Just stumbled across this site while at work today… I’ve been trying to find out for quite some time now exactly what instrument makes that really mournful sound heard in almost all Irish/Scottish-themed movies… After searching online for at least two hours today I’m still not entirely sure whether it’s a tin whistle or an Irish flute… can anyone help me out with this?
Irregardless, I’m planning on buying a pennywhistle sometime soon and wondering if anyone can recommend a good one. Also, if I’m looking for more of an “air” oriented whistle as opposed to a dance-oriented one, should I go for the lower whistles like tenors or altos?
Most people will probably tell you not to start on a low whistle. The reach is pretty tough for most people and it’s easy to get frustrated. It is also significantly more expensive, so if you don’t stick with it…
Anyway, whistles. My personal favories, as far as cheapies go, are the Dixon and the Oak. The Oak is great for fast stuff, but I find it annoying for slow/high stuff. The Dixon, I think, is the best all around whistle to learn on. It is very easy to play and very forgiving. The only down side, people tell me it sounds very bland, so you’ll probably not want to perform on it. But, like I said, it’s great to learn on.
If you have your heart set on a low whistle, I also recommend the Dixon. The reach isn’t too bad and it is cheaper than most. Great for airs, but fast stuff is difficulty.
In my opinion, a really good inexpensive whistle to start with is the Clarke Sweetone in D. Only about $6 US, it’s a great deal for the money. A good starter.
Flutes, I know nothing about. Sorry.
You are in luck as far as where you live. There is a good source for whistles, flutes and an assortment of other instruments right there in Maine.
If you’d rather buy online, there a number of places. So far, I’ve had good experiences with Whistle and Drum. Can’t speak of the others because I haven’t used them, but I’m sure other members will tell you their favorite.
Use the links section of Chiff and Fipple to take you to a great variety of sites for beginners.
I’d like to second the recommendation for Sweetone. I usually buy mine in toy stores, especially the kind of stores that have educational toys. You’ll be surprised at how good a cheap instrument can be. If you like it, start thinking about spending $100-ish on a Burke or $70 on a Water Weasel, but that’s later.
wow… thanks for the quick replies =) only took about five minutes, didn’t expect any 'til tomorrow…
Duck - yeah, I am pretty set on the low whistles… hopefully ten years of playing sax and a couple on the bagpipes will help with the “reach” and “steadiness” problems…
slowair - I didn’t even think about Song of the Sea =) I live an hour away, but I spend so much time online I forget you can actually leave your house to buy things… =) Thanks for the remind, I’ll have to head down there this weekend and see what they have. And I’ve bought from Whistle and Drum in the past, so I’ll probably use them again if SongoftheSea doesn’t have anything.
If you’re set on low whistle, you’re looking at spending a minimum of $100 for a Howard (actually a pretty good whistle, but more aggressive than melancholic). I still recommend, in this case, trying a Burke (maybe a low F), for about twice the amount.
Welcome! I’d also advise against starting on a low whistle. They can be hard to finger and control breath on, and you might get discouraged and give up whistling entirely. I agree on the Sweetone recommendation. I’ve been playing for years and still love them. But take what we say with a grain of salt, and at some point you’ll find what’s right for you.
Now you didn’t say in your original post that you already play an instrument or two.
So in that case, I would like to recommend the Dixon D with brass tuning slide. It’s not the loudest whistle in the world, and that might be a good thing, but it is a really, really nice whistle. The cost is about $36 US and worth every penny!
And if you’re serious about the low whistle, I understand the Dixon again is highly recommended.
Depending on which movies it was, the sound you heard could have been either whistle, flute, or both.
I have 2 low whistles, a Dixon low D and a cane low F, which is surprisingly good for $8.
There is a free tutorial on the http://www.whistleshop.com site, as well as lots of information here, accessable by running a search (at the top of the page, click on search).
