tricks for warming whistles?

lisdoonvarna · Post by **lisdoonvarna** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 8:40 am

I'm looking for some ideas on keeping whistles warmed up during performances so they don't clog. I'm not keen on putting soap or solutions in the windway. If the whistles start to clog some I've learned to suck out moisture with my in breath and I don't want to get soap in my mouth. I switch instruments a lot during performances and when I pick up the all metal whistles like the Chieftain low d and low f I try to warm them up the best I can by holding the fipple in my hand or against my neck. It takes too long especially when in a cool setting. (I live in Minnesota!) I once saw Aodh Og O'Tuama from 4 Shillings Short set his whistles on an electric heating pad when not in use. Any other ideas either to keep them warm or to warm them up quickly?
Pat

Easily_Deluded_Fool · Post by **Easily_Deluded_Fool** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 8:46 am

I've seen Brian Finnegan from Flook walk on stage with a whistle sticking out of his back pocket!

I've used a cup of tea on several occassions to warm a whistle - just be careful it isn't too hot,
or the shrill noise won't be coming from the whistle

HTH

Celtic983 · Post by **Celtic983** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:02 am

This still may not be fast enough, but I have found that breathing in the bell in rather than the fipple end to warm it up works pretty good. However, this works in Texas....it might not work nearly as well in Minnesota where you have to play with gloves on. In Minnesota...your only option might be a welding torch

Wanderer · Post by **Wanderer** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:11 am

When I'm playing, I generally tuck metal whistles that aren't in use either under my arm (since that's warm enough to take a temperature from), or under my leg so that I'm sitting on the whistle. Under the leg is more convenient, but doesn't keep the whistle as warm.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:20 am

Seems like the heating pad woluld be good for several whistles, if it has a tempature control?

barbuck · Post by **barbuck** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 9:25 am

I also use a heating pad & a towel for my metal whistles when we play during the cooler months.

anniemcu · Post by **anniemcu** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 10:17 am

I was thinking a pocket added to the lower leg of the pants would be long enough and keep them close enough to the body for warmth, extra close and handy.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 10:41 am

What would Mae West say?

Screeeech!!! · Post by **Screeeech!!!** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 10:44 am

lisdoonvarna wrote:I'm not keen on putting soap or solutions in the windway. If the whistles start to clog some I've learned to suck out moisture with my in breath and I don't want to get soap in my mouth

If you use Ecover they won't clog so there won't be any need to suck.

Another idea... I was looking at a baroque flute/r*******r site yesterday and they were selling bags that had a slot to put a hot water bottle in to keep them warm.

anniemcu · Post by **anniemcu** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 11:32 am

Tommy wrote:What would Mae West say?

Something 'interesting', I'm sure!

WhistlinBob · Post by **WhistlinBob** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 2:03 pm

they sell heating pads filled with cracked corn you just pop it in the nuke and they stay warm for quite a while also they have gel packs to keep food warm I think corning ware sells them

lisdoonvarna · Post by **lisdoonvarna** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 3:05 pm

There are some great ideas above. Some I can't use. I can't sit on the whistle since we stand when we play. The hot tea I will surely spill on something electronic and I don't like tea. The problem I see with the non electric heating items is that they have to be warmed up before I leave home which with travel and set up time can be two hours before the performance starts so the preheated stuff may be all cooled down by the end of the show ( five hours from heating). Especially in winter here everything gets cooled quickly with loading/unloading. I'm liking the heating pad with a towel idea the best so far though I'd like something a bit smaller and classy looking.
Pat

Whitmores75087 · Post by **Whitmores75087** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:22 pm

Message to screech.
The Christmas tree business is actually good for earth's ecology. Growing them pulls carbon out of the atmosphere. As long as they are turned into mulch or placed in landfills, that carbon is out for some time. Burning them, of course, brings everything back to square one.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 5:28 pm

anniemcu wrote:
Tommy wrote:What would Mae West say?
Something 'interesting', I'm sure!

Good answer.

How about a whistle bag with a pocket for a heating pad? Oh, and it will need a cover for the cord.

Screeeech!!! · Post by **Screeeech!!!** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 6:47 pm

Whitmores75087 wrote:Message to screech.
The Christmas tree business is actually good for earth's ecology. Growing them pulls carbon out of the atmosphere. As long as they are turned into mulch or placed in landfills, that carbon is out for some time. Burning them, of course, brings everything back to square one.

I think you forget that those plantations were actually planted on virgin native forest land that contained far more carbon.

The spruce plantations are of absolutely no use to our native wildlife, fungi or wildflowers. They just destroy everything that is beautiful. And for what?

All i see when i look around is a planet on the brink of disaster because the natural native species are struggling to survive. Replaced by selfish money making spruce farms that give no consideration to the natural environment and order whatsoever.

Trees are for life, and life belongs to Nature. Keep taking from Her and you will regret it.

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tricks for warming whistles?

tricks for warming whistles?

Re: tricks for warming whistles?

warmth

water bottles, gel and corn packs