Slippery

[Tim2723]

Well, I suppose we could also say that, for example, a cello without an adjustable peg could only be played by certain musicians, and that the adjustable peg is a response from the instrument makers to allow everyone to play them. A non-adjustable peg might well be considered a design flaw that was corrected, since cello players don't expect to take a saw to their instrument. Slippery whistles can be played by many, but not by all, yet slipperiness is not a design flaw even though the player is expected to make a modification.

But OK, I get the hint, that's all I'll say.

[breqwas]

ZOMG!! TEH DRAMA!!!111


Speaking of fiddles. I'm going to the concert of Pratum Integrum next week. That's an authentic baroque orchestra from Moscow. All their instruments are authentic - and yes, violins and violas have no shoulder rests and cellos have no pegs. And all their stringed instruments don't have these nice handy thingies for easy tuning - they tune with pins.

That's not easy.

And they still play best baroque music in the city.

[Mick Down Under]

I use moleskin on the surfaces where my thumbs rest ...

How do the Moles feel about this I wonder...


Mick

[hoopy mike]

How do the Moles feel about this I wonder... Mick

Not as slippery as the eels...

[hoopy mike]

MT's list of fixes for slippery whistles is almost complete, but don't forget the two other options that require no modification to the whistle:

1) Lay down on the floor and play with the whistle pointing skywards.

2) Book a seat on the next space flight. Zero gravity means that the whistle won't slip downwards.

[breqwas]

1) Lay down on the floor and play with the whistle pointing skywards.

Don't do that! You'll swallow your low d on first c# note you meet in the tune!

[hoopy mike]

1) Lay down on the floor and play with the whistle pointing skywards.

Don't do that! You'll swallow your low d on first c# note you meet in the tune!

Oh, you need the slightly modified "Australian" method. Just attach a piece of string* to your light fitting and tie the other end to the end of the whistle.


*caution - do not attempt to do this with a piece of wire or anything else that conducts electricity. Also beware playing outside in thunderstorms with low whistles in the "Australian" position.

[MTGuru]

Mike, it's gratifying to see that you're putting your engineering expertise and insights to such good use. I want to see a photo or video demonstration of the Australian position, preferably in the laboratory with lots of fancy measuring equipment.

[jim stone]

I use moleskin on the surfaces where my thumbs rest ...

How do the Moles feel about this I wonder...


Mick

No moles are harmed in this process, I swear!

I really think this works very well (Moleskin where the thumbs and
rt pinky go, then superglue on the outside of the moleskin to
make a lasting rough surface). The surface becomes a bit less
rough with use but remains quite durable. I use this especially
on flutes. On flute a moleskin rectangle where the flute rests
on the base of the left index can be very helpful.

This musicianship business is very bottom up: the more secure
your grip the more relaxed your playing. Most/many whistles
don't need this treatment, but when they do, I do think
this works fine.

Also people don't much notice the moleskin, it seems.

[anniemcu]

Check your local music store for a little jar of GorillaSnot.

[jiminos]

MT's list of fixes for slippery whistles is almost complete, but don't forget the two other options that require no modification to the whistle:

1) Lay down on the floor and play with the whistle pointing skywards.

2) Book a seat on the next space flight. Zero gravity means that the whistle won't slip downwards.

my concern with option number one, being fairly new to the world of whistling, would be drowning on my own spit!!!! GACK!!!!!

i also tried the moleskin and super glue fix.... but now i can't put the dang whistle down.... only truly problematic when i must "visit the powder room."


be well,

jim

[FJohnSharp]

Someone once mentioned beeswax too, used in a similar way to the candlewax solution.

Oh, and none of my whistles let me play A or B rolls. I'm thinking of binning the lot of them.

[jim stone]

i also tried the moleskin and super glue fix.... but now i can't put the dang whistle down.... only truly problematic when i must "visit the powder room."


be well,

jim

Right. I feel your pain. It is very, very important to give the super glue
ample time to dry before you try to play the flute. On the bright side,
the flute is always there when I want it.

[Denny]

pull over tops are a drag.....stick to ones that open

[BigLeaf]

Someone once mentioned beeswax too, used in a similar way to the candlewax solution.

Just tried beeswax, which I have handy. Excellent effect. Could seal all the holes in a D-C-D sequence more reliably and whistle stayed put.