Different key flutes & whistles

[Lanselle]

Do any of you use different key whistles or flutes? They're great for getting another vibe from the tunes. Of course, flutes are quite expensive but I often use my Eb generation when playing about the house. Bb whistles are also great for airs. Just interested to know if any of you have ventured into the different key instruments and what you think of them.

[Peter Duggan]

Just interested to know if any of you have ventured into the different key instruments

Just about everybody, I'd think!

[Feadoggie]

Yes, I would think most players use instruments in various keys. Whistles are quite common in keys other than D. I've got them all covered along with a few whistles in exotic scales. Flutes in Bb, F , Eb, etc. aren't all that uncommon. And they are nice for getting "another vibe" from a tune. Flutes in F can be fun, IMO.

Of course, flutes are quite expensive

They really do not have to be. We live long lives and stumble across all manner of inexpensive flutes as we travel about. At least that's been my experience. But of course "expensive" is a relative term. PVC flutes in alternate keys can do the job if you are willing to invest the time in learning the basics of making your own flutes. And of course there are well regarded providers of PVC flutes out there as well - not as cheap as DIY but they are sure to be good playing flutes.

It's great fun to have a few different keys around the house to play when we need a little change.

Feadoggie

[jim stone]

I play a good deal on the street with other musicians (guitar, fiddle, vocals). And we're
doing a good deal of non-celtic stuff, e.g. blues, american fiddle tunes. We also do gigs, e.g. parties,
weddings, etc. In addition to my D flute I play an old sweetheart
G flute, in part because I can use it to play in C. Mine is rosewood, but the cherry wood
sounds very good, IMO, and is a lot cheaper. Also I use an A bamboo flute, which I can also use
to play in D. Bamboo flutes are pretty low cost, and once you get the hang of playing them,
they can sound very good indeed.

[Holmes]

I think this song and the accompaniment on the F flute is justification enough for anyone to have such a flute in "the armory"

https://youtu.be/e0NN07t9W0c

H

https://soundcloud.com/holmesflute/sets/holmes-flute

[accordionstu]

My main flute was always a Bb (Ab) high pitch flute as I grew up in Belfast playing in marching bands however, I got into the D Flute just over a year ago and now have a 5 keyed F as well. I have collected G flutes and fifes, whistles of various keys but these three baby's are my main weapons of choice. I want an ebonite or African Blackwood Eb next as I love the noise that James Murray makes from his.



This is the same Bb in the above picture which was sent back to Miller Wicks recently, silver plated and converted to covered hole.

[Mesquite]

Do any of you use different key whistles or flutes? They're great for getting another vibe from the tunes. Of course, flutes are quite expensive but I often use my Eb generation when playing about the house. Bb whistles are also great for airs. Just interested to know if any of you have ventured into the different key instruments and what you think of them.

I do think about such things a lot......... but usually only when I'm in a gathering and watch some flute/whistle folk unroll an ungainly number of instruments, in what looks like every possible key, in their cleverly designed cloth rolls-thingys.

[Ketil]

Besides my Doyle D flute I have a Marroncito Bamboo in E. Very handy for backing singers in A and E and of course the fiddle tunes..