This is my first post and I’ve been saving a few questions. As more of a UP’er, I’m interested in getting a whistle as a second instument. Is it a given that I get a high D as a first whistle or would a low D whistle be an option as well? Is the straight finger piper’s grip used with the low D’s better training for the fingers (I know fingering of the notes on the whistle is different). For those veteran uilleann pipers who have high D, low D, and uilleann pipes, what percentage of the time do you spend on each in an average week? Are there and UP’ers out there who don’t even bother with the whistle? If a uilleann piper could chose only one whistle, which one would it be high D, low D, or other?
When I first started, I was told that the Bb whistle was best. I still prefer it, although I also like the feel (and pitch) of A and G. Understand that I’m a permenant convert to the flat pipes. I don’t play whistle that much anymore, and certainly don’t prefer the high D. I learned to like the softer lower whistles while driving x-country. D was not nice on the ears. I love the sound of the low D whistle, but I don’t use the low D, I prefer the wooden flute. The mid-range whistles should be good for getting the proper feel for fingering. The fingers on the pipes aren’t actually straight, but natural and relaxed…slightly curled to keep from tiring. Whatever whistle you choose, your D chanter will still feel different, and the low pipes chanter will feel a different stretch yet.
Unless I’m confused by what you mean, forget the low D. The Bb whistle is probably most useful for finger development, but the C or D is easier to play, with the C being a bit easier on the ears.
The only note that’s different is the D, which is played with the back D on the chanter. Otherwise, it’s pretty similar.
When I have real sit-down time to play music, I play the pipes. If I’m just messing around, like waiting for stuff to download on my computer I’ll play the whistle. If I don’t want to be heard (I live in an apt building) I play the flute (which incidentally was made by Dave Williams and has the most amazing tone. I never met the man, but he’ll certainly be in my thoughts for the rest of my days).
If I could choose one whistle, it would be C.
I find it hard to imagine learning to play the pipes and not learning to play the whistle first or concurrently. You need to start to understand the music, and this can be hard going on the pipes.
I’d have to agree with Glauber. Most recordings you’ll listen to will be in D. Tunes you will share in most sessions will be played on a D. You don’t say what key your pipes will be in, but quite likely they will be in D. I prefer the sound of my B whistle, but for ease of use and to pick up tunes quickly, a high D whistle is always close to hand for me. The low whistles are a beast unto themselves, and learning to play them is not going to help much in preparing for a set of pipes (not to say there’s anything wrong with them, per se).
so, to summerize.
if you plan to play along with recordings, you will need a d.
a low D is very hard to start out on and a whole world in itself.
listening to recordings is critical, but if you have a good musical ear, you can transpose.
whistles 1-2 tones lower than high d are easier on the ears, softer and more pleasent.
therefore
get a high d with good bang for the buck (susato, dixon, even a sweetone), play for a while. when you get to the point at which the high d is irritating you, go for a b flat or a whistle if you have big hands. a b nat is great if you have a buddy who plays a b set of pipes and you want to play along. ditto for a c whistle. search the whistle archives more.
meir
The only thing I liked about practicing with a B or Bb whistle, when I first started the pipes, was that the pitch was more pleasant to the ear and the size of the whistle was more like the size of a UP D chanter (finger stretch, ie).
I’ve been playing for about a year now. I also didn’t play whistle before I started out on the pipes. I decided the get a Kerry Low D to practice tunes as I really don’t like the sound of high D’s, at least how I play them. But really, if you’re interested, get both. The low will cost around $100US but you can get a fistful of high d’s for $20.
Getting the rhythm of a tune down on the whistle is nice. Then when I play it on the pipes I can concentrate on other things. While the difference between back d and the c’s can be a little annoying, playing and using piper’s fingering is quite nice on the low. I haven’t really noticed any problems with air etc that some have complained about. You need to be a little more aware with your breathing, but really no problem when compared to all the junk going on when piping.