Classical musician considers joining the 'dark side'

Whistle
21

I have no musical background. When I began (3 yrs ago) I played a no-name, an Oak and a Sweetone. It was enough to get me hooked. After three months, I got a Susato. On the first breath I knew it was a different level of whistle - much more predictable and consistent - better tone and much louder. I’m pretty sure everyone goes through a Susato phase. Given your background, I’d suggest starting there.

Also, the low whistle feels different because of the stretch in the grip and requires a lot more air. You could put off buying a low whistle until you’re comfortable with the a high whistle.

Most importantly, if you’re going for Irish music, listen, listen, listen. E-bay is a good source for used cds.

22

I spent most of yesterday listening to the various sound clips on tinwhistletunes.com and that of course steered me in the right direction as to what whistles I may want now, and what to shoot for later if I stick with it.

There were some excellent recordings of the Susato Low D. It has a very haunting quality however it doesn’t sound Irishy enough… it sounds a bit spready, more of an Asian flute/recorder sound, more mellow and dark, and would be something I would expect more out of a new age recording or relaxation CD rather than an Irish ensemble or pub environment. Though, I can tell they would be great for larger situations that need volume and they record very well; I’m sure my church sound crew would just drool. I like the Susato sound because it’s darker; and that’s probably because I have that ‘dark’ clarinet tone in my head.

If I went with the Low D Susato set from The Whistle Shop, that would run me $128. If I go with the Kerry Low D, now we’re talkin $154. The money I would save going with the Susato would enable me to buy some other whistles now. When I am ready for a more professional Low D I will go with the Overton…LOVE that sound! So right now I need to decide between which Low D to go with, the Kerry or the Susato. I am leaning towards the Susato and here’s why: From what I heard, the Kerry and the Overtons sound pretty darn close in basic core sound whereas the Susato has a very different quality. It might be nice to have a Susato and Overton in my collection since they are so contrasting. Secondly, the Susato is a little cheaper which I need. Thirdly, my first time performing with it would be in church and non-Irish settings. I just didn’t want to be shot if I entered an Irish pub with a Susato hee hee.

My soprano decisions are getting…out of hand:) I read the Wanderer’s review of Freeman’s tweaked Shaw D and listened. It definitely sounds like it has the muscle to cut through praise band.

So my semi-step up beginner D’s are:
Tweaked Shaw D, Tweaked Mellow Dog, Tweaked Sweetone,

Thought about getting some regulars: Clark Original D, Feadog Brass, not sure if I should get a nontweaked Sweetone. Wondering if the two are really all that different. That is where I am struggling the most, with the Clarkes. There are non-tweaked and tweaked versions of both the Original and the Sweetone. I really don’t want to buy them all.

Other keys:
C: Not sure if I should go with Clark Original C or the Sweetone C
Bb: was just gonna go with a Generation
Eb: was gonna go with a Generation
My church band does alot of Eb & Bb so I figured I should just have ‘something’ in case I need them.

I’m amazed how good some nontweaked cheapy whistles sound!
Down the road though, I would like a Burke for my soprano D.

I plan on going with Grey Larsen’s Essential Guide, McCullough’s Complete Guide, The Fiddler’s Fakebook, Irelands Best Session Tunes, all of which I found online cheaper than retail.

I figure I will spend about $300-350 US on everything. I am in the process of selling a plastic clarinet to a student and I may try to unload my student piccolo. I have other house crap to sell:) I really do need to get rid of some stuff before I spend all this money on whistles! Perhaps WhOA will give me the motivation to get rid of some stuff in order to ‘earn’ my whistles :slight_smile:

23

Exactly how I ease my conscience. :slight_smile: I’m slowly unloading a truckload of neglected belongings: some instruments, non-whistle instructional books, videos and such that I’m done working through… There’s a market for used musical goods (as we can all attest), and recouping even a fraction of your original purchase price on old stuff can offset the cost of new stuff. Whistles are pretty cheap, after all! These days, I’m into acquiring and recyling, but not hoarding!

24

What does IMHO and IMT mean?

sorry, new to all the abbreviations and whistle ‘lingo’. Took me awhile to figure out what WhOA meant

25

IMHO isn’t really whistle lingo. (I’m almost tempted to say it hardly ever applies around talk about whistles, but…)

In My Humble Opinion

26

And IMT is actually ITM, (Irish Traditional Music).

27

Just to forewarn ya, those Susato Low whistles have a very long finger stretch to that bell note compared to most other low whistles… moreso than I was comfortable with. If you go that route, unless you have large hands, you may want to look into getting the keyed bell note but then you’re probably close to the same price as the Kerry. Something to consider. If it’s only a matter of $20 or so then I’d spring for the Kerry.
Also, in my experience, the Sweetone C’s were not that good as far as being in tune and having good intonation. I like the D’s but I was unimpressed with the quality of the C. I like the Clarke original C but they take A LOT of breath to play. I’m not trying to discourage you from buying, just trying to offer some experience. Good luck with your first wave of WhOA!

28

If Tim Benson is still in Cleveland, he’s a very, very fine flute player and piper. Might be worth tracking him down for a lesson/info swap or two.

Good luck!

29

There’s a tweaked Shaw D on ebay right now with a starting price of $25. Here’s the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/Penny-Whistle-Shaw-D-tweaked_W0QQitemZ130015686542QQihZ003QQcategoryZ624QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

30

Thanks, I’ll check it out!

31

is anyone going to mention irish flutes to KAT or will KAT just have to fall down that hole independently?

32

Hi again!

I forgot to say - there ain´t no right or wrong way to play the whistle.

JUST HAVE FUN!

33

Mute…irish flutes eh?

Well, considering my regular yamaha flute has been sitting on a shelf in my closet for the past 3 yrs. years…flute is not a temptation for me. I can’t play horizontal instruments :slight_smile: Just vertical ones.


Ok everyone…I did it…I was committed…I mean, they committed me…I mean, I committed myself to an order:)

The good thing about varied opinions, even your own can change whenever you feel like it. I listened to more sound clips today and when I ordered my low D set,…I went with the Kerry instead of the Susato. Now, if the Whistle Shop emails me back and says they don’t have any in stock, I’ll just cry.

I went with Original Clarke’s in C & D, Tweaked Sweetone D, Sweetone C, Feadog Brass D, Generation Nickel in Bb & Eb (wasn’t sure which was better, brass or nickel and the nickel looked pretty so:) ) Tweaked Shaw D, and the Mello Dog D.

That should keep me busy for awhile. As I anticipate the arrival of my music and whistles, I thought about that guy on here who was waiting to get his Sweethart or was it Silktone for his birthday…wonder how he made out…I’ll have to go see.

Any way, thanks for the advice and I’ll keep you posted on my progress!

~KAT