Chiff and Fipple Forums

I just received my carbon fiber penny whistle made by Erik the Flutemaker and I thought I would share my thoughts. Overall I love it. I am not a very skilled player and still have much to learn. I have been playing the Clark's Sweetone. It has been a great whistle for the price and I have very little complaints about it, but I think the carbon fiber is a much better whistle. The tone is rich and strong. The notes are clear. Half holing is a breeze. I do think it is slightly easier to hit the higher octave in the Sweetone but after getting a little more use too it it's not really a big deal on the carbon fiber. On the Sweetone it was difficult to feel the rim of the holes with the pads of my fingers. The holes on the carbon fiber are slightly bigger with a nice sharp edge and my fingers have no problem finding their place and sealing off the holes completely. The mouthpiece is different and I do not know much about the quality of the mouthpiece or if there are better ones available but I do like the cutout on the bottom. The lower lip fits perfectly there and I like the feel. I find that I bite less on the carbon fiber whereas sometimes my teeth would find their way onto the Sweetone mouthpiece. Hope that helps for anyone considering this whistle. I really do like it and am happy with the purchase.

I second your approval. I have one of them in the key of A. I find it quite easy to play even into the highest register. Some criticism: The bell tone (lowest) isn't that strong. You've got to be gentle with it. Also the flat 7 fingering is the same for both octaves 0xxxx0. Which is a little annoying. Over all though, I think it's a good value whistle.