Chiff and Fipple Forums

Hello. So im BRAND new to the Whistle world. last week my husband was like "I want a whistle"... And my research began. And now the confusion is in full force but im starting to get the gist that its more personal preference then anything. So with that being said I do have some questions before I purchase my first Whistle... I have only one functioning lung due to cancer a few years ago that paralyzed my diaphragm. Im wanting to know what whistles take the least amount of air. Im trying to keep my cost below the 75$ range. Any advice?

Killarney.

Can't go wrong with this one. Light air requirements, and sweet second register.

But, high-D whistles do not really have HUGE air requirements.

+1

I'd even say any high D whistle except the Clarke Original (that's the one all in metal with a wooden block - the Clarke Sweetone with plastic mouthpiece is fine and very easy to play). All my high D whistles (I also have Generation, Feadog, Dixon) need significantly less air than a soprano recorder, so one lung should be enough...

While it's true that most soprano whistles require relatively little air, for some that changes significantly once you get to A and above in the 2nd octave.

I agree that the Killarney is a great choice--it plays easily throughout its range, though a new one is a bit over your budget. The lowest air requirement whistle I've tried is the Shush Feadog D, a tweaked whistle designed to be quiet. It plays well, though it requires somewhat subtle breath control. A less inexpensive low air option is the Dixon DX001.

I've got a Killarney and I agree with those who say they are very efficient with their air requirements. That said, I've also got a Cillian O'Briain improved Faedog D and that one takes even less air than the Killarney. It also sounds fantastic. It is a little touchy in the low octave on the lowest notes, but with a little practice it's easy enough to control. Here's a link to purchase direct from the Cillian O'Briain: http://obriainimproved.wixsite.com/obri ... stles/shop

JackJ wrote: The lowest air requirement whistle I've tried is the Shush Feadog D, a tweaked whistle designed to be quiet. It plays well, though it requires somewhat subtle breath control. .

I have both Shush whistles one key of C and key of D. They both take very little air and are the most quiet whistles I have played. Looks like they are within your budget too.

The TJ Potter whistle is possibly the lightest playing whistle I know of: Timothy J Potter whistle.

Sounds well, easy to play and religious music not mandatory.

Do check cost of postage before ordering, when ordering from outside the US.

Another possibility is a whistle from Mack Hoover (http://praisewhistlers.org/mackhooverwh ... stles.html).

One of his signature Whitecap mouthpieces on a commercial body has to be one of the best buys available. My own takes very little air and is perfect for quiet practice in the basement after the rest of my family is asleep.

I suggest contacting him directly to discuss your exact needs.

If I may, my key of D Blackbird takes a very light breath. People comment they can play longer passages without stopping for air. It's well-suited for someone who needs to conserve breath. The price is $39.90. If you're in the United States, shipping is $7.50.

Best wishes,
Jerry