Hi... I am a complete newbie to the forum and have just purchased my first Irish whistles.
A little background: Some time ago I decided to learn the fife. All went well and I was learning quickly, but it is so LOUD. Even with the windows closed the neighbors can hear it for nearly a mile (I am told).
I decided on the Irish whistle as a replacement given its lovely sound and quiet nature. I purchased a Walton's beginner's pack with brass Soprano D, book, and DVD (which will not play in our computer or DVD player!). I have just ordered the Clarke Deluxe book (by Ochs) and CD along with a Dixon brass D “Trad.”
My question: Today I decided to learn "O' Them Golden Slippers." In this song the C's are natural. The fingering for the whistle indicates OXX OOO for C natural. I found (while fumbling for that fingering) that OXO OOO plays the same note. I compared them quite carefully by starting with one and adding (or removing) one finger slowly to see if I could perceive any change in the note, and found none... it is the same note fingered wither way on this whistle. I did a quick Google search to see if this is an alternate fingering for C natural, but did not see anything indicating that it is.
Is this just a nuance to the Walton soprano D? I want to lean the proper way to play, and I am tempted to use the OXO OOO fingering because it is quicker and easier for me, rather than the OXX OOO.
I appreciate your help and comments.
![smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile_144.gif)
Robert in Ohio