Had some nice hardwood fall from a tree during a windstorm, and thought I could make a low D whistle from it. Having some difficulty with voicing for the narrow bore – just not sure how to diagnose. I’m getting a somewhat breathy C# an octave higher than a low whistle (and a barely audible lower octave with very slight breath). Just curious if there might be any advice on making a narrow bore low D whistle. If all else fails, I can probably chop it down to make an alto G with more forgiving geometry. Just ordered a copy of Low Whistle Makers Anthology and have been looking through previous posts, but any help is appreciated!
Most likely issue would either be a leak (which you can check by taping the joins or put blu-tack round them), or it’s the windway position relative to the wedge/ramp/labium. The bore isn’t too narrow, so don’t cut it down.
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After you check for leaks, I’d consider that top photo, looking down the windway. You might want more of a gap showing between the floor of the windway and the bottom of the labium. Not much, just a tiny bit, uniform across the width of the window.
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If you haven’t already done so get it oiled well inside and out. Dry wood whistles don’t tend to play nicely, especially going lower in pitch.
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