Chieftain Low D aluminum whistle help?

Whistle
1

Hi,

I just got an aluminum Chieftain Low D whistle, as a gift for a friend.
I know very, very little about whistles… I’m just the guitar player…

When I got this one, I was looking it over and I moved the top part as if to tune it and a small ring of fibers fell out, broken.

Apparently this ring was a gasket of sorts that kept the two parts of the whistle snug, providing friction. Now the two parts fit too loosely to stay in place.
Now the questions:

What is the original gasket material, and how can I replace it?

Do I need to contact Chieftain to get an original one of these? How do I contact the mfr anyway?

I have a couple of weeks before time to give this gift, so I want it to be fully and beautifully operational by then.

Please feel free to reply via email.

Many thanks,

stv

2

I don’t know anything about Chieftains, but my guess would be that teflon tape would fix you right up. In fact the ring of fibers could have been old teflon tape, if I had to guess. Just give it a try, it can’t hurt anything.

Robin

3

If that doesn’t work, do a search for Phil Hardy, whom
makes the whistles and sometimes posts here.
That should get you his e mail. And if that
doesn’t work, try a google search for Phil Hardy
or Chieftain whistles. He’ll be glad to advise
you. Best

4

Here’s his e-mail address: phil@kerrywhistles.demon.co.uk

I recently dealt with him on a whistle problem I was having. He was very happy to take care of it.

Best,

Little John

5

I have the same whistle, and the floss gasket was gone within minutes. Teflon tape does the trick.

6

Just a few turns of plumbers Teflon tape will do.

Beeswax works well too.

Best of all: if you’re a sailor, or know one, ask him to lash (whip) the tube with dental floss, then brush some melted beeswax over it.
Hey, here’s an online picture for whipping–c’mon, nothing to do with bondage–from http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/skills/b-p/wb/knots.htm)

7

Phil Hardy makes Chieftan whistles? I thought it was Paddy Maloney? Those Overtone whistles are still being made by Davy Spillane, right?

8

FAIK, Spillane doesn’t play tabor pipe, if it’s what you mean by overtone whistle (or Oberton, same thing). :roll:

9

Zub, I believe I was “taking the piss” there. Martin? Peter? Was I?

10

I think ski wax, red, works too–along with beeswax.
In case you don’t have any bees.