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Custom-made Whistles

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:27 pm
by Jacob
For some time I have been wondering whether the layout of fingering on a French Flageolet (essentially Left Thumb, L1, L2, R1, RT, R2) would be a viable alternative to the standard L1, 2, 3, R1, 2, 3 arrangement which we all know and love.

I've also been wondering as to whether it would actually be possible to play larger sizes of instrument than the standard French Flageolet (which is basically a high whistle in A) with this layout. Mersenne suggests that they were made as large as a bass recorder, but that seems quite a big stretch to me.

My question is: is there anyone who would be able to make a couple of whistles with this unusual pattern of tone-holes (I was thinking of a D and low A)? I assume that someone like Alba Whistles might be able to do it but the costs involved would be rather prohibitive. Does anyone have any suggestions as to someone who would do it on a lower budget? All it would really entail is making a D and A whistle but drilling the 1st and 4th holes on the other side- a fairly simple job.

Many thanks

-Jacob

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 5:36 pm
by Unseen122
Hmmm. Overton might be able to as they make an 8 hole whistle if they increased the size of the 7th and 8th holes (to make them play C# and F# as opposed to the naturals) and get rid of the first and fourth they might be able and/or willing to. I know Stacy (Alba whistles) makes a Flageolet looking whistle but I don't know if she would be willing to experiment. Another choice is Daniel Bingamon who definatly likes to experiment with whistles he makes modal whistles, keyed low whistles, bass whistles, and many other strange whistles along with the normal ones he might be your best choice. I know Paul Busman has made Tabor Pipes before which aren't that incredibly different as the have LT, L1, L2 , L3 fingerings which involves a back hole. Sweetheart makes Tabor Pipes also might be worth a shot.

Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 6:03 pm
by Cynth
There are instructions on the Internet for making your own whistles. Maybe you could do that if you don't want to pay much.

If you are just wanting to check fingering positions, heck you could just drill the holes in PVC pipe and check that out without even making a whistle.

I'm sure the custom whistlemakers would drill whatever you wanted as long as you bought the whistle whether you liked the results or not.

Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 5:45 am
by brewerpaul
Any whistlemaker could do this easily, but you'd almost certainly have to purchase the whistle whether you actually like it or not.

Why not buy an inexpensive whistle and drill the extra holes yourself? Find the same size drill, and drill right through from the front holes (into a block of wood ) then cover up the front holes with duct tape.Let us know how it works!

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 2:25 pm
by syn whistles
I've done a lot of odd finger hole placings just lately, and that pattern would be no problem, but I find I use that bottom thumb for support. I don't know how comfortable it would be.

Posted: Wed May 18, 2005 2:51 pm
by Jack
Call Mack Hoover.