Keyed Whistles

Daniel_Bingamon · Post by **Daniel_Bingamon** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 9:58 pm

Depends on what kind of music you're playing.

Some of us play types of folk music that is very difficult on a tinwhistle, like Klezmer. Stuff like this http://www.manchesterklezmer.org/pages/repertoire.html

I like being able to play a nice full sounding Eb on a D whistle. Half-holing may work, but never sounds very good.

vomitbunny · Post by **vomitbunny** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 10:34 pm

If you had a keyed whistle, you could lock it up so no one could play it while you wern't home.

Tak_the_whistler · Post by **Tak_the_whistler** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 4:49 am

a keyed whistle....my dream.

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 6:42 am

I think there is a market for a keyed whistle...I know I'd want one.

Any flute makers wanna revive a modern version of the 6-key flageolet?

--James

Daniel_Bingamon · Post by **Daniel_Bingamon** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 7:44 pm

I'm curious, what is more desirable. A keyed high whistle or low whistle?

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 7:56 pm

I'd want a high D whistle. A low keyed whistle would seem too much like a flute to me.

Dana

Unseen122 · Post by **Unseen122** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 9:30 pm

High no doubt about that. In wood or aluminum too I find those are the best for whistles that is my opinion.

Daniel_Bingamon · Post by **Daniel_Bingamon** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:09 pm

Here's what I think would work as a high whistle.

Look at this piccolo on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 42901&rd=1

Now, with a whistle fipple on the end of something like this (only modern made) would make a great whistle. You have the 6 basic holes that are on the tinwhistle that would play the usual notes and the extra keys for your other notes.

My little piccolo whistle looks just like this except that it's plastic.
Here it is:

I found that they still sell on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 07129&rd=1 but the postage is quite expensive.

peteinmn · Post by **peteinmn** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 10:52 am

Daniel,

I also saw these Indian made piccolos on EBay recently. They are in the key of D and have open holes at the usual places. I thought these would be the perfect prototype to try a high D keyed whistle. It seems you have already done this! How does it play? What does it sound like? What is the workmanship of the piccolo body/keywork like? Tell us more.

Peter

Daniel_Bingamon · Post by **Daniel_Bingamon** » Fri Jan 21, 2005 4:11 pm

The keys are plated very nicely, it's too bad that they weren't polished and cleaned up as well before it was done.
There is detail in the work however. The keyed all have leaf springs and they're tight (no side to side motion). They all have cork bumpers that have been consiously trimmed to keep the key from over opening.
It's a conical bore. The pads are the red leather pad style, not like your typical band flute pads, but they seal well and impression of the seal is well formed in the pad.
The case is beautiful inside, the hinges are bit tiny but it has been holding out.

I didn't like the threaded tenon on the head, I removed it and put cork in place. This also improved the sound - I think it was previously leaking.

The six holes play a normal 'D' scale.
The two hole C natural plays a bit sharp, but there is a key for doing C nat.
If has two F keys, one for the left hand and one for the right. I don't like using the left thumb for the Bb, but this is not unusual for 19th century style piccolo layout.

Another pet peeve, the posts do slightly protrude into the bore.

Altogether, I still like it and it has been a worthwhile investment.

Walden · Post by **Walden** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 2:50 am

Ultimately, I'd like a keyed high whistle AND low whistle, but I do think that the size of the small whistle may make it clumsy for all but players with very small fingers.

I.D.10-t · Post by **I.D.10-t** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:01 am

What about this monster?

http://jubileeinstruments.messianic-web ... omatic.htm

I have never heard any thing good or bad about their instraments, But from what I see, I am curious.

Walden · Post by **Walden** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:26 am

I.D.10-t wrote:What about this monster?

http://jubileeinstruments.messianic-web ... omatic.htm

I have never heard any thing good or bad about their instraments, But from what I see, I am curious.

Yes, Daniel, what about this monster?

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:21 am

That's a monster alright.

I want one like it in high D!

Dana

chattiekathy · Post by **chattiekathy** » Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:20 am

Hi all you keyed whistle wanters

I have this big baby at my house right now. What fun!!!

http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?p=295656#295656

I will only have it for another week or so. I am having a lot of fun with it and it's tiny companion.

Daniel, You are one clever whistle maker!

Cheers,
Kathy

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