I am looking for a lower whistle.
I am thinking of a B, a Bb or A or even a low G.
How is the finger reach of a low G? Is the piper’s grip needed?
I have trouble reaching that lowest hole on the Bb without air leaks. Would an A whistle be any easier?
If all else fails, I know I could hit all the holes on a B, but I want to go as low as I can get.
How hard is the piper’s grip to learn? Are there any low whistles that don’t need a piper’s grip?
Sorry for the jumbled nature of this thread, it reflects where my thoughts are going right now.
When I play a Bb or an A whistle, I use my fingertips on the top three holes but not on the bottom three. On the bottom three I fully extend my fingers and use the are between the top two knuckles.
The Sweetheart Resonance Low D apparently doesn’t require the pipers grip, but it costs $400 and the grip isn’t all that hard to learn anyway.
Since you are playing a Generation as you told me by PM a couple weeks ago, a Burke is slightly easier to handle on the right hand. I also have an O’Brien which is harder to play for the right hand. An A will just be harder to reach. For average sized hands, a G probably needs Pipers Grip. Some people say that Burke Bnats are the best Burkes there are, my Bb is super nice and if the Bnat is better it must be a really really great whistle.
My advice would be to choose a low whistle that is in a useful key - Just as your High D can play D, G and A without too much effort, the other keys also have their set.
If keys are not an issue, I would be trying out a few whistles and simply pick one with a sound that suits you - the pipers grip thing is only a challenge at first and you will quickly find a grip that is effective and comfortable - a little practice every day for a few weeks should be all it takes.
Thanks, guys,
One more thought. Someone sent me a PVC flute in D, and for a lark I held it to my mouth like a whistle (since I can’t make much sound out of it anyway!) and tried the fingering. To my amazement, my small hands could reach all the holes. What’s with that, anyway? Do you need a piper’s grip for these? What about the Burke EZ?
If you guys are tired of me, I understand–it’s just that I HATE sending back whistles, and if I get one I want to be able to love it.