Hi evertybody - I just joined Chiff and Fipple. I also just started playing the tin whistle. I have some experience with music (clarinet, recorder, guitar etc) and really enjoy Irish music. I bought a Walton D brass tin whistle and I’m wondering if I made a good choice. Not having problems except for some saliva clogging. I wouldn’t mind getting another inexpensive whistle and am thinking about the Clarke Sweetone. Any thoughts about the Walton? Thanks.
Paul
Hi Paul, Walton’s aren’t bad, but Sweetones are also a good place to start. That was my first whistle and I still like it.
If your Walton is clogging, search the main C&F home page for something about wet whistle blues and do the Jet dry treatment. It is needed for a lot of whistles and usually stops the clogging.
yes, i agree with bogman, sweetones are my favorite and i think they are the best inexspensive whistle. my first whislte was a clarke, the real quiet kind. i still play it, but it takes a lot of breath.
Have to wade in here with another perspective. First, Waltons are usually just fine. Second, buy a few cheapies and try them out for fun - I like most of them - Generation, Faedog, Clarke, etc. Personally, I don’t like Sweetone as it is the only whistle that seems like a toy to me - that’s my hangup - and it has nothing approaching any sort of traditional or any kind of interesting (again subjective) tonal quality. Third, don’t worry so much about clearing and cleaning your cheapies (unless there is a detectable blockage) - just cover the top of the airway with your finger and blow out the spit - you can shake it out too but unless surrounded by enemies make sure noone’s around. Finally, the only soprano D whistle I know of that can be problematic with respect to air requirements is the Shaw; otherwise you should have no problem other than getting used to the whistles and learning great music. Go get some whistles, get some cds and books, and listen and play and try some sites on the internet too to listen to people play, and have fun.
Philo
Thanks everyone - think I’ll get a few more cheap ones. The Jet Dry thing sounds interesting. I haven’t found anything on it yet but assume it acts as a surfactant to keep the moisture from beading up?? I would gues you just dip the fipple in it?
I like Sweetones. they seem somehow “jolly” to me. The Sweetone called the “Celtic” whistle seems to be the nicest - I have no idea why, all that’s different from the standard Sweetones is the paint job. Anyone else find this?
Here you are, Paul. I can’t remember if it talks about Jet dry here…that may have come from later advice from somone who improved on this idea. http://www.chiffandfipple.com/moist.htm
I must say that a agree with Mitch. Clark Sweetone is a very nice whistle at a very nice price. I like the Sweetone for several reasons: its in tune, fun and easy to play and has got a nice tone. Buy a black or unpainted one any other colour looks like a toy!
My second choice is the Feadog. It has a really genuine whistle sound and is very well in tune too!
A Freeman tweaked Generation is a real gem too!
Funny, I’ve thought the same thing. But we’re both probably delusional. 
After all, you can still see the “leaping whistler” logo beneath the green paint.
Search the Whistle forum for “Jet Dry”, “clogging”, etc. Here’s an example thread:
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=38821
I believe Jet Dry needs to be diluted first, and it has a tendency to turn your tongue numb. Other choices include dilute dish detergent, or dryer sheets. I use Duponol, a commercial surfactant sold through recorder dealers specifically for this problem, and it does the trick.
Also … Breath condensation in the windway is one thing. But if you’re actually salivating into the mouthpiece, then you need to condition yourself to avoid that. Pavlov in reverse! Sometimes it’s hard to prevent the reflex when you stick something in your mouth. It may help to try playing with the tip of the mouthpiece just touching your lips, or only a few millimeters in, instead of “eating” the mouthpiece. Unlike clarinet, whistle should be played as “dry” as possible.
Good luck!
I agree with buying a bunch of cheapies. I’ve been playing a Clare nickle that I bought at lollysmith.com for $15.90 with shipping. Shipping cost just about as much as the whistle ($8.95). I’d buy a brass Clare at the same time to take advantage of the shipping rate. They’re both great whistles. Freeman tweaked whistles are superb, especially the Mellow Dog.
I’m with you Philo in regards to the sweetone. I gave mine away. I do still have my Waltons D. It’s a nice whistle.
Do try out as many “cheapies” as you can. Some are really great. I’ve got an old Gen C that is still my favorite C whistle.