My Alba high D has taken to clogging lately. Suggestions?
I’ve had really good luck using waxed dental floss to carefully clean out the windway.
So far, that’s the most consistent cure I’ve found.
I’ve done this to good effect on my Burke WBB, which in particular was a whistle that wouldn’t play more than a few seconds at a time without clogging. Now it’s solid and predictable and rarely if ever clogs.
I can’t swear it’ll work as well for you as it has for me, of course.
–James
There are some really great clogging teams in NC. It takes a lot of skill and endurance, but I’m gettin’ kinda old for it.
An irish fellow has recently suggested drinking very cold water right before playing. That would cool your mouth down and prevent condensation.
He said that solved the problem while playing harmonica.
I didn’t try it yet though…
Actually, cold water might lead to stomach aches… A better beverage would be a good pint fo beer. That is what pubs have been made for… playing whistle and preventing clogging! ![]()
Cheers,
Pascal.
Is like step dancing?
KAC ![]()
Two major tips:1) put a couple of drops of Dawn dishwashing soap or something similar in an ounce or two of water. Dribble some of this solution through the windway or simply dip that part of the head in it. Shake out the excess. This makes the little droplets of condensed moisture “sheet” away with much less clogging. Repeat as necessary. Some people recommend letting it dry after application, but I don’t bother and it works just fine.
2)make sure the head of the whistle is warm BEFORE you play it. Cold surface plus warm moist breath=condensation. Some people recommend blowing through the whistle to warm it, but this actually compounds the problem if you think about it. Tuck the head under your arm, carry it around in an inside pocket, or simply hold it in your hand until it no longer feels cold.
I’m thinkin’ maybe the “tucking under the arm bit” smears antiperspirant that prevents condensation. ![]()
KAC