So I am an experienced, I guess retired semi-pro musician. As in used to be very active in the cover circuit in the area and paid well for it as a side gig to the day job, mostly bass guitar but I play many instruments. I just got my first whistle, a clarke’s celtic D. I guess it is basically a painted sweetone. This is my first woodwind since the days of tenor saxophone in high school.
Anyway I am finding the whistle to be such a remarkable instrument, simplicity and flexibility in a small package with a unique tone. I must confess it already has me curious about irish flute as an instrument I might like to try.
Anyway I asked for it as a random christmas thing and sure enough my wife got this one for me. It is already opening the WhOAD door. So for my one week in piece here is a recording apropos for this time of year from last night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy8TzLbcNBg&feature=youtu.be
I am just starting to focus more on cuts and taps and not tonguing so much.
Not sure how into doing much traditional irish music I will be. For right now playing around with stuff I know from other genres and attempting to practice air in g on my whistle.
So to add a question to this long intro, I am already thinking about my next whistle. I like this one but already want more in the flock, and need to sort out a reasonable case for them. I am thinking of getting a c whistle next. The ones I have been thinking of trying next.
- Clark original
- Walton
- Generation
- Feadog
- Dixon Trad
So my thoughts. I think I might like a less airy more pure tone one. I don’t want nickle, I have a nickle allergy which already has caused me enough fun on choosing bass strings. I am thinking I want to try a cylindrical bore for the next one. All of what I said I think would lean me towards the walton or the dixon, but I am thinking sticking with the “cheapies” for now means maybe going for the walton in c.
Anyway thanks for having me and happy new year.
Ken
