Hello to ever reads this post. I have just joined as a new member. I firstly would like to apologise for asking this question as I am sure it is probable that this question has been asked before. I have decided that I would like to take the time to learn how to play a Whistle, but as a beginner I am having real trouble making up my mind what to buy. I have a passion for Irish Music and this is the type of music I would like to be able to play along with my husband and his concertina. I have listen to some of the sounds of the whistles and think I like the D low but was informed that this would not be good for a beginner is this so?
Do you have any suggestions as to what make or model that would be good to consider? I was probably looking at something in the medium range of expenditure not the high end as it would feel like running before I could walk!

I would appreciate any suggestions or comments as to your views and experiences of where you started and progressed between different types of models.

Thank you in advance for your help.
sbj

Hello and welcome. Yes, you were told right. A low D isn't the place to start. Buy any of the medium range tunable whistles that you can afford one is as good as the other. Buy a couple of cheap whistles too to leave in your car or purse so that you always have one handy to practice. Get cheap whistles that are different. So if you get a polymer medium range whistle, get a metal cheap whistle. Then you'll see how different whistles sound. After you learn how to play high D, then buy a low D. You'll be much more ready then.

(Make sure the medium range whistle is in the same key as your husband's concertina.) And please let us know how it goes.

Hello and welcome to the forum! You'll find lots of good whistle advice here. As far as what is a good whistle to start with, you have a lot to chose from.

Hmm, a few favorites that are not going to break the bank but still give you a good sound, and playability? You will probably do well to check out generation high d whistles, but be aware that the consistency varies broadly with these whistles and they can almost always be (subjectively) improved with some simple tweaks. (search the forum for blue tack tweaks) (ramp/blade replacement or guitar pick tweaks are a bit more complicated) Try to get to a music store that sells these and will let you try a few out, you’ll see right away differences from whistle to whistle.

Another personal favorite is the Clark Sweetone whistles. They are conical, tunable, and cheap. Jerry freeman (a long time forum member) does some pretty nice tweaks with this whistle that amplifies all that is great with this instrument without introducing any problems. It will play at a nice volume against a concertina with out being lost or overbearing and is a decent whistle to learn breath pressures and fingering on. The mouthpiece was designed by Michael Copeland and the intonation of the conical shape makes for a very comfortable finger placement.

For a bit more, you could get a Susato. Very reliable whistles and suitable to play in a larger session and still be heard. If your husbands, concertina is very loud, this would be a great choice.

As far as Low Ds not being for beginners… ? Poppycock! I’ve never found any compelling reasons why a Low D should be more difficult than a High D whistle. They are two different instruments with different breath requirements, grip, and agility. Neither is a prerequisite for the other in my opinion. (tho’ some here will argue this) And actually because you are more inclined toward this sound, you will probably be more likely to spend the time learning to play it. Seek instruction, professional or otherwise. Play with others as often as you can to pick up tricks and habits and more importantly how the music goes. Learn the piper’s grip for this larger instrument and some good breath control and this won’t be any more difficult than any other wind instrument. Also Expect to pay more even on the less expensive models. Again, Susato is a good bargain here.

Thank you very much for taking the time and trouble to reply to my question. This has given me something to think about, it is interesting that you mentioned the Susato as this is one of the ones and the Clarkes Sweetone that I had sort of been attracted to as a starter instrument. In addition, I like the idea of a whistle handy in the car/purse, envisaging my lunch times and Motorway jams being able to whip out the whistle and practice the time away! you never no I could clear the jam and empty a car park in one easy session.

Joking aside thanks once again .. off to trawl the site about tweaking ...