… took the whole family (wife and 3 teens). Great food (commented on by the teen boys of course (and myself)… great music, dancing … also enjoyed ‘learning’ about the Celtic language and history
(edit - where → Erin Feis - Peoria IL)
of course, I did have hopes that there might be a vendor with whistles… well there was one - whistle (actually 3 of the same) - a low D (Aluminum) by John Eyer… not having heard of this maker, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take a chance with this (having thought I made my mind up to get a Tipple low D flute instead of another whistle) (make that a low D whistle)… needless to say… I now have a BIG whistle (compared to my high D’s and C)… it plays pretty nicely; but being a noob in general and having this one for only 2 days - it’s early to make a real call on it. My impression after about 5 minutes was OUCH (hand cramps)… then I remembered reading about the pipers grip - it’s still a stretch to the low D (I can reach an octave and a 3rd on a piano pretty easily) - but I have very thin fingers (my pinky can fit (partially) inside the 2nd hole)… then I had to learn how hard to blow (I was underblowing it)… and it takes a LOT of air to hit the 2nd octave on it. Seems to have a somewhat ‘reedy’ or ‘buzzy’ sound.
I’ll post some photos if anyone is interested in taking a look.
(oh - and I haven’t written off the Tipple yet… (or the.. and… )
Ta me sona!
If the stretch is too much, try using the little finger on your right hand to cover the bottom hole. Failing that, I’m sure you could try using a toe, although that might require a little yoga.
No … They’re called tone holes, not toe holes. You’re obviously the victim of an unfortunate typographical error.
So do I. Try curling your B1 and B2 fingers slightly around the tube. That relaxes the joints and makes your thin fingers slightly fleshier and squishier to cover the holes better. The B3 finger should cover the hole with the pad of the finger as with normal grip.
ok - as a noob - I thought I had R fingers and L fingers… is B the bottom fingers? so B = R (which sometimes = Mrs. T) … (and I do curl them - sometimes works good, sometimes not as good) (Is there a FAQ which defines some phrases/abbreviations?)
I also have a tendency to lose my grip - when changing octaves (playing the high D and back to say -B…)
Yes, sorry Trav. I use T top and B bottom - instead of L left and R right - because either hand might be in either position.
Use your B3 finger on the B3 hole as your anchor finger. It both stabilizes the whistle, and prevents your bottom hand position from shifting around when the other bottom fingers are up off the tube. Takes some practice if you’re not used to anchoring with B3 (believe me, I know).
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