Hi all,
Did a search but didn’t find too much so I figured I would ask again in case there’s anything new out there.
Was thinking of trying Dan Bingamon’s PVC alto G and low D… not entirely sure I’ll like low whistles/will find success with same, so I don’t want to spend too much just to try out, and I’ve read the low D tends to be good for small hands.
I tried to have a search around here for reviews and only found a couple, one of which said the low D needs a lot of air, which wouldn’t work out that well for me (no asthma, lungs just suck). Has anyone else found this to be the case?
If we’re dealing in smartass remarks I feel compelled to chip in that suction is a fictitious force. Air pushes constantly in all directions, and so by lowering your diaphragm you are creating a space with a lower pressure, which the outside air rushes in to feel. No pulling or sucking involved!
The Bingamon low D I have needs lots of air. On the high end for breath in comparison to Burke, Goldie, Kerry Song Bird, MK, Sweetheart Resonance, and a few others. It’s not a bad whistle (and is very low priced), but you might want to avoid it if you don’t have lots of lung capacity.
Of the 3 low D’s i have owned: Jubilee, MK, Optima; they actually were in order of highest air requirement to lowest.
the jubilee sounded exceptionally good for a $30 low D! took LOTS of air though (that was made about 2 years ago).
MK ($350) takes less air, but is much, much louder; great for sessions.
Optima ($125) is quieter than the MK, but requires much less air, great for practice sessions.
I bought the $30 low D when it was a $25 low D and found it very easy to play and finger. My hands are probably average size for a female with short, stubby-ish fingers. It’s been a few years since the whistle went to live with a niece, but, IIRC, I didn’t even use the pipers grip on the Jubilee whistle. Thought it was a great whistle for the price. It was easier to play (for me) than a Susato my niece owned.
I’m kind of new to whistles in general, but I do think my low D Jubilee takes a good bit of air. That said, I tried the sticky-tack trick to make it quieter and it seems to take noticeably less air too.
Anyone else find this true? If not with this specific whistle, then with other low whistles?
Hi Dan,
It’s not yet. I haven’t gotten around to ordering yet (yay for bills and junk sigh), but if anyone would know a good tweak, it would be you! I’ll PM you when I order for advice.
