Still relatively new to whistling. I started this January ( I have been playing classical flute for about 40 years) on a D whistle. I just received a MK gloss black F. Sometimes I try a pipers grip (still getting use to it) and sometimes my tips which seem to work out better. I have noticed on YouTube, that players perform on a low F whistle with both grip and/or tips. Which one is correct or is it more of a personnel preference
While I’m by no means an expert, I’d say the latter (personal preference) is true. That said, the bigger the distance between the holes, the more unavoidable piper’s grip becomes - so knowing how to use it is a good thing. On my Alba low Bb, a - extremely stretched - piper’s grip is the only way to handle the whistle’s lowest note (my right little finger doesn’t cover the whole properly, and it’s awkward to use to say he least).
Since I’ve got medium hands and speaking from the experience of my low D, I’d think that piper’s grip isn’t necessary on a low F, though. That means that you’re free to choose.
M.
There is no “correct”-- do what works best and most comfortably for you.
For someone who has been playing classical flute for 40 years, I say we vote to say that the most painful way for this person to play is the “correct” way. Suffering improves a musician.
There isn’t even a “correct” way to play regarding left handed or right handed, unless you have keys on the instrument. I accidently learned to play left-handed and only when I got a silver flute did I realize something was up. I can play a simple flute left handed with a piper’s grip or right handed with just the piper’s grip with my right hand and fingertips with my left hand. I can also switch handedness midsong. Usually between verses is the “correct” place to switch handedness. (I have a friend who plays the clarinet who can’t even watch me play left-handed. She has to avert her eyes. She says it’s wrong. Just wrong.)
Lol. Anymore posturing, you’re going to make us all feel inadequate! Try this on for size:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MJ-NeXRcEk
music starts at 2:15minutes.
Yes - I use piper’s grip out of necessity. I’m always a bit screwy on the last note. Need one of those finger racks…
I didn’t say I could play well. I just said that I could do this. No posturing here.
I’m a big worrier. I used to be an even bigger worrier. I had two plans in case of nuclear war. One of the things I used to worry too much about is what I would do if I lost a body limb and couldn’t play an instrument. After the internet, I don’t worry about that so much.
I have a low G, and I’ve noticed that I use both types of grip. Not on purpose – just sometimes I notice that I’m using one or the other.
It’s personal preference, of course. A low F is about as low a key as you can manage to still use fingertips.
If you have trouble covering the holes on a whistle lower than F, use the pipers grip on the low F to get you used to it.
Congrats on your new whistle! I just received the same whistle. My hands are of average size and the pipers grip is comfortable for me. You must be comfortable holding the whistle because you won’t play as well if you’re not. So see what feels best for you. Have fun!
http://www.colingoldie.de/brian-finnegan.html
Here’s a whole variety of players and grips…all low F whistles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9QTE9G7Kbk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppb1Zk73hSw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSjzl6gUYCo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_c06Bdpi-A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4QkMASEzFE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zZr-384M-E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q551wDXwI4M&feature=related
Boyd
(and here’s my own whistling “credentials”…oh and on my low F I use piper’s grip)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07KaCnU2m1w
A big thanks to all who answered - this is a great list - love James_Alto comment about suffering - i find myself doing the same thing (for now) as highland-piper - using both grips - i guess until one wins over. The thing i love about whistling is that it seem that there is a lot of freedom in what and how you play - this is very refreshing
I would agree with other posters that low F is the ‘crossover point’ - G and above, conventional grip is natural; low E & below, piper’s grip is the only comfortable possibility.
With low F, it could also depend on the type & brand of whistle. Of my 2 low F whistles, one is larger bore with larger holes & really requires piper’s grip; the other is narrower bore, smaller holes & can be played either way.
I made another large bore (for sale) & it turned out quite playable with conventional grip.