As a piper who also really like Irish whistles but wicked isn't ready to take it on yet, that might just be worth the 300 dollars.

[@rowanhartsuiker]

Awesome. I love that. Is it possible to tape some holes to get a c-natural for example? Did you try this?

[@russellwiegand6740]

Hi! What is that tune that you're playing at the end (after you've said good bye...I think it was at the beginning too). I've also heard it in the intro of some of your Highland pipe videos. Thanks

[@gershomevitt9594]

i like to make things and have given up on making my own highland pipes at the moment. I would like to make this. I have a stock pile of black walnut core wood. dose anyone know where i can find the hole size and spacing apart from buying one and copying the dimensions or can i mimic my chanter?

[@fanchgoebel5120]

Excellent !!! 😃

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@n9sferatu261]

Blue bonnets and every other tune you played sounded beautiful

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thank you! "All the Blue Bonnets..." is a great melody.

[@PiperKev]

Sounds a lot more stable and easier to play than the EnChanter whistle by Sandy Jasper! Sweet tone!

[@Piperbergen]

Kevin Palm Definitely seems a lot more stable than the EnChanter. I preferred the sound of the Burke and usually prefer the sound of traditional irish whistles when possible. I only use the ghb fingering whistle for one song but I’ve always thought it was weak. Maybe the Carbony can help that.

[@JBrooksNYS]

I like the idea and thought it would be a cool toy, something to take to work and play when I'm bored.... but I didnt realize whistles were so expensive haha. I'll stick to my small pipes

[@silkroad1201]

I like the flute and I like the guy reviewing it! (Flute, whistle, bagpipey stick thing...whatever)

[@davehogan1716]

The Burke sounds better, but this sounds better than the enchanter whistle IMO

[@irishchanter]

Thanks I think I will buy one so I do not have to learn new fingering on the Burke

[@MadHatter11371]

Can you do a video with Piobaireachd High A so we can hear the difference?

[@keithschneider7962]

What key is your whistle in

[@joshuahopkins8747]

I'd like to make an important point that is not mentioned in the video, these whistles take way less air than a practice chanter. Maybe it's just me, but I find it extremely difficult to keep the whistle steady. I'm sure practice will clean that up, but do not expect to start playing tunes the second you take it out of the box, you might need time to adjust if you come from a piping background with no prior whistle experience.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

This is very true! While the good folks at Carbony have made this whistle take a bit more air than the normal Irish whistle, it is still quite light compared to even a practice chanter.

[@lwpweb]

is the wistle well suited as training exercise for bagpipe chanter with look to fingering instead of an e chanter? The sound is amazing and it feels more silent.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It works in a pinch, but the response of the fipple verses a reed is quite different. I view this more as allowing a highland piper a chance to play the whistle than a practice tool to learn the pipes.

[@the_mth3580]

I don't know that embellishments necessarily translate all that well to whistle, could be a personal preference. It sounds nice at any rate. The second octave is intriguing, it would open up a lot of possibilities in arrangements and composing. It would be cool to hear a Piobaireachd urlar on it.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I agree some embellishments work better than others... As for an urlar, that's a great idea, Just have to figure out how to incorporate places to breath.

[@the_mth3580]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thinking about it, I reckon it's the low G isn't as strong as on pipes so taorluaths, grips and throws sound a little off or light.

[@drekhead13]

Nice review, bought it and I’m happy with it. Learned to play the first tune you are playing after the Blue Bonnets intro by watching you. Thanks for that but what is the name of the tune?

[@drekhead13]

In Case somebody else is wondering: it's Teribus :-) Should have known that one.

[@w.reidripley1968]

Oh yeah... known for so long it kind of slipped under the blotter! Fun to go with the Teribus/Corriechoilie's Welcome set... and an upper register. I'm drooling!

[@ameliapaine]

This review is great for a piper who might want to pick up the whistle, but also for people like me who play the whistle and would love to get started with the bagpipes! It’s a nice alternative to the practice chanter, especially since I (and unfortunately, my roommates) are already familiar with the whistle’s sound. I’m nervous about learning a whole new fingering…as someone who plays both instruments, do you find it difficult to switch back and forth between the fingering for whistle vs. bagpipes?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I find the fingering different enough to not cause undue confusion.

[@bonenfant96]

Scottish music on a big whistle. Is it ever beautiful. Thanks !

[@hedgegarlic]

One small note: that's not purpleheart or even wood, but 'marbled ebonite'

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Really? Good to know!

[@ericperry8094]

Yes, and in fact the mouthpiece tips come in a variety of colors.

[@richardallison8023]

Hi Matt. I had FedEx drop one off here yesterday. I'm feeling my way around it, but can't nail down blowing pressure. Any tips? Thanks, mate!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Doesn't take anywhere near as much air as even a practice chanter... Best of luck!

[@braxtonflutes9864]

Love the sound! Is there any chance you could flick me the dimensions of this, and finger hole spacing? I would love to try and make one!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Unfortunately, it wasn't my whistle, so I don't have access to it...

[@braxtonflutes9864]

@@MattWillisBagpiper oh dang! Thanks for responding 👌

[@richardallison8023]

Matt...is this the small or big bore whistle? Any idea of difference in play?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I unfortunately do not know. I'm not sure there were different models back when I reviewed this.

[@xblackoole]

I am piper and i buy it!!! Thank for your video. Greeting to France

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Bonjour! Please write us all back when you get it and let us know your thoughts!

[@xblackoole]

@@MattWillisBagpiper ok :)

[@robinread2250]

Do you have to "tongue" each note like a recorder?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

You can, but you don't have to. Some notes don't separate well with cuts and other gracings, so I tongue them, but most I play legato.

[@genevievegauthier7834]

Hello Matt ! I've watched this video, but carbony whistle is beautiful, definitly too expensive for me, cause I want to buy a twist-trap ! I have a question : does a GHB chanter whistle in D (Elf song) can play the same songs than a GHB chanter in Bb with the same fingering ? Thank you !!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I haven't tried the Elfsong whistles... Can't speak to how well they play. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[@genevievegauthier7834]

@@MattWillisBagpiper oh, sorry, my question was if it is possible to play easily standard tunes (Amazing Grace and so) on a whistle on D with usual fingering ?

[@Kingtrollface259]

Still waiting for the first carbon fibre bagpipes ,this would be so light ,stocks etc only not the bag ,but maybe even the chanter too

[@Kingtrollface259]

I've done a bit with carbon fibre actually ,they could be turned on a conventional lathe no problem ,I think the key thing will be smooth inner stocks allowing the sound to flow evenly

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

There are carbon fiber bagpipes on the market: carbony.wpengine.com/products/great-highland-bagpipes-chanters-accessories/

[@claidheamdanns]

As a piper and whistler myself, I was wondering if you’ve found anything better since making this review. What I mean is, I think having to half-hole that high A would drive me nuts. Other than that, I would love to get something Ike this. Great review!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I have not had the opportunity to try any other highland whistles since this one. I really do like having that G below the A.

[@claidheamdanns]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks. Massively expensive, too, as you noted. Right now, I can't put out that much. I'm excited to try a pipers whistle, at some point, though.

[@MrSeedi76]

@@claidheamdanns There used to be one from "Elf Song" that used a standard Generation whistle head with a custom made barrel. Not sure if they are available at the moment though. iowabagpipe.com/elf-song-penny-whistle/

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

Question from a low brass player that happens to be learning whistle. I've been hearing that Bb whistles should be used to play along with highland bagpipes and noticed even Carbony states this while also saying A is the most common. I'm assuming this is a frequency thing and that actual pipes play an A that's tuned higher, which happens to be closer to a modern concert Bb, but, if one was to consider possibly making the jump to bagpipe down the road, would it make more sense to practice with (and therefore get familiar to the pitch of) a whistle in A or Bb?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello! B♭ would still be well flat of modern bagpipes, which tend to tune around 480-485Hz (instead of B♭ at 466Hz). I think there are far more uses for these whistles in concert A=440Hz than B♭. Hope that helps!

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Alright, thanks.

[@manwithbanjo2]

The A whistle would go nicely with smallpipes in A.

[@kfossi1986]

What traditional Irish whistle do you play?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Michael Burke are my main whistles.

[@tonotono7093]

Great demo! But I’m unsure I understand the purpose. Is this whistle easier, more pleasant or funner to play than a practice chanter? All of the above? Thanks

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It's not really a practice chanter replacement, but instead, an easy way for an existing highland piper to play whistle. That said, I really enjoy having the note under the tonic (low G in this cases) that isn't available on standard Irish whistles.

[@tonotono7093]

Thanks!

[@genericamerican327]

What were you playing at 4:33?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The Mason’s Apron

[@allanprice7413]

Hi, can I ask 2 questions please - what is the tune you are playing at 6:33? And also, is this the only whistle with the highland bagpipe hole configuration, or are there also others like this? Great video, thanks again!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That’s “Hector the Hero”. And I believe Elfsong makes a chanter whistle too.

[@allanprice7413]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks for your review - I've now purchased one and am getting to grips with it!

[@MadHatter11371]

@@allanprice7413 how do you like it? Is the high A stable?

[@outpostraven]

Thanks Matt! Did you have the broad bore or standard?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I don’t think there were different models back then… just different keys.

[@outpostraven]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks! I will be getting one for Christmas

[@zman42]

2:58 what tune is that?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The Rowan Tree

[@discharge666]

I'd like to play some Scottish tunes without learning all the grace notes, doublings, and other embellishments because I don't intend on playing the Highland pipes. This might be a good instrument to try that without the expectations one would have of playing a set of GHBs. What do you think, Matt?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello! This whistle would allow you to play more traditional Scottish melodies than an Irish whistle (which lacks the Low G under the A) and it's a ton of fun to play!

[@benthepiper]

You may as well play a normal whistle or recorder then :)

[@w.reidripley1968]

@@benthepiper That said, those instruments do have a long and most musical tradition. Be it Scottish or otherwise. What I get from the GHB system of embellishments is the granite-rock core of a music that talks to my very soul. A whistle such as the Carbony... ooooh. Want.

[@w.reidripley1968]

Put another way, did the ever so quaint yet fierce Corries play bagpipe? No. Guitar, whistle, achin' drum, yet as Scottish as they come.

[@GreenFireflyGirl]

I love how you tell pipers that they can learn a new fingering to play whistle, that it's not that hard and picking up new skills is good, yet as someone who is playing whistle and wants to learn pipes in future, I get gatekeepers in the piping community making me feel like it's not a good idea. I prefer how you go about it. I plan to use the whistle to learn tunes, and if I still want to learn pipes in a few years, I'll have a good repertoire of tunes to bring with me. I KNOW it's not the same instrument, I KNOW it's not the same fingering, what's with the gatekeeping I keep getting over this? It's okay to go from pipes to whistle, but not vice versa? (sorry, you were so nice about it and the other way just irks me so much I felt like sharing, thanks for being nice)

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hello! And unfortunately, there are some grouchy folks in the bagpipe community, but not all of us. And I'm trying to be a positive source of info for pipers and non-pipers alike. They only issue I can see in using a whistle to learn (highland bagpipe) tunes is the lack of the note under the tonic on a standard whistle, which is a common melody note for many tunes. But I wouldn't say it's a deal breaker by any stretch. But if you're wanting to learn the uilleann pipes, then the whistle is perfect (I often recommend folks learn a good dozen or so tunes on the whistle before they invest in a uilleann pipe, given their cost)

[@GreenFireflyGirl]

@@MattWillisBagpiper oh, I'll have to wait a few years before I invest, should have a good amount of tunes under my belt!

[@benthepiper]

I know how you feel...i play the whistle and the recorder and have done since the age of 3. Six years later i started on the chanter and was advised to stop playing the recorder because it would hurt my piping. I need say nothing else but that i now play both to a high standard.

[@alankingwell]

Hi Matt, could this be played ok not using the piper grip? Or to put it in a different way, could this be played as I play my whistles but with a bit more stretch ? I love the sound of this dude .

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The finger spacing is pretty similar the pipes, so the piper's grip is likely the most comfortable, but I don't see why you couldn't finger it differently, if your hands are big enough.

[@alankingwell]

@@MattWillisBagpiper THANK YOU , I am looking as we speak . Dont suppose you have any links? No rush I dont need it right away . but if you did any sometime , I would be grateful . Links to buying the whistle that you are showing in this vid . ;0) I am getting the Blair digital chanter for my bday in January because of your video by the way

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Alan Kingwell I’d just look up Carbony whistle on google. Funnily enough, if I share links to too many places, it reduced my income here on KZbin.

[@alankingwell]

Matt Willis Bagpiper Hi Matt totally understand mate . I have looked and have found a few different ones I’d like

[@dubhslaine2]

how much?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

They start at around $300 USD

[@matthewdenty7760]

What song is at 3:20 comparing the 2 ...

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

"The Rowan Tree"

[@silkroad1201]

@@MattWillisBagpiper I thought it was "My heart will go on" lol. Which made me cry because my girlfriend loved Titanic and she passed away recently. Then again I cry at everything now...anyway, great playing!

[@bradleysmith2061]

Hidy ho my dear friend

[@jamespayne5645]

The extra hole is good, but it's tone is terrible

[@des8616]

I accidentally bought this whistle second hand online, thinking it was a "normal" A whistle. Yes, I needed more coffee that day, UGH! Anyways, I would love to play it just like an A whistle, however, there is one note I just can't seem to find the fingering for. I don't know the proper term for it, but on my "normal" whistles it is fingered as follows: OXX OOO. Can anyone help me find the fingering for it, please? THANKS a bunch!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

That's a C-natural on a normal whistle, and on the highland whistle, the same scale degree (the 7th, or in this case a G instead of a C) is already natural. What's not available on the highland whistle is the normal whistle note fingered as such: OOO OOO. That's a C♯, and the highland pipes and whistle do not have access to a similar sharpened seventh scale degree (we do not have a G♯)

[@juanluisalonso3260]

It sounds much better than a practice chanter, but $350 on a whistle... duuuuude not even the goldies or wooden whistles are as expensive 😅

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Carbon fiber is definitely pricey.

[@juanluisalonso3260]

@@MattWillisBagpiper you are right. Great videos by the way! I discovered your channel just a week ago and, man!, I really love the work you are doing and the passion you demonstrate about teaching and playing music.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying the content!

[@nathanverzinskie9582]

I can tell your part's Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 my brother

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I wish! Best I can tell, I'm English, Dutch, and German. But I try to make up for it with the pipes!

[@nathanverzinskie9582]

I'm German. I'm Italian Scandinavian Saxon Viking Irish Scottish. I'm actually relate to John Knox

[@nathanverzinskie9582]

@@MattWillisBagpiper I'm sure you can tell my last name is German

[@colinstewart6367]

oooohhhh don't sound that great to me..

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It’s not as clear or bright as the Burke whistle...