A tip for low whistle players with thumb-rests

Whistle
1

Something I discovered quite by accident yesterday: playing my Susato low whistle is remarkably easier after applying hand lotion.

The only downside is that you need a whistle with a thumb-rest, so that the whistle doesn’t slide out of your newly greased-up hands.

Best to all,

–James
http://www.flutesite.com

2

What did the hand lotion DO, to make it easier to play, exactly?

If you fingers are going up and down in the air, rather than up and down the whistle, my limited imagination is preventing me from seeing how it helps.

DOH…

Steve

Steve

3

I’ve also noticed this on my susato…sealing is much easier! Peace, Mike

4

I always thought that it was my imagination, but after I get out of a nice long hot shower getting a good seal on my larger whistles is sooo much easier. I suppose it’s due to the way your hands get puffy when exposed to water for a while.

5

–quote–
What did the hand lotion DO, to make it easier to play, exactly?

If you fingers are going up and down in the air, rather than up and down the whistle, my limited imagination is preventing me from seeing how it helps.
–endquote–

I think perhaps it helps to get a better seal on the tone holes?

I am not actually sure why it worked. But my Susato low D has never been an easy whistle to play…until this morning.

I am not sure I have to understand fully why it works, just as long as it does.

Best wishes,

–James
http://www.flutesite.com

6

This is why I have always rubbed
myself all over with petroleum
jelly before playing a low
whistle. A drawback is that
I look like the Blob, or maybe
it’s the Creature from the Black
Lagoon. No, I guess it’s the Blob.
Being ugly to begin with,
this isn’t for me
a reason not to do it.

I’m able to get a good seal this
way, but there is some difficulty
in breaking it. Virtually every
note I play is a slide.
On the street I don’t have to
use a whistle bag, I just stick
the whistles to myself and they
stay. So do coins (and other objects)
people throw.
Also I find it easier
getting in and out of the car.
People sometimes say mean things like:
‘See ya later, lubricator!’
but it just slides off me.
Slippery Jimmy

7

Maybe it’s the moisturising effect, and since it’s (probably) oily, the fingers sorta sink into the the holes a bit more, yknow.

Couple it with a slightly more comfortable seal…presto.