Suato low D moisture quirk

[inthevale]

I have had the the Susato Kildare low D whistle for a couple of months now. It has a slight “plastic” sound to my ears which I don’t find as objectionable in a low whistle as in the higher keys.

But it seems to have one very troublesome quirk. It plays great for the first few minutes. But soon enough, even the slightest breath pressure sends the low D breaking up an octave until eventually, it will not sound D in the lower register whatsoever.

The problem seems to be moisture related. Blowing out the curved wind way, or even gently tapping out the moisture returns the whistle to normal. But after a few more minutes of playing, it’s back where it started.

Is this a common problem with many whistles? Am I maybe doing something wrong? Aside from this particular bad habit, the whistle seems to play well.

Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[brewerpaul]

Yes, it’s very common on many whistles. A cold whistle head plus moist warm breath produces condensation. Warming the mouthpiece before you play helps. You can also make an anti-clog solution with a couple of drops of Dawn dishwashing soap or similar, and a couple ounces of water. Dribble this into the windway, shake out the excess. This lasts quite a while and works very well.

[pancelticpiper]

Oddly I can’t remember ever having clogging issues with Susatos.

Or any other whistles, in 40 years of playing, except for Overton whistles and their ilk.

Now that I play a Goldie regularly I had to learn about the dishwashing liquid method and the toothpaste method. No anti-clogging methods had been necessary with any other whistles I’d owned.

Seems to me it’s an aspect of whistles that have extremely narrow straight metal windways. I’m surprised that a Susato would be that way.

But there are “wet blowers” and “dry blowers” which makes a big difference, as does your local temperature and humidity.

[puipui]

@inthevale

I have had the the Susato Kildare low D whistle for a couple of months now. -------------------

But it seems to have one very troublesome quirk. It plays great for the first few minutes. But soon enough, even the slightest breath pressure sends the low D breaking up an octave until eventually, it will not sound D in the lower register whatsoever.

The problem seems to be moisture related. Blowing out the curved wind way, or even gently tapping out the moisture returns the whistle to normal. But after a few more minutes of playing, it’s back where it started.

Your descriptions of the trouble look similar to mine in my previous post, although the model and the size are different.
https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/clogging-in-susato-oriole-bb/96165/1

@puipui

I recently purchased a Susato Oriole Bb whistle and found it tends to clog after 3 to 4 minutes of playing. For a few years, I have been playing several whistles with either plastic or plastic/metal head having either straight or curved windway but did not experience such clogging before.

I suspect that the problem in your whistle is hardware related as was the case of mine.
How about to send it to the Susato customer service asking to put it right?

[inthevale]

I suspect that the problem in your whistle is hardware related as was the case of mine.
How about to send it to the Susato customer service asking to put it right?

Maybe not a bad idea. Especially since this is one of their pricier items.

Thanks all for suggestions and I will give the soap treatment a try as well.

[The_Lurking_Fear]

It’s all very odd.Kelischek created the curved windway to lessen clogging problems.

I’ve played various bore sizes of Susatos since the late 70s and never had any clog problem with any of them,including the old oak fipple plug model,even playing outside in winter conditions.Never treated any of 'em with anything.

I think puipui may be right,something incorrect in the construction.