I’m an experienced woodwind player, but have never played a penny whistle. Now I’m looking to give it a go, and would like your recommendations for a beginner’s whistle that will have a bright sound with lots of overtones in it. I’m not looking for a “pure” or “mellow” sound at all. I want a more whimsical sound. I’ve already got a well sound-proofed practice room, so volume…is good.
Appreciate any recommendations…thanks!
Sounds like a Clarke Sweetone would work well for you.
EDIT: On second thought, I’m not sure I’d consider the Sweetone whimsical. Or all that loud.
The whistle you need then is a ‘‘Generation’’ brand. High D.
Feadog nickel D would fit the bill very nicely . They are similar to the Gen D that Tommy recommended but much more consistent and without the ‘lucky dip’ aspect that there is when you buy a Gen D.
Of you’re an experienced wind player, you’ll probably find the dodgy intonation of Sweetone and Feadog off-putting - better to insist at the music shop on going through a box of D Generations and finding a good one that plays with a clean, round tone and responsively across the 2+ 8ve range - it should at least be in tune with itself (so far as a diatonic instrument can be). Or get a Susato or Dixon or (search this forum) a GG. They’re in the next price bracket up but still won’t break the bank. Welcome and good luck!
Thanks for all the good info so far.
Unfortunately, I don’t expect to have the luxury of being able to try a lot of penny whistles at my local music stores, and will probably have to buy online. I had heard that the Generation whistles were inconsistent, though for the price, I suppose I could afford to take a chance. The price of the Dixon and Susato don’t put me off either. I think I’d prefer the feel of tin over plastic, but that’s just a guess. A lot of sites seem to recommend the Dixon trad, but I’m concerned that the sound might be warmer than I want.
Anybody got a link to a sound file of a Dixon trad being played? That’d be a great resource.
Like any whistle, not every Trad is like the next one. You’ll find clips like this one on WhistleThis if you dig around a bit.
Tony Hinnigan reviews/plays one (Dixon Trad) on his Old Grey Whistle Test. http://www.tonyhinnigan.com/moviedl.php?group=29
You can also hear a Susato as well.
Rance
I just got a Dixon Trad in nickel. It’s good value for the money (I think). Compared with my other whistles, it doesn’t seem very mellow.
Charlie
One more “tell me your favorite whistle” thread. I love them 
P.S. Mine favorites are Granite Falls Manufacturing and Busman
Didn’t see anyone recommend a Clarke Original yet. It’s my favorite right behind my Dixon Trad.
Because he specifically requested a whistle which is not soft and mellow.
Ah, well, you can play it harshly.
And as far as whimsical I’d agree with Casey, my Sweetone sounds very whimsical to me followed by my Susatos
KAC
Just thought I’d let you all know that after listening to Hinnigan go through a whole bunch of high-D whistles, I really liked the Harper and Fred Rose whistles, but don’t want to drop that much on a first whistle, so I ordered a Sweetone.
After I’ve decided that I want to stick with it, I’ll go for the upgrade. Besides, I’ll need other keys eventually.
Cheers to all, and thanks for the advice!
Cool!
Tabby,
I have been teaching people to play the whistles for about 15 years. Instead of recommending “warm” or “bright” instruments, I would recommend cheap. Anything under 15 bucks. This way, you could either teach yourself or have someone show you a few good points and then decide if you would like to spend more time learning the faster tunes and playing them at more than just family get togethers. If you decide to do that, Michael Burke would be the maker. You can then invest some real money (but under $200) and get a whistle that is simply marvelous, tuneable, and will literally last you the rest of your life.
I collected whistles from many makers for many years. I have given all of them away to students and other deserving people. Over the last 5 years, I have a collection of Burkes that go from Low Eb all the way up to high F and literally everything in between. The reason for this is that if you land in a recording studio and someone wants you to accompany a song in, for example, E nat or Ab, you better have it or they’re calling another person.
I wish you the best in your new journey of discovery. You might like what you hear.