I have just started learning the whistle (well, about a week). I have always been a fan of Irish music. I originally bought a Feadog D when I visited Ireland in 2002, hoping to learn to play it. Back at the time it never happened and it ‘disappeared’. I found it again last week and with renewed determination I want to give it another go. I am not new to music (I can play piano and a bit of guitar) so I am picking up the basics fairly quickly… I do have some questions/issue though.
I am struggling to keep a steady tone with my Feadog, especially in the high registers. Basically it is fine up to the top A, but top and above all it does is squeak, no matter how hard (or moderately hard) I blow it. Sometimes after playing in the top octave it is also unstable when I play in the lower one (i.e. stays in the top of fluctuates).
Now I am sure it is probably me! However I have read that some of the cheaper whistles can be variable so could it be the whistle? How would I know? I know I need to practice and have a lot to learn, but how would I know if the whistle is good for both octaves?
I was considering getting a different whistle just to be sure, but not sure what?
If you have money to burn, buy all kinds of whistles, the more expensive the better.
If you don’t have money to burn, get to know this whistle for awhile, since you’re a musician, you know it takes time. You wouldn’t be wondering about the craftmanship of a piano or a guitar after a week unless there was something decidedly wrong with them. It’ll take longer than a week to get over the squawking and the screeching.
If you bought more whistles, you’d still have to take some time to get to know those whistles too. Each whistle, individual, not just maker and type, has it’s own personality that you’ll have to get to know.
Keep at it and see how that whistle is doing in a couple of weeks. Let us know how it goes. Also, whistles are pretty cheap, it’s not like you’re planning on buying three grand pianos. Have fun.
I like that philosophy. I can always say it’s not grand piano or even a clarinet for that matter. Gee, I have a long way to spend to catch up to a clarinet
The more you play, the easier it gets. I am still new to whistles as well, and it does get easier, and the notes flow better. And also they are fun to make
Wherever you live, see if you can find a local session (ask people here where). Look for a whistle player who sounds good and ask him or her to play your whistle to make sure it’s OK. Hanging out at sessions is a great way to get a feel for the music too.
Minor deficiencies in your whistle may be fixable by an arcane technique known as “tweaking”. See “Tweaks: the thread” on the home page of this forum.
Hello Wayne_Rowley, and welcome.
This recent thread may help, and there are many like it. https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/which-tin-whistle-should-i-get/76458/1
Woodwinds can be challenging if you haven’t been down this road before.
The Feadog is worthy of your efforts, as are most whistles.
I’d recommend investing in multiple tutor books/CDs.
Thanks for the replies! I will stick with the Feadog for now and see where it leads me. I managed to play a fairly clean top B last night - though it sounded rather shrilly. I have been using online lessons initially. I have had a look at some books on Amazon but I am not sure what to choose as not many have reviews. Ideally I would like a book that starts at the beginning and works though fingering, scales, ornamentation, as well has containing a number of tunes to learn.
The session idea sounds interesting! I live in Poole, Dorset (UK) - not sure if there is anyone in this area.
I’m also working with Grey Larsen’s book, but it gets some seriously mixed opinions ‘round here.
(My opinion is that since I’m a n00b, I don’t know nut tin’.)
I like it for the Articulation/ornamentation exercises. http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Bay-Essential-Whistle-Toolbox/dp/0786668911
Information on Sessions(and very much else too) at The Sessions, of course, http://www.thesession.org/index.php
Though someone near you may chime in with a local or two.
Wayne, sessions are not always well publicised. I’d start by asking in the local music shop or they may have a small newsletter/magazine or a notice board about the local folk/music scene. Ask the local Morris sides too. They usually have a finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the area. A quick Google found this page listing dance sides in Dorset & Somerset.
The more expensive whistles can be variable as well as the cheap ones. The Feadog is a good whistle but it is very sensitive to hole covering or lack of hole covering. I play a Feadog as much as any of my whistles and find them to be the kind of whistle I prefer. I find that for me some of the more expensive whistles are actually harder to play especially in the upper register. If you learn to play on the Feadog you will be able to play the others.
Yes - I can see what you mean with the hole covering! I am finding that I probably could play the top notes (C# & D) without them breaking or squeaking… but the volume and shriek that I get when I try hurts my ears!
I am really enjoying though! In the past week I have memorised Sally Gardens and the main theme from Braveheart from online tutorials. I am trying to practice them more so they become familiar and I can work on ornamentation. I have pretty much figured out the themes from Titanic as well.
