Chiff and Fipple Forums

I'll need to get along to my nearest instrument shop (Scayles in Edinburgh) and try out an A.If that's possible in these Covid times. You said you played an F. I have an Overton low D I bought years ago but never really managed the pipers grip, is it possible to play the low F in standard fingering? Sorry if that;s getting off the gen Bb topic

Alto A whistles are nice because some D tunes you can play it as a low D if the song range allows it (if the tune doesnt use the lowest 3 notes on your D you can play it on an A an octave lower, different fingerings obviously).

Because A and Bb are only half a step apart a Bb size tube and mouthpiece can work fine for an A body, it will only be a little easier to overblow.

celticlibero wrote: ↑Sat Sep 18, 2021 10:19 am I'll need to get along to my nearest instrument shop (Scayles in Edinburgh) and try out an A.If that's possible in these Covid times. You said you played an F. I have an Overton low D I bought years ago but never really managed the pipers grip, is it possible to play the low F in standard fingering? Sorry if that;s getting off the gen Bb topic

Playing a low F should be possible without piper's grip, unless you got smallish hands.

I'd be more inclined to say that low 'G' is the last size that most people can play without using pipers grip.

I've got average sized male hands & low 'F' is right on the border line for me, but more comfortable with pipers grip.

fatmac wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 2:24 am I'd be more inclined to say that low 'G' is the last size that most people can play without using pipers grip.

I've got average sized male hands & low 'F' is right on the border line for me, but more comfortable with pipers grip.

Yes, I actually agree with you. I play a low F with offset finger holes, which makes it comfortable for standard grip covering with finger tips.

fatmac wrote: ↑Sat Sep 18, 2021 2:52 am My regular keys are 'A' & low 'G', closely followed by low 'F' - there's just 'something' about these keys....

Indeed, those are mine too, the Goldilocks keys, not too high and not too low, not too large and not too small, just very comfortable! Low F is my favourite though.

Thanks all for the advice, I've been listening to a lot of tunes on the low f on utube and yes there is something special about that key. I'll look out for a starter one, maybe a Dixon? Will look out for A as well. I haven't played for a while so it's good to be getting back into it.

The Generation Bb is one whistle of a few that are an excellent choice off the shelf.

celticlibero wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 8:19 am Thanks all for the advice, I've been listening to a lot of tunes on the low f on utube and yes there is something special about that key. I'll look out for a starter one, maybe a Dixon? Will look out for A as well. I haven't played for a while so it's good to be getting back into it.

Low F is a wonderful key. Dixon doesnt make a low F anymore. I would consider going for a MK Kelpie if you don't need tunable. I've had a lot of complaints with my cheaper whistles, but I love my MK low D. I expect the F to be equally amazing. You could still really like a cheaper one. But my MK leaves me with no regrets.

My first low 'F' was a Shearwater, it's a very nice whistle, quite mellow, but then I got the chance of an MK Kelpie, & that is a really great whistle - so you pay your money.....

Interesting discussion. I, too, am thinking of getting a Bb or A, or maybe both! The Goldfinch ones (reviewed as a set on Youtube by Nathaniel Dowell about a year ago) seem like a really good value. I already have a Goldfinch (alto) G and like it a lot. I can sort of get away with the standard grip on that Goldfinch G but I find it more comfortable to use the piper's grip, which I got accustomed to from playing my Goldie F and MK Pro low D (both of which I had for some time before I got the Goldfinch G).