Looking for a "warmer" sounding whistle.

missy · Post by **missy** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 7:33 am

Ok - I know this is totally subjective, but.......

I have a Walton's Little Black and a Generation, both in D (and both "tweaked", as least as far as having the mouth piece movable to get them in tune). But they both sound "tinny" to me. Ok, ok, I KNOW it's a tin whistle, but I'd like something a little warmer sounding.

Just to give you some comparison, I also play mountain dulcimer and tend toward deeper, warmer sounding instruments. In fact, I almost exclusively play bass or baritone dulcimer now. I don't like any of the "brighter" sounding instruments.

So - what makes (and composition) would y'all recommend (and source and approximate price, too, if you can). I really feel that I don't give the whistle near as much attention as I should because of the tone of the ones I own.

Thanks

Missy

cj · Post by cj » Thu Mar 11, 2004 7:39 am

I have a Burke that I love and to me sounds "warm." It also has a pure tone. I also like the sound of my Dixon. As you said, this is subjective, so YMMV. You might try a Busman or some other wooden whistle--that may give you the tone you want. These cost a bit more, but I'm sure are worth it.

blackhawk · Post by **blackhawk** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 7:56 am

I'm not sure what warmer means, but you'd do well to try a Dixon.

lixnaw · Post by **lixnaw** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 8:03 am

burke composite or overton

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 8:07 am

I think wooden whistles are warmer than metal whistles. So I would suggest an Abell, because that's my favorite. I think the price is $300. You can get them directly from Chris.

http://www.abellflute.com

Edit: Another great option can be found at http://www.greenwoodpipes.com - Davey's wooden whistles are great.

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 8:27 am

Mack Hoover makes a CPVC whistle that sounds a lot like wood, for a very reasonable price.

Dana

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 10:21 am

I have a Burke brass narrow bore that is a very "warm" sounding whistle to me, lovely tone all the way up into the stratosphere.

--James

chas · Post by **chas** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 11:19 am

I would recommend boxwood. The warmest sounding whistle I have is a boxwood by David Boisvert.

To go with the baritone dulcimer, you might want to try a low-D or low-G, especially Copeland.

Redwolf · Post by **Redwolf** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 11:28 am

Gotta get in a vote for Elf Songs here. Very warm, rich-sounding whistle. Or, if you like something a bit more complex, I second the recommedation of a Busman.

Redwolf

Kar · Post by **Kar** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 1:05 pm

I prefer warm to bright as well. Dixons are good (esp the lower ones, A & G) if you want cheap, and Shaws are also very warm-sounding but don't bother with an untweaked one. Get one from Jerry or have him tweak it.

adriancarrington · Post by **adriancarrington** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 1:51 pm

Just to add to the confusion......

Alba Q1

Very soft and warm sounding, and a strong contrast to Generation style whistles. I'm afraid I haven't yet tried wooden whistles, or Burke whistles, so can't offer you a direct comparison. You may also enjoy whistles in the lower keys of course.....the list just grows and grows!

I hope you find your ideal whistle,

Best, Adrian

TonyHiggins · Post by **TonyHiggins** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 2:39 pm

You might want to look more closely at lower keyed whistles. Bb, for instance. It still sounds whistley, but not to tinny or shrieky. The lower you go in keys, the more flutey whistles sound.
Tony

missy · Post by **missy** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 2:50 pm

thanks for all the recommendations so far - a little more information.....

I do have a Bb whistle, but want to play along with songs in the keys of D, Em, G or A (I also have a G, but it sounds like a dog whistle to me!)

I've tried a low whistle (specifically a D), and my hands are just TOO small to finger correctly, unless I can find one where the bottom hole is really offset from the others. Even when trying "piper" fingering, it just didn't work!

Keep up with the suggestions, I'm getting a "wish list" in order, here!

Missy

lixnaw · Post by **lixnaw** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:20 pm

what about a copeland low G?

E = Fb · Post by **E = Fb** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 5:29 pm

A soprano whistle will never have a true warm sound. If you find the whistle gets on your nerves, a quiet whistle may be what you really need. Also, a whistle that's out of tune will get on your nerves.

First I'd plug my ears when practicing at home. That takes care of the annoying volume.

Then I'd find the most in-tune whistle possible. That comes down to Susato, which also happens to have a reputation as screechy. OK then, put some industrial ear covers over those plugged ears and you'll be home free.