We're excited to unveil a cool new tool to all bodhrán lovers. The Tipperizer is a new web application that allows you to see ALL of our tippers side by side. It's easy to see the visual differences between tippers, as they show up in icon format, sized to scale. You can sort and compare them by several characteristics, including length, weight, wood type, and price. You can also filter the list to exclude tippers you don't want to see in order to find exactly the right tipper for you… and since the Tipperizer is connected to our online store, you can order it directly from the Tipperizer.

Want to know whether Christian Hedwitschak's ME10 is longer or heavier than the ME11? Want to know exactly which tippers cost less than $30 — and which, of those, we currently have in stock? All this information and more is available, at a glance, with the Tipperizer's intuitive interface.

Try out the Tipperizer for yourself at www.tipperizer.com. We can't wait to hear what you think of it!

To grab one of the ones we have in stock or pre-order, click here.

The new LL 2.0 will be available in 3 sizes:

• "Compact" 36x13cm for $169.95
• "Classic" 38x11cm for $199.95
• "Deep" 38x15cm for $229.95

All of ye:

I'm now starting to carry used (or as I like to call them "previously loved") instruments on consignment. Contact us if you'd like more information on that. Our first batch of used instruments are not yet on the site as I'm still writing descriptions, etc. but they will be soon. This'll be great both for those of you who have some instruments you'd like to sell and for those of you who are always looking for that next great find. Stay tuned on this as well.

Whistle & Flute Players:

1. I'm starting to do YouTube video reviews on our instruments. Just did my first one on the WD Sweet Model Irish Whistle by Sweetheart Flute Company....

2. Also, I'm progressing with my online training library for the tin whistle and Irish flute (online tin whistle lessons and Irish flute lessons) You can sign up for my free introductory course to the tin whistle & Irish flute at www.blaynechastain.com/i-teach I also now have an example master-class up on the tune "Trip to Killavil" (jig). More to come so stay tuned on that as well.

3. REALLY impressed with Reyburn Irish Whistles at the moment. I've been playing with a small bore high d (recorded my last master-class with it) and even though it's a sweet sounding whistle and not shrill on the top end, the bottom d is dead-on-strong. Video review sure to come.

Bodhrán Players:

2. If you haven't checked these videos out already, Christian has produced a couple of stellar YouTube videos that show you his process in making his frames. Definitely a must see! Check 'em out...

3. The Craiceann ("Cracken") Festival is coming! For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Craiceann Festival is a 5 day bodhrán summer school in Ireland that takes place on Inis Oirr ("Inish ear"), the smallest of the three Aran Islands. This year's festival is from June 22nd to June 26th. All the top players will be there to instruct. I've not been myself (yet!) but from everyone I spoken to who attends, it's sure to be a fantastic time. Christian will be there as well so it'd be a great opportunity for you to "meet yer maker"! For more information, go to www.craiceann.com

Thanks all I can think of for now. Until then...

Enjoy your music,

Blayne Chastain
Irish Traditional Musician & Founder
Whistle & Drum
www.WhistleAndDrum.com