This is my first post on this forum. My name’s Aaron, and I live in Australia
I was born here in this fine country, but my heritage is Irish. At the age of 24, I’ve decided I’d like to learn how to play the whistle.
I’ve had a listen to quite a few online. I like the sound of the sweetheart rosewood low D.
So - what is the general consensus on this whistle? Are there any others around the same price range that I should give serious consideration to? What are people’s experience with them? Pro’s? Con’s? Is the company good to deal with (i.e. shipping times etc)?
I know that many might recommend that I start with something cheaper (i.e. go and buy a $20 one and try it on for size). I’ve played guitar and piano for many years, and understand that a good instrument is not something that can be churned out of a machine at a hundred miles an hour!
and understand that a good instrument is not something that can be churned out of a machine at a hundred miles an hour
… may be true of guitars, pianos etc that are traditionally made from organic materials and require very many assembly procedures, but for something as mechanically simple as a whistle or similar, this is not necessarily the case. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PUYNcuVRAw for an idea of what is possible.
I don’t deny that advanced instruments can still benefit from “the human touch”, but a very good whistle can be produced very cheaply.
Welcome Aaron. You’ve come to the right place for whistle information.
You should get a lot of opinions on this topic but searching the forum some should answer some of your questions. I have no opinion on that specific whistle. The only Sweetheart whistle I own is a Pro Delrin High D. It is a really fine instrument and they are good folks to deal with. Their low whistles don’t seem to get much press here except for the Onyx which is an excellent instrument.
Searching the forum will lead you to one conclusion, of that I’m certain. There are many good to excellent whistles in various price ranges. It’s that “good” term that will cause trouble because much of this is up to your personal preference and skill-set and the type of music you intend to play. It’s not enough to say “Irish” music and expect major agreement on a good whistle. And you’re inquiring about a low D whistle. While there are not many cheaply produced low D whistles that are “very good”, some are fine to learn on and will serve you well for quite a while.
The following is my personal opinion based solely on my own experience. YMMV.
I’d have to first ask why you want to start on a low D whistle? Learning Irish music and whistle playing in particular is much easier on a more traditional instrument. You will not only have to deal with the physical requirements, finger stretch/placement, breath requirements etc., but timing is very difficult to learn on a low whistle. I’d suggest you try a high whistle first, then move on to a low whistle when you become more proficient. I bought a Low D at the same time I bought my first high D whistles and had a terrible and really frustrating time with it. Now that I’ve become pretty good with the higher ranges, I have found that low whistles are far more approachable.
To answer your question about price and comparability, most of the really fine low D whistles fit that range since this is one of the most expensive commonly available. Burke, MK, Goldie are extraordinary whistles priced similarly or less. There are others but those come to mind quickly.
I think you’ll find a high D a lot easier at first since the finger stretch is so easy.
That said, I have a Sweetheart Resonance Low D in Dymondwood that I really love. It has a great flute-like sound and of all of the low D whistles I’ve played, it’s the easiest to finger.
I don’t think you’d regret getting a Goldie high D. I’d also recommend Fred Rose. Both excellent whistles with a concentrated, not breathy sound. Another excellent whistle I have some experience with is the Ormiston high D - breathier and requires more playing into tune than the other two, but a great whistle. With the exception of the Goldie, waiting times are long.
Thanks I have emailed the abovementioned, with regards to availability, postage costs etc.
I do like the sound of the Fred Rose in particular.
There’s a company based in Tasmania, Australia, that import the Goldie’s and onsell them. $300AUD. Or is it better to purchase straight from the maker?
They sound great online - I just wonder how they are to handle/play in the flesh (or wood rather).
Have you thought about the Mark Roza low D whistles? They are made in Australia. They sound fantastic and have a richness which makes rosewood sound a tad bright. I’m thinking about one of these, but I’ve decided I need to eat, rather than just acccumulate flutes
The Rose is a great whistle - I originally ordered one in August last year and it isn’t ready for delivery yet, in the meantime I picked up a used one off this site. Waiting time for the Oz would seem to be similar.
I’d strongly recommend a Mellow Dog D or a tweaked Generation D from Jerry Freeman. Approximately $35 US and an easy player with a good sound. Fine whistle to get started with.
And even more so in person. The finish on mine is nicer than on anything I own including the furniture. It really is as smooth as a new car and a joy to play. I own Copelands, an Overton, an MK, and a bunch of others but the Oz is my favorite. I’m likely going to order one in C before too long.
For a low cost but very satisfactorily playable intro to low whistles, check out Guido Gonzato. For high ones, the Parks Everywhistle is excellent - the Bb, C D set would be a good investment for a beginner, even if you are also going to buy a decent wooden high D like the Rose or Oz.
I would not discourage you from starting on the low whistle at all. Many of the members here (myself included) actually started out on the flute and migrated to the whistle out of a love for the music. It is not uncommon for things to happen the other way around either. Frankly, in my opinion, if you were to start with the low whistle, then it would follow in short order that playing the high whistle would be a “snap” - even at a “beginner’s” level.
The instrument that calls you - that is one you should seek and learn to play.
There are, as you can see, a myriad of opinions on what you “should” buy - and what you could - to be had on this forum. To purchase a Sweetheart low D would not be a mistake by any means. They are very fine whistles, made by one of the makers who has been making wooden penny whistles much longer than most other makers, and they are extremely reasonable in terms of price. The Sweets are also very nice to deal with. If I were you, and this was the instrument and the make that sounded the most-pleasing to me, then I would not hesitate to buy it!
Regarding what Avien said, two things might work against that for a beginner. The air requirement on a low D is quite a bit greater than the air requirement on a high D. Second would be the much longer finger stretch, and the probable need to develop proficiency with the piper’s grip. Avien is correct in saying that moving from a flute to a low D whistle might not be too difficult a crossover, but for those of us coming at this with no flute experience, and little or no woodwind experience, I think the low D would present much more of a challenge.
I’d suggest a low A as a compromise; however, as a beginner you’re likely going to want to be able to play along with tutorial cds almost all of which are written for high D whistles. Besides, I’m betting you’ll have your hands full with all things you’ll be learning without adding the challenges I mentioned above to the list. As I learn every time I pick up a whistle to practice, it ain’t nearly as easy as it sounds and it rarely sounds easy.
Said very well. Thank you. After listening to many more whistles, I think a High D is for me (perhaps more in line with the types of music that I enjoy).
I have just placed an order for a Sweetheart Rosewood High D Whistle and Fife combo. Expected delivery is less than 2 weeks. I’m also placing my name on the waiting list for an Oz. By the time it’s ready I’ll have gotten over the fact that I already spent too much.
Now, the waiting game.
Again - many thanks for all advice received. This seems like a very friendly forum - I’m sure I’ll hang around with many more questions
I picked up a Generation D yesterday. They seem a little ‘tacky’ I guess (for lack of better words) - but I guess you can’t expect much ‘craftsmanship’ for $13. I’ve read about removing the fipple, lightly sanding the extra bits of plastic out, and filling a section of it with wax. Is this worth doing - what is the hitrate in terms of the tweak being successful? Also - I’ve only played for about an hour so I guess one can’t expect too much out of such a fresh player!
I also ordered a SYN D/C/Eb combo today from Earl. I’m going go get shot if the missus finds out!
I’m crushed (and jealous). I too just got into whistling and kind of went overboard on whistles mainly because I was unable to find a specialty whistle store. Strange because in September, we’ll have a slew of Highland games Hmm, maybe I can pick up more there innocent whistle
I’m jealous because I would have liked to get the Syn set also but opted instead to get the Dixon Trad and Dixon Aluminum in D. This will complement my two Elfsongs, my Freeman Mellow Dogs that just came in and the O’Brien rosewoods I have on order. Oh and the Carey Parks! And I felt guilty for Whoa
Regarding those Syn’s, maybe I’ll have to work out a deal with my husband…
Hmm, maybe I can pick up more there innocent whistle