I was just listening to Simple Praise by Joanie Madden on the Windham Hill Sampler a Winter’s Socstice. I was hooked. Now I would like to learn how to play a tinwhistle. If anyone has any advice for me on what whistles to buy, where they can be bought, what to learn on etc. I would greatly appreciate it. Also, if anyone could tell me what whistles were used in that song (maker and key) and where I could find the sheet music for it (for after I get the hang of things), that would be wonderful. Thanks for any help!
There are a lot of whistles available at a reasonable price for beginners. I would recommend Clarks SWEETONE as they are inexpensive and easy to play, offer a nice sellection of colors and feel good in the mouth.
Generally the first whistle key to get would be a D as it is the most common whistle, easy to reach with the fingers, easy on the ear and you can read regular sheet music and still be in tune with everyone else.
A quick look at http://www.thewhistleshop.com will help - they have a good beginners section including a few recommendations - they want you to buy their own stock of course, but the advice is free and useful.
As far as whistles - a Dixon high D or Clarke sweetone are both good first whistles - after that your’re on your own as the collection of whistles will grow, despite any good intentions you may have!
I meant to add that a good first book is The Clarke Tin Whistle Handbook by Bill Ochs, although there are several other good ones, but some tend to start off slow and suddely you’re left wondering what happened.
I also really enjoyed the “Mad for Trad” Tin Whistle CD by Brian Finnegan (Flook), who explains the more complex techniques - these need to be seen and far better than explained in any book. Available from Ossian in the US or direct from Ireland. (But not cheap - $39)
[ This Message was edited by: jtbishop on 2002-10-23 19:21 ]
Hi Kaje -
I concur that a D whistle would be your best bet for a first instrument, however if you are short on $ I have either a Sweetone C (red) or a Susato Eb Kildare (sorta red) which you may have if you send me the $ for priority mail shipping (assuming you are in the U.S.). Good luck on your musical journey.
Yup, a Sweetone D is a great place to start, and the Whistle Shop’s tutorial are great. When you have time, go over all of C&F, too. There’s a lot to learn here.
If it was recorded more than two and less than about six or seven years ago, Joanie was playing an O’Riordan. Before about six or seven years ago, it may have been a Thin Weasel. In the last two years, it was probably an O’Riordan but could have been a Burke.
Kaje, I’ve noticed several recommendations for the Clarke Sweetone whistle. It’s a great whistle to start out with, because it’s very easy to play, but if you want the clear, beautiful tone which Joannie gets, you might be disappointed. As JessieK stated, she was probably playing an O’Riordan (or possibly a Burke), and there was very likely some electronic enhancement of the sound. The cheapest whistles which are capable of giving a great tone are (arguably) a Generation or an Oak, but poor quality control makes getting a good one a crap shoot. I would suggest getting a Sweetone first, and if you really like playing the whistle, think about moving up to an Ó Briain Improved D. The tone is awesome, especially the nickel model (in my opinion), and the price is affordable.
Despite the obnoxious behavior of the guy who represents the company, the Susato Very Small Bore d is a lovely inexpensive whistle with a pure tone. Darn.
On 2002-10-23 22:45, JessieK wrote:
Despite the obnoxious behavior of the guy who represents the company, the Susato Very Small Bore d is a lovely inexpensive whistle with a pure tone. Darn.
Jessie
Ah, yes! The Susato VSB D is a fine whistle, and an excellent (less expensive) alternative to the Ó Briain Improved. (I don’t think Mike’s behavior was ever obnoxious, but that’s irrelevant.)
I’m a beginner that just started to try to learn too. I have a Sweetone and a Dixon D. I recommend the Dixon, because you can get a non-tunable to start with for 16 bucks, and I feel its easier to learn on. Just my experience though. Compared to other instruments, 16 bucks to see if you like it is not bad at all.