The lowest D simply has to squeal at me! I’ve only been playing for one week, and out of the 4 whistles I ordered, I only like two of them - the Clare D and Oak D. The Sweetone was ok, but my six year old won’t give it back.
On the Oak, I’ve got a good tone going, except for that low D note!! I have to try several times to blow such a tiny amount of air into it before it shows any sign of cooperating.
Does anybody have any suggestions on what I can do?
Thanks!
Take a look at this…http://www.chiffandfipple.com/tweak.html
Nathan
Are there any other whistlers in the area who could give it a test run? Sometimes it’s just a matter of breath control.
I’ve been an Oak fan for a long time hence the nickname, hotlips. I never encountered this problem. That’s not to say you don’t have a dud, but you may also be “blowing”…not a good thing. Better to breathe into it. The advise to let someone try it is good.
Anej, you have good taste in whistles. Nate gave good advice. The Oak does take less air than a lot of whistles, but both of mine have decent bell (lowest) notes. One possibility, addressed in the tweaking discussion, is that there’s something in the windway. This commonly causes it to jump octaves, squeak, or something.
Did you get your whistles at HMT? If not, you might want to pay them a visit; it’s a really cool shop. My wife and I have been known to go in to get a CD and come out with a harp, cello, or bass recorder (all on consignment).
Charlie
Another thought…are you absolutely sure your lowest finger is completely covering the hole? I know I sometimes get my right hand at an angle somehow, and I don’t notice it until I try to play a low D…then SQUEEEK!
Redwolf
Thank you all for your sound and helpful advice! 
Nathan, I’ve heard about tweaking, but never never EVER thought I’d be brave enough to try it.
But I was DESPERATE enough to try it! And it’s far more simple than I expected. The fipple came off first try, and I had the perfect sandpaper!
The tweaking has made a big difference in hitting that D, PLUS improved the overall tone.
I still have intermittant trouble with squeaks, but I think
[ This Message was edited by: Anej on 2002-12-03 22:13 ]
My post: part II
(sorry the editing process isn’t working for me tonight)
Here’s the rest of what I was trying to say:
I still have trouble with intermittant squeaks but I think the suggestions about covering the holes completely and “breathing” instead of “blowing” will help that.
I was getting very discouraged with this whistling…I so wanted to make the beautiful sounds I’ve heard but just figured I’ve had too many clarinet and saxophone lessons to unlearn.
I really appreciate your help, and would like to gush all night about how wonderful you’ve been to this newbie…but…I’ve got some whistling to do!!
Thanks again,
Anej
For the lowest notes on the Oak D, open your throat and drop your jaw.
You need large amounts of slow moving air.
You’ll know when you get it–the note will resonate and “pop out from under.”
Best wishes,
–James
http://www.flutesite.com
Anej,
Out od interest, what was the 4th whistle you ordered? If you’ve played sax and clarinet, you are quite likely to be putting too much air into the Oak. It really is a low air whistle, breathing is all that’s required for the lower notes, as noted by various good folks above.
You might try something that requires more air, like a Clarke Original, Susato or Shaw, to help with the transition period.
I have an Oak and it’s one of my favourites, the body is such nice quality and has developed a pleasing patina round the holes from long use. I have transplanted a Feadog Black haed onto it, though, as I didn’t like the Oak Fipple. I might put the old fipple back on again and give it a toot tonight!
happy breathing!
My first whistle was an Acorn, and I had the same problem, so I got a Susato. A Susato Dublin is about the same price as an Oak, has a great tone (in my opinion), and it’s low D is as stable as that of any whistle I know of.
Its’ low D may be stable, but the second octave will pierce glass!!! 
Larry
you’re blowing too hard.