I own a clarke D whistle and would like to move on to another whistle.
Of course I heard about those low D whistles but I wonder how do I choose.
I live in the netherlands and as far as I know, not much (if any) shops selling ANY whistles other than the clarke's kids package (starter kit with the colouring book ).
I have read the low D has a 1 inch bore, and it sounds like a lot to hold to me.
Also I know about medium bore.
Then, SHOULD I get a low D anyways or should I go for the low F instead which is medium bore but with still the "flavor" of the low D?
To me it seems I will to have order the next whistle from the internet so I need some good advice, anyone willing to discuss this with me about advantages, disadvantages?
And HOW do I choose between low D low F or another low key if i have no examples at hand.
Is there a way to form myself a picture of what it may SOUND like???
Weird question, I know.
Warmest greetings
how to choose my next whistle (confusion)
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claudine
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there your are again 
You can download a lot of soundclips played on various whistles by various C&F members here: http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/
That should give you an idea about the sound of some whistles.
- claudine -
You can download a lot of soundclips played on various whistles by various C&F members here: http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/
That should give you an idea about the sound of some whistles.
- claudine -
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TonyHiggins
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The slow airs page would be your best bet.You can download a lot of soundclips played on various whistles by various C&F members here:
Now, ask yourself what you hope to do with a low whistle. Play strictly solo? If so, a low f would be nice. Easier to hold. Your hands don't get tired so fast. (If you practice regularly with a low d, your hands will get used to it. Most models also take a lot of air to play. Overtons and Chieftains don't.) How loud do you want? If you play mostly in a small room by yourself, louder ones can be a bit much. If you plan to play along with other players, either in a session, or along with cd's, you'd have more use for a low d. Do a search for threads about low d's on this board. People have a lot of opinions about the relative comfort and ease of playing between models. You might want to get a cheap one to start with to see if you'll like it at all.
If someone posts recommendations on specific whistles, look for their reasons: cost, comfort, volume, air requirements, etc. Some people love one kind for specific reasons, but those reasons may be ones that make you hate it.
Tony
http://tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/newspage.htm Officially, the government uses the term “flap,” describing it as “a condition, a situation or a state of being, of a group of persons, characterized by an advanced degree of confusion that has not quite reached panic proportions.”
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Talbert St. Claire
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few tips!
hi berti! regardless of which key you decide to purchase the main thing
i would say at this point is the "piper's grip"(playing w/the pads of fingers).
if you quickly form to this, any whistle regardless of bore size and lenth
will not be an issue. in terms of which key to purchase, try and
give this a listen and just maybe one of the low whistle's being featured
will spark your interest. i'm using a variety of keys of which some you
have an interest in hearing! also, notice again, the "piper's grip"!-enjoy
www.talbertstclaire.com
[/url]
i would say at this point is the "piper's grip"(playing w/the pads of fingers).
if you quickly form to this, any whistle regardless of bore size and lenth
will not be an issue.
in terms of which key to purchase, try andgive this a listen and just maybe one of the low whistle's being featured
will spark your interest. i'm using a variety of keys of which some you
have an interest in hearing! also, notice again, the "piper's grip"!-enjoy
www.talbertstclaire.com
[/url]
If you discover you have a "perfect" Low Whistle, don't sell it. Trust me, I know! If it's close to perfection, don't sell it. Trust me, I know! If you feel that it's difficult to adjust to but you still feel a deep connection to it, don't sell it. Just give it to me!!!
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lixnaw
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hi berti,
here's a teacher from the netherlands http://www.mmediahost.com/fluitpraxis/fpcursus1.htm
i also send you a private message
here's a teacher from the netherlands http://www.mmediahost.com/fluitpraxis/fpcursus1.htm
i also send you a private message
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TonyHiggins
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http://tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/newspage.htm Officially, the government uses the term “flap,” describing it as “a condition, a situation or a state of being, of a group of persons, characterized by an advanced degree of confusion that has not quite reached panic proportions.”
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Cayden
Re: how to choose my next whistle (confusion)
Loads of shops in the Netherlands [used to] carry Generation whistles, Sweetones Susatos and sometimes others. Hakkert in Rotterdam, Staffhorst in Utrecht, loads of shops in Amsterdam, Haarlem, Groningen and other places. There's a shop in Bergen op Zoom which specialises in things 'celtic' and they are supposed to have a selection of stuff. Shouldn't be a problem.Berti66 wrote:I live in the netherlands and as far as I know, not much (if any) shops selling ANY whistles other than the clarke's kids package
You should be able to find out a lot about tuition, shops, guides etc through www.volksmuziek.nl
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Whistlin'Dixie
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Mongoose of Righteousness
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Hi Berti,
It sounds like you are new to whistling. If so, I would not be too quick to jump to keys other than soprano D. The key of D is very common in Celtic music. The next most common is the key of G, which can be played on a D whistle. Music in the key of C is also possible on a D whistle, with a little experience.
Low D whistles are hard to play at the speeds that are normal in sessions. If you have big hands and seveal years experience on a soprano D whistle, playing low D whistle at normal speed can be done.
I use non-D whistles for accompanying singers. For this, I find soprano Eb very useful. If you accompany a female singer, soprano F may be useful. So, you see we are going up the scale, not down.
I recommend you get a good soprano D whistle. The makes that come highly recommended are mentioned regularly here on C&F. I have tried and can recommend the new Burke aluminum pro with Delrin head (over $100) and the new Sweetheart Professional wooden whistle (over $100). For a good whistle that costs less, buy a Syn ($40). If you find these whistles uncomfortably loud, plug your ears when you play. Loud whistles are needed for group playing, which you will probably end up doing in the next few years.
Do not under any circumstances buy a Susato whistle. I hope I have made myself clear on that point.
For accompanying music on CD's a C whistle is handy. No need to spend a lot of money on that because it's just for fun really. An Oak or Generation will work fine.
MR
It sounds like you are new to whistling. If so, I would not be too quick to jump to keys other than soprano D. The key of D is very common in Celtic music. The next most common is the key of G, which can be played on a D whistle. Music in the key of C is also possible on a D whistle, with a little experience.
Low D whistles are hard to play at the speeds that are normal in sessions. If you have big hands and seveal years experience on a soprano D whistle, playing low D whistle at normal speed can be done.
I use non-D whistles for accompanying singers. For this, I find soprano Eb very useful. If you accompany a female singer, soprano F may be useful. So, you see we are going up the scale, not down.
I recommend you get a good soprano D whistle. The makes that come highly recommended are mentioned regularly here on C&F. I have tried and can recommend the new Burke aluminum pro with Delrin head (over $100) and the new Sweetheart Professional wooden whistle (over $100). For a good whistle that costs less, buy a Syn ($40). If you find these whistles uncomfortably loud, plug your ears when you play. Loud whistles are needed for group playing, which you will probably end up doing in the next few years.
Do not under any circumstances buy a Susato whistle. I hope I have made myself clear on that point.
For accompanying music on CD's a C whistle is handy. No need to spend a lot of money on that because it's just for fun really. An Oak or Generation will work fine.
MR
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Berti66
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further thoughts (was: choosing next whistle)
THANK YOU all who responded to my message, feel overwhelmed
It has been very helpful to read all your responses.
As I can see, I now doubt if I SHOULD get a low D anyways since I do indeed play solo, mostly to express my feelings and now and then with sheet music (still learning that last one....... admit I only play whistle for a few months now but loving it and just want a better one)
It will be hard to decide which one to get, maybe I should settle first for a better soprano D than I have already (a cheapie clarke which is intended for kids and came with a colouring book. I have the problem with this one that after playing half an hour it becomes harder to get good tones out of it because of the smallish mouthpiece)
As for the last person who replied mentioning susato, NO you did not make that clear, WHY shouldn't I get a susato? We would like to hear your opinion on this.
greetings
berti
It has been very helpful to read all your responses.
As I can see, I now doubt if I SHOULD get a low D anyways since I do indeed play solo, mostly to express my feelings and now and then with sheet music (still learning that last one....... admit I only play whistle for a few months now but loving it and just want a better one)
It will be hard to decide which one to get, maybe I should settle first for a better soprano D than I have already (a cheapie clarke which is intended for kids and came with a colouring book. I have the problem with this one that after playing half an hour it becomes harder to get good tones out of it because of the smallish mouthpiece)
As for the last person who replied mentioning susato, NO you did not make that clear, WHY shouldn't I get a susato? We would like to hear your opinion on this.
greetings
berti
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lixnaw
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i believe the link that peter mentioned above is best http://www.volksmuziek.nl/cursussen/svn/iers/!php.php
there's bound to be a lot of whistlers with all different makes, high and low whistles.
plenty opportunity to try them all out! send them an e-mail to find out, they'll know the shops.
and you'll learn valuable skills.
there's bound to be a lot of whistlers with all different makes, high and low whistles.
plenty opportunity to try them all out! send them an e-mail to find out, they'll know the shops.
and you'll learn valuable skills.
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buskerSean
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Cayden
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Mongoose of Righteousness
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Hi Berni,
A good whistle has mysterious, new age, etherial je-ne-sais-quoi. The sound of a good whistle should transport you to another world.
Susato whistles have a little of that, but they also sound quite a bit like a recorder. They have a screeching sound on higher notes especially. At the high end of the second octave you have to give them a lot of extra wind to keep them from dropping to the lower octave. The result is very loud high notes, compared to the other lower notes.
Having said that, I must admit that Susatos fit in OK with a big session. It's like vinegar. It's not so nice by itself, but tastes good with other things. For playing alone, Susatos will just give you a headache. I recommend Michael Burke's whistles for that.
MR
A good whistle has mysterious, new age, etherial je-ne-sais-quoi. The sound of a good whistle should transport you to another world.
Susato whistles have a little of that, but they also sound quite a bit like a recorder. They have a screeching sound on higher notes especially. At the high end of the second octave you have to give them a lot of extra wind to keep them from dropping to the lower octave. The result is very loud high notes, compared to the other lower notes.
Having said that, I must admit that Susatos fit in OK with a big session. It's like vinegar. It's not so nice by itself, but tastes good with other things. For playing alone, Susatos will just give you a headache. I recommend Michael Burke's whistles for that.
MR