Low whistle

Welshman · Post by **Welshman** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 7:48 am

I'd appreciate some advice.

About 2/3 months ago I took up the whistle after having 'pottered around' with it for years. I already play a couple of stringed instruments, so music was nothing new but the experience of blowing rather than picking was at first disorienting. Anyway I stuck with it and of course to no-one's surprise on here - I am now addicted! As a general rule I practice for about 3/5 hours every day and thankfully I am achieving some pleasing results, although I would still describe myself as a beginner.

When I started I chose to buy a decent lower price range whistle and went for a Dixon brass high D and I have been extremely happy with it (I also have a Shaw high C, Generation high D and a Clarke high D). Anyway, to my question - I chose to take up the whistle because I adore the sound of the low whistle. However, on reading advice generally on the web I chose to delay buying one until I had learned the basics. Well, I fear the longing persists and I still want a low whistle and I would appreciate advice of how long should I wait before I satisfy the craving? Also, do you have any suggestions on a good starter low whistle and what key would you suggest? The low D sound is a real goosebumps effect - but I have only heard it played by the experts. Also, the Burke and Kerry aluminiums look wonderfuil (but a bit expensive for a newbie).

Any ideas?

D

Bothrops · Post by **Bothrops** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:01 am

Okay, I'm not a low whistle player (yet, I'm waiting my first one in the mail). Actually, I'm a beginner tin whistle player as well (almost 5 months of playing).

IMHO, I don't think you "HAVE TO" wait to try a low whistle. Some people, in fact, start with them, or even start to playing the irish flute without knowing to play the tin whistle. I don't think it's a rule.
If you like the low whistle, go for it. You can pick up a low D, or, if you are a bit afraid of such a big whistle, you can try first with a smaller one like a low G or low F. It's on you.

I chose a Susato low D, because I've heard good opinions about it, it sounds nice (according to the recordings I've heard) and it's rather cheap (comparing to another low D's).
Burke's low Ds look wonderful indeed, and they have an excellent reputation too. If you can afford it maybe it'd be a good choice.

Good luck!
Martin

taity · Post by **taity** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:48 am

i only began playing the whistle a few months ago but like yourself
fell in love with low whistle and i just bought my 1st Dixon low d and after a few days practicing the grip required got the hang of it.
i still play my other whistles as well so i say go for it

ElPollo · Post by **ElPollo** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:24 am

heh, i posted almost the same question back when i had just found this forum.

You don't have to wait if the low d is what you feel is "your whistle". Then it's just a matter of getting one and practising.

I began playing the whistle last summer. (a Meg in D) And i just ordered a burke Viper. (blessed be the low dollar)

Good luck, and enjoy the trip.

CranberryDog · Post by **CranberryDog** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 12:26 pm

Like any instrument, buy the best quality you can afford. I don't follow the idea of "starter" instruments for adults. Like most musicians, you are probably searching for an instrument that will produce the sound you like. If you want to sound like Jimi Hendrix; you best buy a real Fender Strat and Marshall stack. At least you have the potential to get the sound you want. Then of course, you have to practice.

Straight off, I started playing a Burke low D. That was eight years ago. I haven't suffered a bit from starting with the low whistle. In fact, playing the low whistle was a good preparation for playing Irish flute.

Best of luck. Cyril.

Feadoggie · Post by **Feadoggie** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 1:27 pm

Welshman wrote:I chose to take up the whistle because I adore the sound of the low whistle. .. I fear the longing persists and I still want a low whistle and I would appreciate advice of how long should I wait before I satisfy the craving? Also, do you have any suggestions on a good starter low whistle and what key would you suggest? The low D sound is a real goosebumps effect - but I have only heard it played by the experts. Also, the Burke and Kerry aluminiums look wonderfuil (but a bit expensive for a newbie).

Two thoughts, as has been noted already, if you want to play low D then go for it just be prepared to go through the learning process. That will pass quicker than you think.

As for which whistle? If the sound of the low D haunts you find out just which make is doing the haunting. If the sound you like is an Overton, get an Overton. If it's the sound of a Copeland, get a Copeland. Some low D's have signature sounds. Beyond that, if you are happy with your Dixon high D, Tony makes good low D's. The polymer Dixon is a good beginner low D - moderate stretch and moderate breath requirement. It sounds good and plays well although not particularly loud.

Feadoggie

arnie · Post by **arnie** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:48 pm

If you look for a good price vs. quality, try Impempe. Impempe is a South-African whistle, made by Ian Turnbull. I have four SPLENDID and BEAUTIFUL whistles of Ian. He now has a low D. The quality of the high whistles is comparable to a $100,- whistle, the price is only half of it. His website:
http://impempe.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/
Ian is the kind of guy who sent me a whistle just to try out. Of course I kept it. I now have an Impempe high D, C, F and Bb.

sbfluter · Post by **sbfluter** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 6:12 pm

There's a Dixon Low D down at the local music shop. I tried it out about 9 months ago, when I was pretty new to all this. I simply could not reach the holes and put it back. I tried it again at about 6 months, and now I could readh. I blew a few notes and thought ewww, not in tune and put it back. Yesterday I tried it again, now with 9 months of knowledge, and I thought it sounded lovely. My boyfriend was with me and he said "you have a birthday coming up." Perhaps it will be mine.

Anyway, this is all to say that sometimes first impressions, when you are new to this, can't be trusted. That could either mean that the low whistle you hated at first will improve as you improve, or else that in another year I'll try that Dixon again and say ewww because I've improved even more. It's a crap shoot so I guess don't think about any instrument as The Last And Final One.