Anybody play a cane low whistle?

Whistle
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'berry, why not save all your money and just ask someone to post the measurements of their low whistle. Then mark them on a yardstick and see how the reach feels. I’d post the measurements myself, but I don’t go that low.

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This will start from the fipple end, then each from the previous hole. The measurement from the fipple end is important, since it sets the angle of your arms, which definitely affects your finger reach. Measurements are to the center of each hole. Remember too that holes on low whistles tend to be large, so the measurement of the hole itself will be in parenthesis. All measurements to the nearset 16th inch.

Dixon low-D

1st Hole: 10-11/16" (5/16")
2nd Hole: 1-9/16" (6/16")
3rd Hole: 1-5/16" (5/16")
4th Hole: 2-6/16" (6/16")
5th Hole: 1-4/16" (7/16")
6th Hole: 1-9/16" (5/16")

Chieftain low-D (gold)

1st Hole: 11-9/16" (6/16")
2nd Hole: 1-7/16" (7/16")
3rd Hole: 1-7/16" (6/16")
4th Hole: 1-15/16" (5/16")
5th Hole: 1-7/16" (8/16")
6th Hole: 1-11/16" (6/16")

In spite of overall closer spacing on the Chieftain, I’d say that the Dixon is easier to play, mostly for the smaller holes. However, the Dixon is very quiet, and cannot be heard in session. The Chieftain does not have that limitation. :slight_smile:

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To answer your original question,
yes cane low D’s from india do play,
but it’s helpful to tootle om em
first, cause not all of em do.
Also the finger stretch on a
cane low D from India may be
significantly harder than on
a celtic low D.

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Well thats putting it rather lightly there Jim. I have a cane low D and the stretch is incredible. And the size of the holes swollows my rather large fingers. But I play it because it has an incredable sound. Is it in tune? I doubt it, is it a quality instrument? Not. Does it make music. I should say so. But if I were you Cranberry I would buy one of those brass low Gs by Asakan or what ever they call them. I had to put tape on the mouth peace of mine because I couldnt stand the taste but it is a real fun whistle. They are about 10 bucks and well worth it. Have fun in your search.

Tom

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Tom if we’re talking about the same whistles,
they make me physically sick.

I like Indian flutes and whistles, but I don’t know if they’re
so good for Celtic music, cause they don’t
seem to ornament crisply. Oddly they
sound best for Indian music!

Cranberry, where are you located?

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That’s why they let me hang around here. I’m always very quick to point out the obvious.
:roll: