I just got a Freeman-tweaked Shaw (high D). I love the way it sounds.
I’ve never owned a whistle with a wooden block in the mouthpiece. What is the best way to care for it? I live in a very dry climate so I use a lot of chapstick. Will that harm it?
thanks for your help.
Kim
Kim:
I have owned several shaws. Dave Shaw makes his blocks out of peach wood and the only care that is needed to eliminate bacteria build up is from time to time gently wash the block surface with warm water or a warm soapy misture. I usually just feel my sink up with water and anti-bacteria hand soap and place the whistle mouth piece down and let it soak for 5 to ten minutes. I always go to the extreme…but actually a warm soapy wash cloth over the block would be sufficient.
Hmmm.
Hey I do “feel” my sink…but in this instance it won’t don anything to clean the whistle, so I would “fill” it up with soap and water. 
Aw, man, don’t leave it in the car. I thought I ruined mine that way, it dried up the block so bad. Get a plastic head whistle to leave in the car.
Bacteria build up?
How long can bacteria survive in your fipple?
Are you talking about eeny weeny bits of mucous perhaps?