I’m teaching a beginning whistle class in a couple of weeks, and I’m wondering what whistle you’d recommend for such a purpose? The students will be absolute beginners. I’d like to keep the cost low (under $15 would be nice), and quick availability is a must.
I like the Sweetone for this. For consistancy, Freeman Tweaked ones would be at your pricepoint, but would have to be ordered ahead. Like all whistles, there is a spread of playability in the stock ones.
I’ll agree with the recommendation for the Clarke Sweetone (or it’s slightly cheaper cousin, the Clarke Meg).
You may care to note that both models are available in the key of C or D … D is the usually accepted “standard”, also that the paint on the coloured versions, of the Meg at least, is prone to scratching, whereas the “plain metal” Sweetone doesn’t have this problem.
Another vote for the Sweetone (or the Meg). I’ve had success using them in the past, especially with younger players. I bought them in quantity from Elderly. At least with the Sweetone, they worked well right out of the box with no need for tweaked versions.
Feadoggie
Please define quick availability, and please tell me how many whistles you need.
I have some deadlines to keep, but I may have something even better than tweaked Sweetones in your price range. (Everyone else, stay tuned; I’ll post details when time permits.)
Best wishes,
Jerry
Thanks, Jerry. In theory, the class starts on the 11th, but no-one has yet official registered, although I’m expecting some people to do so soon. Five whistles would probably do the trick.
That’s a helluva tease. You’d be an awful girlfriend. 
I can come up with five whistles at $15.00 each (plus $6.00 postage) in time for July 11. These will be whistles an All-Ireland champion would love (not exaggerating here; the work incorporates feedback from several).
Best wishes,
Jerry
Sounds great, Jerry. I’ll be in touch as soon as I sort the details with the place hosting the class.
OK Jerry. 'Fess up. What are you talking about??
Wow, Freeman whistles! You can’t do better than that!
I was at a parent conference a week ago, and in the bookstore area noticed the Clarke whistles with our tutorial program’s name painted on them! I guess they cut a deal with Clarke (we do tin whistle every year for a few weeks as part of the fine arts segment). But those are $10 (really, they’re the same as the $5 Megs, so I purchase them elsewhere) and not as good as the Freeman whistles. 
Well, dammit! Don’t tease us Jerry. We all want one now. Just send me a Paypal invoice for one when you’ve got them ready to ship.
ecohawk
I’m interested, too. My next class is in September. My last group had a Generation, Feadog, Ryan J MacNeil, and Walt Sweet. (For my school classes we get Clarke Megs from Bill Ochs with his Pennywhistles for Schools program, $5. for the whistle and a student version of his book.) Could you send me a PM when you have it worked out? Thanks!
Started the class yesterday, using Jerry’s lovely new whistles. No surprise–they’re great. They look like nickel/blue-top Gens with a nice natural (paper bag colored) sticker.