Chiff and Fipple Forums

Hi;

I am moving on down to a low F from an A. I know there aren't that many in my price range (around $120 USD max) There aren't that many choices it seems: Kerry Optima, Sheerwater, an MK Kelpie if I could find a used one. Are there others that I'm missing? Also F or F#? I like a clear tone where you hear the note more than the roar rushing of air noise. I know susato makes them but there is something about the sound that I don't find attractive. Also I hear they are loud. I don't need one for sessions and I don't want to annoy housemates or neighbors. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks;

Pat

YouTube has taught me much about that topic, so keep looking, you'll find something. I think the Optima has great tone and little of that wasted air effect going on. There are others..........

Here's another possible option, listen to the sound sample:
http://www.goldfinch.eu/low-whistles/

The ALBA Vibe model in F is on the north end or your spending limit.
http://www.albawhistles.com/whistleshop/index.php

Can't go wrong with Shearwater in my view

Out of your price range but I really like my carbony. They have a clear tone, low air requirement, and seem to be easy on the hand. Just to confuse you...

jimhanks wrote:Can't go wrong with Shearwater in my view

tunable or not tunable? F or F#?

busterbill wrote:Out of your price range but I really like my carbony. They have a clear tone, low air requirement, and seem to be easy on the hand. Just to confuse you...

Lovely sound, wanna sell dirt cheap just kidding

Anyone have used MK Kelpie Low F they want to pass on? Comparison between fixed kelpie, tune-able optima or shearwater? I really don't know difference between F, F# so not sure which one would be more useful and if I should only look at tune-able whistles? Will mostly play on my own.

https://www.kerrywhistles.com/product-p ... ed-whistle
http://webreizh.net/jplemeur/produits.php

If you are playing on your own it likely doesn't matter. If you are bringing it to sessions you sometimes find a singer who sings in f or a relative key so that is nice. I have yet to see a f# myself. But I am sure they are popular somewhere.

I have a Shearwater & a Kelpie, was considering a Kerry, when the Kelpie showed up pre used.

Any of those 3 would be a good choice, I think.

(Both of mine are one piece non tunable aluminium, as I only play for my own pleasure at home.)

On F vs F#/Gb....

As busterbill says, if you're always playing alone, then the key really doesn't matter. You'll be transposing the music you play to those keys.

If you ever want to play with people, F will be more common than F#, but both will be less common than other keys.

The primary physical difference is that an F whistle will be longer than an F# whistle. You're probably already using pipers' grip for the A whistle. If not, it will be necessary for F or F#, with a slightly longer reach with the F whistle.

If none of that matters, then you'll be fine for whatever you can find in your budget.

So it sounds like F would be good. I'll disregard F#. If I get a Shearwater: As for shearwater, tunable or not? I’d mostly be playing solo. Also brass or alloy? Any input appreciated? Trying to decide between it and optima.

I didn't get the Optima that I was about to, but I have no regrets having bought my Shearwater non tunable aluminium, (& I like my other one too ).

I don't think you will be disappointed, which ever you choose.

fatmac wrote:

I have a Shearwater & a Kelpie,

was considering a Kerry, when the Kelpie showed up pre used.

Any of those 3 would be a good choice, I think.

(Both of mine are one piece non tunable aluminium, as I only play for my own pleasure at home.)

How would you compare the Shearwater to the Kelpie? Ease of playing, air efficent, how much air it takes, loudness, etc, or anything else you care to offer between them?

maiingan wrote: How would you compare the Shearwater to the Kelpie? Ease of playing, air efficent, how much air it takes, loudness, etc, or anything else you care to offer between them?

I, personally, don't find a great deal of difference between them, more work has gone into the Kelpie, but sound wise, the Shearwater, I think, is slightly more mellow, a kind of rounded tone, the Kelpie has a certain something to its tone, requires a little more effort, & is a bit louder/clearer sounding.

If I had to keep only one, it would obviously be the Kelpie, it may be psychological, but just feels better in the hands.

The Shearwater is excellent value, the Kelpie is expensive, is it worth the extra(?), maybe to a session player, but I happened on mine at a good price, pre used.

Hope that is of some help in deciding.