Beginner's Low D

Whistle
1

Howdy all,

Last summer I decided it was time to learn how to play a musical instrument so my “home school kids” (3, 4 and 5 yrs) could have a role model to follow. Stupidly I picked up a cheap yamaha soprano recorder for $2 at a sidewalk sale and a method book.

During the past 8 months, I’ve spent more money on my music teacher, books and recorders (an SAT yamaha set) than I care to admit to my wife. I’ve been having a lot of fun learning how to read music and huff-n-puff into my spit clogging instruments of torture.

I especially enjoy playing movie music, like from Titanic. (ok, bad joke).

Actually Beatles and Disney tunes are my nemesis.

–

A few months ago the dark side wispered in my ear while placing an online order for (yet more) music goodies, so I purchased an OAK D ($10) and LE McCullough’s “Complete Irish Tinwhistle tutor”.

I’ve found that warming up on the whistle is good for my embouchure (I love how that word sounds). So when I finally get on the spit cloggers, I think I sound pretty good.

I’ve grown more and more fond of my tenor recorder (something about the lower-pitched screeching sound being better than the high pitched screech). So now I am thinking that a Low D whistle should be my next purchase.

Or course, I can barely play anything, and trying to half-hole on the oak has been a dismal failure on my part. I think the oak D I have is very weak sounding below E and dog-whistle like above E’

I was thinking of getting a Sindt D. Is it much better than an OAK D, or just “cool to have”?

But I think I’d really like a Low D. I don’t have a lot of money to spend. Does anyone have a recommendation for an “adequate” Low D, say .. below $150 ?

Keep in mind I’m still only on page 19 of the “complete .. tutor” book. :sniffle:


If I get some good suggestions, I’ll tell everyone on the recorder list how nice you all are over here. :sunglasses:

actually, I found this site due to it’s mention on the recorder list…

2

try a hoover high D, they’re very low on breath requirments and very mellow, quiet and good value http://home.bresnan.net/~mackhoover/
and if you want a very responsive whistle, a little louder, then try a burke high D brass Pro session,
with the black head piece, you’ll never need another high D https://www.sslzone.com/burkewhistles/write/michaelburke/Product_View.asp
and maybe save up for a good low D like a burke or an overton

you can listen to them all here http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/index.htm

3

ALBA!!! There is no finer low D at any cost. In my humble opinion of course. By the way what is the address for the recorder list anyway? :roll: ah don`t tell anyone I asked ok…

Tom

4

At least not for a week or so…

5

I’ve never tried an Oak although I have an Acorn that stinks. I can say that a Sindt is a wonderful whistle and very good value. For a traditional sounding whistle there is none better amongst the high-enders. Beware though; the D Sindt does not really permit an in tune C natural cross fingered so you’d better be prepared to work on your half holing. It isn’t all that hard IMO, but we really do seem to divide into those who like half holing (like me) and those who hate it (like a lot of people here.)

For a good, affordable, low D that gets something of the classic low D sound of Overtons, a Howard would be my recommendation, although I readily admit that I don’t have much experience of cheapies. Still, I do have experience with most of the best known and loved high-end low whistles, so the fact that I like Howards should count for something.

6

Dixon lowD
http://www.tonydixonmusic.co.uk/

7

Get a Howard. I had a Dixon and got rid of it. It just didn’t quite give the tone or volume I wanted. Howards have a very good sound for the money, and you can get them in really nice colors. The fingerholes are a little large, though.

8

I have a Dixon that I love. Reasonable breath requirements and an easy finger stretch. It’s not really loud but that makes it good for practicing without disturbing anyone.

And, as far as low whistles go, it’s dirt cheap!

A.J.