I’m in need of some assistance in my search for the right whistle for me…
I’m looking for a soprano D with the following characteristics:
clear tone, not too chiffy
moderate volume (in both octaves)
smooth transitions between octaves (second octave doesn’t require much extra push)
not shrill in the second octave
some sweetness or warmth to the tone would be nice
I’m open to any suggestions–any price, any material.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sounds like a Hoover to me.
The O’Briain Improved Tin Whistle from Shanna Quay. Mine is so sweet that I record with it. I haven’t tried the Hoover, though I wish I had one. I hear they’re hard to get.
Good luck,
Gary
What’s your price range Micah?
Also, I would recommend you spend some quality time with Clips and Snips. It’s a good way to hear a lot of whistles.
Doc
I’d suggest a Burke wide bore session pro. I have a brass model. It fits all your requirements. The sound volume is ‘moderate’ compared to a number of whistles I’ve played that are either louder or quieter. The O’Briain is a bit quiet. I tried a Hoover a few yrs ago and they were famous for their quietness. I don’t know if there is a louder model now. A number of the more expensive whistles are fairly loud.
Tony
I agree with the Burke. I have a Session Brass D and the transitions are smooth. You can call Song of the Seas & they will actually play different whistles for you over the phone. Their number is (207) 288-5653. They are very helpful.
I agree with the Hoover. At the moment I have a low G (waiting for sop E) and it exactly fits what you listed. The price is mid range and my G is CPVC. I don’t find the Hoover overly quiet but then I am either playing totally alone or using a mic with an excellent sound tech!
Just my opinion 
Deb
Thanks for the suggestions. After reading in the archives and listening to a bunch of whistles on Clips and Snips, I’ve come up with a few whistles that seem like they might do the trick for me…
Burke WBB
Silkstone Alloy
Dixon tuneable D
Hoover (are these still available?–Whistle Shop site says no, and his web site won’t come up)
Would anybody mind commenting on these whistles with regard to the following criteria?
moderate volume (in both octaves)
smooth transitions between octaves (second octave doesn’t require much extra push)
not shrill in the second octave
Thanks for all the help.
Hoovers are currently not available new, as Mack Hoover is taking a break from whistlemaking at the moment.
I would say a Dixon tunable D (PVC) is shrill in the upper second octave, particularly A and B, but the rest of it seems okay. If you are considering this one you should go ahead and get one as they are not too expensive. You might see if someone can lend you one first to try.
I’ve played one silkstone alloy and it seemed very loud to me. Nice sound, though I decided not to buy one. Second octave was easy to reach.
–Beth
The Silkstone is definitely louder in the upper register then either the Burke or Dixon, though not obnoxiously so. The Burke AlPro is purer of tone than the WBB, which has a noticeable amount of chiff, at least to my ears. The Burke is the best of those you mentioned (and among the best out there) with respect to a pretty even volume and push across the octaves.
Charlie
I agree with the suggestion of a Hoover. It might not be impossible to get, if you want one. I asked on the board here and found someone who was willing to sell me his.
Perhaps we need a “whistles wanted” thread . . .
Tery
Thanks for the tips…I just ordered a Burke AlPro from Song of the Sea (yes, they played the whistles over the phone–thanks whatzitt). Now it just has to arrive…
I’d say a Doolin would be good, but that’s just me… 