When I was young I played a fife at school, (not very well) now my 3 young children want some “penny whistles” so I have decided to embark on the manufacture of said whistles, and perhaps in the process learn to play them too.
However I have the following materials in METRIC, yes we here in Aussie have switched way back in 1966, you can still get copper pipe in 12.7mm (yup, thats 1/2 inch) anyway a scramble through the shed reveals the following materials. Measurements are bore x wall.
12mm x 1.5mm anodized aluminum about 1 metre long.
15mm x 3mm black poly irrigation risers (plenty of this)
19mm x 1mm chrome plated steel “towel rail” (1.2 metres)
23mm x 1mm (maybe less) white powder coated steel (1.4metres)
27mm x 1mm (maybe less) white powder coated steel (1.4metres)
Having dragged the internet for details I now appear to be confounded and confused by the vast amount of available information, I have decided to tie up the the Chiff & Fipple wharf and ask the experts!
Firstly is the black poly pipe useful? or is it too thick? something in A perhaps?
Any suggestions for the anodized aluminum in D5? would seem ideal for the kids and easy to work with.
My 12 year old daughter would like a traverse flute so perhaps the chrome plated 19mm would make a nice D?
Lastly I would like to make myself a pentatonic whistle (any note sounds good) to serenade (annoy) my neighbors on our warm summers evenings.
If you have some suggestions with metric measurements please consider the elderly Aussie with the somewhat blank look on his face!
I have made many whistles from his plans and they are good enough to be proud of.
I have added some of my own modifications whaic are described on YouTube . Have a look at http://youtube.com/watch?v=zWAGMlJN0Gk. The whistle playing is limited but in the notes I describe how to get the upper octave in tune.
I have made many whistles from his plans and they are good enough to be proud of.
I have added some of my own modifications whaic are described on YouTube . Have a look at http://youtube.com/watch?v=zWAGMlJN0Gk. The whistle playing is limited but in the notes I describe how to get the upper octave in tune.
I have made many whistles from his plans and they are good enough to be proud of.
I have added some of my own modifications whaic are described on YouTube . Have a look at http://youtube.com/watch?v=zWAGMlJN0Gk. The whistle playing is limited but in the notes I describe how to get the upper octave in tune.
Start with the 12mm 1.5 mm wall aluminum, it’s dimensions are perfect for a high D. You won’t be happy with the black poly for whistle body, but maybe for the mouthpice that goes around the aluminum tube if you follow Guido’s instructions. HOWEVER - do some research on the safety of putting the various materials in one’s mouth before you use them for parts that will be in contact with the mouth.
Google for flute (same a whistle) calculation spreadsheets and you can determine where the holes should go.
What you learn from that experience will allow you to make better decisions on what should be made from the other stuff.