Hi, New Member/Whistler Here

[xcaliburgirl]

Hi folks,

I've been lurking for a few days, trying to say "Chiff and Fipple" three times fast. I guess "Fiff and Whiffle" or "Chip and Fiffle" are close enough.

I just bought my first whistle: a Susato Kildare Low D.
Now I know what you're thinking, but I'm not ignorant. Just stubborn. Or stupid, if you will. I have some experience with flute and recorder, maybe that won't do any good or maybe it will. I guess we'll find out when my whistle gets here. So I may end up posting my frustration on here for your encouragement and/or we-told-you-so-go-buy-a-high-d.

I think I must be in the very early stages of WhOA. I ordered my whistle on Saturday and it should be arriving from The Whistle Shop on Thursday. The anticipation is driving me crazy. This morning I was listening to my Máire Brennan Cd (which was what had renewed the fascination that started with, yes I admit it, that stupid Titanic movie :roll: ) and thinking about my whistle while I was getting ready for work. And next thing I know, I was wearing white socks and running shoes! The dress code is business casual, but not that casual. I just know it: I'm doomed!

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself.

Alicia

[waitingame]

Welcome Alicia

I just bought my first whistle: a Susato Kildare Low D.
Alicia

If you learn to play even moderately well on the Low D (particularly the Susato, which IMHO is not really a beginner's instrument) you'll be surprised at how good you sound when you succomb and get a decent high D.

Good Luck
waitingame

[BrassBlower]

Welcome, Alicia!

[franfriel]

Welcome!

Why conform! If your heart said low whistle, then that's the place to start. And since you've got some wind experience that should help.

I'm a beginner, too, but I've been a musician all my life. If I'd started playing what I wanted from the beginning I would have saved a lot of frustrating years. I think our true longing is our roadmap to a happy life. So enjoy your new beginning. It may (or may not) be a tough road to start with but so what...Party On!

Fran

[vomitbunny]

Aw man, as long as you were ordering, you should have ordered a handful of cheap whistles to go with it.

[Stu H]

No worries! my first whistle was a Kerry low D that I saw in the local music shop window. I hadn't touched a whistle for years but I just liked the look of it & had to have it.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Welcome!!!

[Chuck_Clark]

Wecome to the board, Alicia. Anyone whose screen name draws from Arthurian legend is welcome, in my book anyway.

Donn't worry, you don't have WhOA - YET! That condition is only diagnosed by the appearance of two or more of the following symptoms:

1. Buying multiple whistles at one time;

2. Buying whistles off eBay;

3. Buying any whistle in a key other than C, D or low D.

4. Buying your fourth D whistle (assuming you still have the first three);

5. Buying your second whistle in C or your third in low D,

6. Being able to identfy five whistle makers by name,

7. Being able to be named by three whistle makers.

[mcbob]

Welcome Alicia! If you keep reading here, your collection of whistles will certainly expand, this forum is inspiring and fun, and very irreverent. I keep reading reviews of whistles and thinking " Why don't I have one of those yet?"
Somewhere in this forum is a great picture of JessieK's collection...we all have a way to go.

Bob

[RonKiley]

Welcome Alicia. You are in big trouble and don't even suspect a thing. I am just learning to play a low whistle myself. It is different. But hang in there it gets easier. BTW when ordering always order a bunch of whistles. It is more economical shipping wise.

Chuck if 2 symptoms is diagnotic what is 5 of 7?

Ron

[xcaliburgirl]

Thanks for the welcome everybody.

Aw man, as long as you were ordering, you should have ordered a handful of cheap whistles to go with it.

BTW when ordering always order a bunch of whistles. It is more economical shipping wise.

Yeah, I know, I didn't think of that until afterwards.

Donn't worry, you don't have WhOA - YET!

Eek! Then what am I DOING here?!?!?! I should be running for my life! Seems that bug is contagious.

[emmline]

It gets easier. Bony fingers don't help when it comes to lows. But it still gets easier.

[DebbieM]

Eek! Then what am I DOING here?!?!?! I should be running for my life! Seems that bug is contagious.

Welcome, Alicia! Yes -- run for the hills! There is no hope as long as you are exposing yourself to the high levels of WhOA viruses here on C&F. We've all got it, and we are all happy to share the bug.

In spite of that -- enjoy your Susato low D. If you have flute experience, it won't be as difficult for you. Piper's grip will be necessary and may feel a little weird at first. Be patient -- it wil be beautiful!

Debbie

[BoneQuint]

Piper's grip will be necessary and may feel a little weird at first.

Is this some sort of goop to keep the whistle from slipping in your hands? Will PolyGrip work as well?

[Guest]

Welcome Alicia, you should be glad that you did not start with a Clarke's like i did. Then besides chewing the paint off the outside I almost chewed the wood out of the inside and drove several dogs and cats to run away never to return, as I learned such gens as 'Thank God Wer'e Surrounded By Creameries'. Also I once tried to play "The Hucklebuck' but when a neighbor arrived with a loaded shotgun looking for the Devil, I had to quit.

[Will O'B]

Welcome, Xcal! From one new member to another.

Will O'Ban