Help choosing a new whistle

[Jiyuuko]

I didn't know this forum existed and I was suggested to ask this here.

I have a Clarke Sweetone high D whistle, and while I love how easy it is to reach the second octove, I don't like the raspy sound it makes and I think mine is getting out of tune. I've been wanting to buy a new one for while now, unfortunally I can find tin whistles anywhere in my country, so I have to buy them online from other countries which make then a lot more expensive for me, so I've been saving money for it. Right now I can't buy anything above 120 dolars. I really REALLY wanted to buy the new Carbony low D with close spacing but that's way too expensive for me.

ANyway after a bit of research two whistles that are easy to find and a lot people said were good was the Dixon DX005 and the Killarney whistles. The killarney is right up my limit, so I wanted to know if it's worthy or not. I got a new high D last year and I hate it because its super heavi and big and I have to put too much air in it to reach the second octave. So I rather pay more for a good whistle than pay less and end up with another one like that. IN the case of the KIllarney whistles, is there a diference between the brass and nickel?

WHat do you guys suggest? Other people recommended me other whistles but I couldnt find them in official stores to buy, or when I did find them in places like ebay and amazon, the shipping price was nearly the same price as the product.

[Mr.Gumby]

I think mine is getting out of tune

I don't think whistles 'go out of tune' unless you physically alter them in some way or other, moving the head or build up of gunk can cauise some issues, to a degree.

Your question is a bit of a 'how long is a piecve of string' question, What will suit you really depends on the type of music you will want to play, what style and sound you are heading towrds. All that sort of variables. No doubt you will get rtecommendations next for just about every whislte nder the sun, people tend to recommend the whistles they play themselves.

I quite like the Killarney D and Eb. Do you need to spend that sort of money when learning? I don't believe so, but if a particular whistle floats your boat, go for it.

Meanwhile you should try narrow down your preferences, air intake, volume, sound, playiong characteristics, all that stuff that will make it easier to make a choice or make recommendations.

It may also help if you have an indication where you are based, you'd be surprised at the corners of the world where people are making whisltes. Finding a maker ,ore or less near you may go a bit towrds cutting transposrt/postage costs.

[Jiyuuko]

I think mine is getting out of tune

I don't think whistles 'go out of tune' unless you physically alter them in some way or other, moving the head or build up of gunk can cauise some issues, to a degree.

Your question is a bit of a 'how long is a piecve of string' question, What will suit you really depends on the type of music you will want to play, what style and sound you are heading towrds. All that sort of variables. No doubt you will get rtecommendations next for just about every whislte nder the sun, people tend to recommend the whistles they play themselves.

I quite like the Killarney D and Eb. Do you need to spend that sort of money when learning? I don't believe so, but if a particular whistle floats your boat, go for it.

Meanwhile you should try narrow down your preferences, air intake, volume, sound, playiong characteristics, all that stuff that will make it easier to make a choice or make recommendations.

It may also help if you have an indication where you are based, you'd be surprised at the corners of the world where people are making whisltes. Finding a maker ,ore or less near you may go a bit towrds cutting transposrt/postage costs.

Ah yes, I know that a good part is just a matter of personal preferences. About where I am, it's Brazil. I tried searching around, found groups of brazilian whistle players on FB but everyone only indicated the same website, which only have a couple Clarke and Feadog whistles for sale (I got my sweetone from there) and only in the key of D, other than that, after much talking I found a guy who was specializing in making tin whistles, and I got one, but I rlly disliked the D I got from them. I've been calling and e-maling music instruments stores and most either don't have it or don't even know what a Tin Whistle is. Most people I talked to said the same thing to me "either you get a high D clarke or feadog, or buy online from another country".

[Sedi]

There are a few makers in south-america. So at least you wouldn't have to import from another continent.
One is "clover flutes" from Agentinia and there is a guy called Pablo Asturias (really nice guy and great whistle player himself) in Mexico making whistles. You should finde them both on FB.

[DrPhill]

I think mine is getting out of tune

I don't think whistles 'go out of tune' unless you physically alter them in some way or other, moving the head or build up of gunk can cauise some issues, to a degree. .

Sure, but is the OP developing preferences, or getting more aware of previous limitations (whistle or operator). The more I play, the fussier I get about the sound that I produce.......

[MichaelLoos]

As has been said before, it is very much a matter of personal preference and playing style - there is no "best whistle for everyone".
So first of all, your personal preference would need to be worked out, in order to give you any educated advice.
What make is the super-heavy, big, and air-drinking whistle that you mentioned? This information would help to cut out the ones that you most probably wouldn't like...
The Killarney is a very fine whistle at a very reasonable price (for a high quality instrument), and worldwide shipping is included. They are not all completely identical, and I was lucky to get ones that could handle a bit more push - I've also tried Killarneys that I found too easy for me to blow, to play comfortably - some other people love just that. Basically, it plays like a traditional whistle, only much better.
The Goldie is quite expensive but worth every penny IMO - it's the other end of the spectrum in the way it plays, it wants push but rewards you with great sound and dynamics - probably better suited for an experienced player.
Chieftain whistles are quite popular, so far I haven't come across one which I really liked, bought a few and sold them on (personal preference again - I don't mean to say anything against them, they just are not for me). The Chieftain high D is LOUD!!!! - in fact, the loudest whistle I've ever come across.
Many like Dixon whistles - for my taste they are too soft blowing and too weak in tone - however, that's exactly what some people search for.
Susato are somewhere in the middle between the extremes - they need a bit of air but they are efficient, they are loud but not super-loud, and they have a nice, recorder-like tone (which many people hate because they think it's not what a whistle should sound like).
There is a whistle maker in Brazil, I can't remember his name but he is in one of the whistle groups on Facebook.
Oh, and in my opinion, there is absolutely no audible or measurable difference between brass and nickel that couldn't doubtlessly be blamed on the mouthpiece.

[Alaskamike]

The Dixon DX-005 is a good whistle. I have one and I like it - it's not too loud for practice, and its tone is pure but not "plasticky" like some other plastic whistles.

[RoberTunes]

If I had to choose between the Killarney and the Dixon DX-005, I'd order a Killarney. Nothing against the Dixon, which many have given great reviews to, but the Killarney seems to have a small air requirement and has excellent tone from bell note to the highest notes, with good intonation and a remarkable steady volume across the two octaves, which helps. Many high D whistles require quite a push of air in the higher second octave and get quite loud.

Between brass and nickel, I'd take brass for the key of high D. In the high D key, or higher, I find brass takes any unwelcome sharpness off the tone, whereas nickel and aluminum brighten things up for lower keyed instruments that can easily get too dark in tone in brass or wood. Depends what you want. You can find many demonstrations of the brass Killarney online, and in the watching, notice the players aren't stressed to supply air.

[Narzog]

I too am not the greatest fan of my sweet tone. I dont disagree with any recommendations here but heres a few alternatives. Check out chuck Tilbury, he makes them in USA, at least less far away than Europe (MAYBE). I dont have his new model but his old was nice. Also the Dixon D trad is anther option. You may be able to find a music store that stocks them online for less shipping and wait time.

[Squeeky Elf]

I think either a Dixon DX-005 or a Killarney would be a good option. Even if you eventually decide that you want a whistle with different characteristics you will have a very good instrument in the meantime that will not impede your progress. They are two of my favorites out of about 20, and the fact that they play very similarly has a lot to do with that. They both play very easy with a sweet second octave. Their tones are different, and I wont bother telling you which I prefer, because that is completely subjective. Deciding between the two I would suggest contemplating if you are ok with plastic to save a few bucks, or if you would want to pay a little more for nickel or brass.

[ecadre]

There are a few makers in south-america. So at least you wouldn't have to import from another continent.
One is "clover flutes" from Agentinia and there is a guy called Pablo Asturias (really nice guy and great whistle player himself) in Mexico making whistles. You should finde them both on FB.

Just as a matter of geography, Mexico is in North America, and I strongly suspect that it is no more easy to import a whistle to Brazil from the USA than from Mexico.

[Alaskamike]

One consideration is loudness. From my experience, the Dixon is quieter than a Killarney-style whistle. Since my family doesn't appreciate my playing I tend to use my Dixons more often.

[Sedi]

There are a few makers in south-america. So at least you wouldn't have to import from another continent.
One is "clover flutes" from Agentinia and there is a guy called Pablo Asturias (really nice guy and great whistle player himself) in Mexico making whistles. You should finde them both on FB.

Just as a matter of geography, Mexico is in North America, and I strongly suspect that it is no more easy to import a whistle to Brazil from the USA than from Mexico.

True but Argentina is not far away. And ordering from Mexico might still be faster than ordering a Killarney.