Carelessness with whistles can be disasterous yet may be completely preventable. I have not ruined nor damaged any of my whistles knock on wood. However, I’ved observed carelessness on several occasions by others concerning whistles and other instruments as well.
Maybe this is a needless reminder that whistles will roll off the table onto the floor. A dropped whistle bent, dented, cracked, split, broken or whatever damage can be heart wrenching. Yes, even that cherished fifteen dollar whistle that has done it all for so long can so easily be side lined from the roll. See there’s more than a couple rolls concerning whistles, puns intended.
Properly maintain your whistles, swab them out after use and let dry, then store them in a protective case and in a safe place. Just a reminder.
Some careless observations from here include whistles stuck in the back pocket while walking about (damage or theft opportunity), whistles stuck under or between legs while seated playing another instrument and upon standing upright (to take a bow or pint run) the forgotten about whistle drops to the floor. Also mentioned were whistles left behind on stage, festivals, or at events where the musicians take conversations with others, distracted times. I’ve heard of whistles being left up on the automobile roof while departing and the whistle gets left behind and damaged. Truth be told, I’ve done that with a fresh cup of coffee and couldn’t figure out where the liquid was coming from. I’m not perfect but I do make a mistake or two (annually) and I do take better care of my whistles.
Anyone have any funny tales to tell about their whistle damage? Or willing to admit to the carelessness? Clutz or clumsy where do you fall in?
Save yourself some heartache and take care of your whistle(s). Prevention is paramount. Enjoy your whistling!
Not a careless story but a helpful hint for some. For the ladies and stylish gentlemen, shin high boots make awesome metal whistle holster and keeps them warm as well so no down time between playing. That usually stops any whistle rolling off the edge of the table. Sadly does not work with low whistles or wooden whistles. Though if you have a gap between your leg and boot, I don’t know how well this would work since my boots are tight on me.
I’ve bent many Clarkes in my back pocket, and broken a couple Dixon’s that way too.
This one takes the cake, though:
Yep, that’s a Copeland low D, my wife spent nearly $900 on as a Christmas present.
Broke that at North Texas Irish Festival back in 2009. I had the whistle in a rapier sheath, which held it nicely…until my step-son’s girlfriend pulled the chair out from under me as I sat down, as a prank. First thing to hit the ground was the whistle, which then crumpled under my weight.
Thankfully, Mr. Copeland was able to completely repair the instrument.
My old Clark was a favorite of mine. Didn’t realize it was also a favorite of my dog. Left it once laying on the coffee table and ole Bandit couldn’t resist chewing on its wooden fipple. I tried to repair it but it was damaged to the point of no return. Couldn’t help but think the dog was getting revenge for all the ear piercing notes I hit.
Here’s one that was returned to me for repairs after it’s owner sat on it. I take these as a personal challenge. The result was very functional although I wasn’t able to make the repair invisible
I take my whistles backpacking. Somewhere there is an Eb whistle behind a rock in the Wind River range below Knapsack Col. It’s yours if you can find it.
