Help making new whistle bodies for an existing set

Whistle
1

Hi

I’m looking for information on making penny whistles.
But not the whole thing necessarily.

I have a whistle set that comes with one head and multiple copper bodies.
I’ve got 5 keys, and would like more, but the creator of the whistle doesn’t make more.
So I’m trying to find information like, where do I drill holes for so and so key, and how long is the piece of copper pipe based on the pipe that fits the existing head.
I’d like, if possible, instructions on how to figure it out myself, because eventually I’d like to expand the five keys to 12. Unless someone is willing to provide instructions for all twelve. Although I’m primarily after keys F, A, and B at first.
I’m also wondering if, despite the whistle set to be in a high key I:E non low whistle. Is it possible to make cut and drill a longer tube and create low keys? I’m not sure, probably the major restriction for that would be that the length would make fingering it difficult or impossible.
And then there’s making bodies in other modes/scales (so you can play a particular mode, on a whistle that starts on it, vs 2,3,4 etc.. notes from the bottom note)
Basically I’m trying to turn a great 5 body whistle set into 12 or more.
I’m not sure how to measure the fipple so that calculations for the body can be made. But I can measure the length of the existing 5 bodies and their hole lengths, work backwards to figure the head out then work forwards for the new keys.
So far all I’ve found online were very rigid instructions for whistles made out of a very particular length and diameter of PVC or Copper, usually in D. And a calculator that helps you find the hole size and distances to create a flute based on the material used and desired key. Although its very flute specific and I doubt its ability to help me make new whistle bodies.
I don’t plan to sell the bodies, or make more then I would personally use.
I mention this in the attempt to lay aside any possible fears that someone is trying to compete as a new whistle maker.

I hope I make sense, I tend to make lengthy and slightly wandering posts, and people in turn tend to avoid reading them.

Thanks for reading this and I’d appreciate any and all help you can give me. Whether that be tips, suggestions, hints and especially web links/instructions.

2

hi!!

visit!! http://guido.gonzato.googlepages.com/whistle.html


luck!! :smiley:

3

Check out the flutomat at http://www.cwo.com/~ph_kosel/flutomat.html

The length to diameter ratio is an important variable. You probably can’t make all keys from the same diameter tube.

Angelo

4

A bit offtopic. But does a Meg Head fit a Gen Bb whistle? Whitout having to destroy both WHISTLES TRYING?

5

Not a Meg D. But the head of a Meg C whistle will go on a Gen Bb body if you use a lot of Teflon tape. I have done it and to keep it in tune, you need to cut about 1/4 inch off the top of the Gen body.

My results have been mixed. It’s not a bad combination, but I prefer the original sound of the Generation. Having said that, there are some very nice recordings of this hybrid in the Clips and Snips archive. Maybe I did something different?

Let us know if you decide to experiment.

6

I have a D lying around. That’s why I asked. But if I can get a C for cheap I’ll sure give it a try :slight_smile:

7

Thanks for your help, the responses I’ve gotten answer my question.

Thanks again!