Chiff and Fipple Forums

I recently bought a Clarke tinwhistle(D), but it sounds a bit weird. I know how to play, but it doesn't sound good. Is it possible that the whistle is broken, or something like that? Or is it just me?

Hello PCD,

I think that you would probably get more/better answers over on the 'whistle' forum. Be that as it may, the answer is 'yes'. It could be you and it could be the whistle. Do you have the Clarke original (wooden block) or the SweeTone (plastic mouthpiece)? If you have the original than I would guess that it is probably you - consider working on breath control as a place to start. The original takes a lot of air. If you have the SweeTone, then it is probably the whistle. SweeTone's are generally pretty easy to get a good sound out of; so if you're not, then you may wish take it back to where you purchased it and try another (after working with it for a few more days to make sure that it isn't you .

Peace,
Erik

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ErikT on 2001-09-20 09:27 ]</font>

Thanks for the advice, I have an original Clarke whistle, so I guess I'm the problem then. I played a flute( I don't know the english word for it, but it's one you have to hold horizontally) for four years, so I know how to breath correct. Or is there a difference with breathing for tinwhistles?

Opinions vary on the Clarke original. I, for one, can't stand them. I love Sweetones, but I think the breathy sound and high breath requirement on a Clarke original are positively awful. I have hit every one I've had with a hammer several times to improve it slightly, but not to the point of being liked by me. Might not be you. This thread should be on the other board.

Jessie

There's a lot of variation between
Clarke originals. Some of them take
lots of air and are very breathy--
if that is what you're running into
it's the particular whistle probably.
Occasionally one finds a Clarke original
that is sort of spectacularly good.
I managed to find one once. Otherwise
the Sweetone is pretty regularly good,
as noted above.

Well personally, I prefer the Clarke Originals - they have the sound I prefer, as the Sweetone (i.e.) doesn't. They also allow for lines sounding more fluent, I find, just because of the very breathy sound quality. They also have the most stable tone across the range, as well as being well in pitch. They may be higher on air requirements, but I dont conssider that a big problem - it's worse that they cannt be played very loud; so if you plan to use it in loud sessions, it may need miking... I recommend you give your Clarke some more time. ANyway; I love mine...
All the best,

Eivind