Brian Finnegan wannabe seeks advice...

Whistle
1

Hi
Recently developed an interest in the whistle, thanks in a large part to stumbling upon Brian Finnegan (Irish bars, huh?)

Years ago I was in Dublin and picked up a very cheap Walton D whistle (green top) and a little music book for my son. I’ve got it out again recently and although I am reasonably conversant with how it works (used to be good on the recorder!) and can knock out the odd tune, it sounds shrill, and a bit sharp in places, particularly the top octave.

I read that more expensive isn’t necessarily better so I am wondering if I buy, for example, a Susato, in the hope of sounding lovely, whether it will sound any better. In other words - is it more likely to be the instrument, or is it me? If you think this ‘fistful of dollars’ Walton is likely to sound like, well, a fistful of dollars, then what should I get? (Defo soprano D as I have smallish hands.) Little budget to start I think.

Many thanks for reading this.
:boggle:

2

I’ve played 2 Walton’s in my life. One was great. A bit quiet, but played very nice.
The other one was almost ‘unplayable’.

I have some Susato whistles, and I like them quite a lot. I don’t think you can get a BAD Susato, or at least I’m not aware about that. I have Susatos in C, D, Eb, E, F and low D, and all of them are very good whistles.
If you buy one I think you’ll not regret.

BTW, I recommend you to get a Susato Kildare VSB in D. It’s tunable and rather easy to play (although it may take more air than other whistles).


Cheers,
Martin

3

ah, whistle…

I was worried ya wanted short & bald :tomato:

4

I like my Susato Kildare VSB, but it takes less air than other whistles I’ve had. I love the upper octave because it isn’t deafening (a problem with the regular bore Susatos, or so I’ve read). The bottom notes are touchy. But it’s a nice whistle to noodle with.

By the way, I think I confused my terminology . . .

5

LOL, that was funny :laughing:

6

Yeah, that made me laugh too - esp as I am going for a haircut tomorrow :open_mouth:

Good start to the day.

It’s like computers - someone has something good and bad to say about every brand.

I’ve been recommended a Goldie, but think it’ll be too rich for my budget.

I love the look of the Susato, but hear the top octave can be squeaky .

Anyone experience Tony Dixon’s polymer tuneable - it sounds as though it might have that creamy sound I like, rather than the bright alu/brass notes.

Thanks people.
x

7

I don’t know exactly what you mean with ‘squeaky’ but my high D Susato is one of the best high D whistles I have (and I have quite a few).

I tried a Dixon high D plastic whistle and I liked it. It was much sweeter and quieter than the Susato, and I was able to play in the second octave very easily. It takes little breath to play it.
Another good option, I think.

8

You can take a tradition music flute and whistle course with Brian Finnegan if you are in Cambridge UK this Summer

http://www.burwellbash.info

9

I actually like Walton’s. I think they are very pleasant to the ear. It just takes a bit of practice to control them though.

10

If ya can take some lessons with Brian you should. He was at Boxwood last summer and I found him to be a great teacher and wonderful person to hang out with.

enjoy

11

I have a tuneable D Dixon, I love it!
The susato can be quite loud, good session whistle if you are at that level, don’t plan on “blending in or fading out,” you will be heard on that whistle. That’s my experience anyway:) Good Luck!

12

The Dixon arrived this morning. It’s doing slides and cuts by itself. Light as a feather and has a good soft sound. Thanks for the advice, guys. :thumbsup: