Man, it seems like this is done to death, but everyone has their specifics they’re looking for.
I currently have a Sweetone D and a Feadog D. I like them both quite a bit, especially since I’m getting more familiar with the Feadog. I’ll probably be getting a few new whistles in the next month or two and was looking for suggestions.
First, I think I’ll get a Sweetone C and a Mellow D. I’m also looking for another good C whistle that would be appropriate for airs. I like warm sounding whistles with a little chiff. I have a friend who has a Gen C and a Gen F in nickel, and they’re both too bright and harsh for my taste.
Feel free to recommend whatever you feel is appropriate, but I’m still just “testing the waters” with whistles, so I’d like to stick to the inexpensive ones for now. In looking around the Whistle Shop, it looks like my best option for the C is the Walton’s Irish Whistle in C. Comments on this one?
Also, now that I’ve used the word “chiff” in a sentence ( ), please tell me if I know what it means. Is it just the word for the metallic bite that some whistles have - like my Feadog?
I think you basically understand what chiff is but someone will be around to give you a better definition shortly. The sweetone C and Mellow D are good choices. You might want to try tweaking them to some extent though.
In my experience, Walton’s are the BEST “cheapies”. You’re correct in browsing the Whistle Shop. The Walton’s Nickel C is a darn good choice. In terms of a D, well…get since I usually recommend a Walton’s Mellow D, go ahead and get a Mellow Dog.
I’ve heard great things about the Mellow Dog. In fact, I don’t think I’ve heard anything bad about it.
However at around $45 or so (right?), it’s a bit more than I’d like to spend at the moment. I’ve kind of already decided there’s a good chance that it will be my first not-so-inexpensive one if/when the times comes.
And I already know the idea that I’m probably better off spending $45 on a Mellow Dog rather than buying a load of cheapies. But, for the time being I’m having fun just trying out different sounds.
In addition, I originally got the whistles just for some fun and learning in the meantime before I get my first NA flute. So, the NA flute is what I really want.
I must admit though, I’m having great fun with the whistles and feel that I’m progressing well - considering that I’ve never played a mouth-instrument.
One of the best C whistles at any price is the Walton Golden Tone C, which is (stupidly and sadly) no longer being distributed; however the plain old Walton’s C is very decent.
I fully agree - get a Walton’s C. I don’t think there’s a better value for the money in a C whistle. I have a slight preference for the Brass over the Nickel finish, but either one should do just fine.
BTW - the Walton’s C and Mello D whistles use the same head and bore size - only the body differs - buy one of each tweak one head if you’re interested, and you can do a direct comparison of tweeked/untweaked performance. (Though they’re generally good enough I don’t bother to tweak them - very much NOT my experience with the standard-bore Walton’s D whistles)
), please tell me if I know what it means. Is it just the word for the metallic bite that some whistles have - like my Feadog?