Which kind of mic is better for recording the whistle?
TIA,
For recording wind instruments and acoustic instruments in general, I like a good condensor mic. I love the Kel HM-1 that I own (http://www.kelaudio.com) for things such as this. If I get some time, I’ll try recording something with it. It’s hard these days, though, with school and all.
Whistles record OK with most microphones, but reed instruments record best with a large diameter condenser mic.
The popular Shure vocal microphones (I think they have a 57 or 58 in the model no) does a good job without needing “extras” to power it.
I like to use the AKG C-3000B (1" diameter condenser) microphone for all my recording, however. It is nice and clear with a “warmer” sound than my other mike, an AKG C-3000A.
You will need a preamp with phantom power for these mikes, though.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the AKG C-3000B and A, the AKG Perception 100 performs pretty well.
Hi,
I would tend to agree with those that have suggested large condensor mics. The advantage to using a condensor mic is that it is very sensitive. It can pick up the nuance of a performance and can have a truer representation of an instrument’s frequency range. But the disadvantage is that it can pick up the sound of the room you are recording in…along with barking dogs and the children playing in the living room. 
This depends on the quality of the mic, the pattern of the mic and the volume/quality of your preamp.
Maybe you could take your whistles to a music store and ask to try some mics with a set of headphones . You will quickly determine the ones that are pleasing to you. From there it is just a matter of how much investment you would like to make and the quality you would like to achieve. Like anything else there will be trade-offs.
In a recent thread, I have offered some sound clips of 5 or 6 different whistles I am/was selling. These were all recorded with a large condensor mic (Groove Tubes AM11). The diaphragm is 1" and I believe the smallest to still be considered a “large diaphragm” condensor mic. I have 10 different condensor mics and I used this one because I only had a few minutes to record these clips and it was the closest one to my computer room. So, it’s not exactly rocket science. Still, a little reverb to mask the ugly sound of my computer room and I am satisfied with the sound for my purpose. There are a ton of inexpensive Chinese made condensor mics that sound very close to every one if the more expensive mics I own. They are not exact, but some are really close. Your choices are many.
I am happy to send anyone any sound clip they would like to hear for reference . But I have to do it through email because I don’t have a web site or FTP site from which to download. So email me or PM me with any request.
Michael
Hello:
I have owned and operated a recording studio for over 30 years. Most mics we use or have access to are available at prices that are prohibitive to a casual user. However, there is one mic I have a tremendous amount of respect for, that absolutely belies its price point… It is a large diaphragm condenser, and has an unusually smooth frequency response for a mic in its price range. It sounds sweet and open on treble wind instruments, like whistles. Check out the Audio-Technica AT3035. It is available at most jobbers for less than $200, street price. My favorite supplier is Sweetwater.
Good luck with your choice.
Byll
Here are some other great concensor mics on the cheap. These are all great mics, and I own them all:
Apex 435
Studio Projects B1
The Apex is a great mic for acoustic guitar, but I’m sure it’ll work great on whistle too. The SP B1 is a great all around condensor mic. Both of these mics can be had for under 100$. Believe it or not, there are some good mics out there for this price, but you have to just research whats out there to find the best ones.
I also recommend the rode nt1a… about 200€
What specs do you look for in a good instrument mic? I have been looking a MusiciansFriend.com. Is that a good place to buy?
My son has had good things to say about Musicians Friend.
I bought my mics and preamp from 8th Street Music.
I tend to read a decent amount of recording forums. That’s usually how I find out about the decent mics. I don’t rely so much on reviews in magazines and such, but I tend to look more for what the average joe engineer thinks. Technically, you pretty much are looking at what kind of frequence response you’re going to get. That’s a subject I’m still learning a lot about myself. 
Here are places I’ve bought gear from and have had no problems:
Musicians Friend (AKA Guitar Center)
Sam Ash
American Muscial Supply
8th Street
Zzounds
Sweetwater