Hard blow versus soft blow

[JohnF_Nejedlo]

@Moof

@Narzog

Peoples definition of hard vs soft blower varies.

Interesting. I’m asthmatic, so on a low whistle the main definition of hard vs soft is whether or not I can play the top B in a brisk tune.

• On a plastic low D it’s easy, and the tone doesn’t even need much refining on a new whistle.
  On a Goldie soft-blow low D I can play it, but the tone still needs work (haven’t had mine long).
  On an MK Pro low D it’s basically a peak flow test. With notice I can get a good reading, but there are days when it’s really not going to happen in the middle of a reel.

The soft-blow Goldie might be inefficient if you just measured the volume of air going through it over time, but the fact that it doesn’t need that high air speed and pressure to reach the top notes means it’s feasible for an asthmatic to play it in comfort. In the bottom octave, the air use doesn’t feel very different to the MK Pro.

I also found the clogging issues go the opposite way around … the MK clogs like crazy no matter how well warmed up, the Goldie only needs clearing between tune sets. It’s possible this is related to the amount of effort a particular pair of lungs needs to make.

After doing research for a number of days, my wife and I spoke with Colin Goldie today and ultimately felt comfortable purchasing two of his Suprano D tin whistles and one of his Tenor D low whistles (all at the standard soft). This information was helpful and saved Colin time in his explanations regarding the term standard soft. Thank you.

[Cyberknight]

@JohnF_Nejedlo

@Moof

@Narzog

Peoples definition of hard vs soft blower varies.

Interesting. I’m asthmatic, so on a low whistle the main definition of hard vs soft is whether or not I can play the top B in a brisk tune.

• On a plastic low D it’s easy, and the tone doesn’t even need much refining on a new whistle.
  On a Goldie soft-blow low D I can play it, but the tone still needs work (haven’t had mine long).
  On an MK Pro low D it’s basically a peak flow test. With notice I can get a good reading, but there are days when it’s really not going to happen in the middle of a reel.

The soft-blow Goldie might be inefficient if you just measured the volume of air going through it over time, but the fact that it doesn’t need that high air speed and pressure to reach the top notes means it’s feasible for an asthmatic to play it in comfort. In the bottom octave, the air use doesn’t feel very different to the MK Pro.

I also found the clogging issues go the opposite way around … the MK clogs like crazy no matter how well warmed up, the Goldie only needs clearing between tune sets. It’s possible this is related to the amount of effort a particular pair of lungs needs to make.

After doing research for a number of days, my wife and I spoke with Colin Goldie today and ultimately felt comfortable purchasing two of his Suprano D tin whistles and one of his Tenor D low whistles (all at the standard soft). This information was helpful and saved Colin time in his explanations regarding the term standard soft. Thank you.

You’re in for a treat! Colin’s soft-blowing high D whistles are, in my opinion, the best high D whistles that anyone has ever made. Nothing even comes that close, if you ask me (at least, of the 50-or-so whistle brands I’ve tried).

Just remember to be patient while you’re learning to play these instruments. They’re not nearly as easy to play as a lot of other whistle brands. They take very precise breath control to play well, and they can be a bit unforgiving for that reason. They also tend to clog easily, so I recommend washing them with soap every time you’re done practicing to minimize this. But ultimately, they’re worth it! The sound you can get out of them is unparalleled.