About to head out for a couple days of fly fishing in the little hills we like to call the Rocky Mountains. Wanted to bring you up to speed on the latest developments here at W&D...

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:

1. Christian sent us a couple GPS model Bodhrans with "Spicy" DragonSkin skins. Very interesting. The "Spicy" yields a slightly brighter sounding drum - cool if you play in noisy pubs or need a brighter color to add to your bodhran arsenal. Thinking about getting one myself. You still won't be able to pry my hands from my MOS with regular DragonSkin though!

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