I am trying to figure out which kind of whistle to buy. I was wondering if any of you could help me. I have played the flute and recorder, and I like more of an airy sound… if that makes any sense at all. I would much rather play older music, and from an Irish/Celtic background. Could someone please help me. Im so lost. Thank you
Jenni
Welcome to the whistling world! Among cheap whistles (the only ones I have experience with), original Clarkes and Shaws have about the airiest sound. Clarke Sweetones have a sound about halfway between those and the purer sound of Feadog/Generation whistles. I personally much prefer the mouthpiece on the Sweetone and would recommend that as a first whistle, but they’re all cheap, so if you’d like, you can buy a couple and see what you like best.
Welcome to the board. I’ll second what Caj said, and I will add that the Clarke Original has a very breathy sound that may even be too breathy, but it just depends on personal preference.
ants
Welcome to your new home!
My first 2 whistles were a Sweetone and a one-piece Clare (both in the key of D, of course). I love the earthy sound of the Sweetone and the nice round sound of the Clare. I play whichever one suits my mood. I have a several more now but still always go back and play those 2 most often. The Clare was tweaked and the Sweetone left alone.
You might want to check out Jerry’s tweaked Sweetones while your at it. I hear they are the bomb! Last time I saw, he sells them at whistleshop.com if you’re interested.
Happy hunting!!! It took me a couple days to decide myself on my first 2. Definitely get more than one. They’re so cheap. Besides, you’ll be ordering more eventually. Might as well save yourself the shipping and do it all at once!
bob
Ceolas would be a good place to start.
For a whistle with a sound similar to a Clarke but using less air and with more resistance and pitch stability, you might check out Serpent’s like of inexpensive polymer whistles.
They do have the older, “airy” sound.
–James
welcome jenni,
have a listen first at http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/index.htm
Get a Dixon. You won’t regret it.
The Whistle Shop is good folks, and so is Song Of The Sea. Talk to them by email or by phone, or wander through their catalogues.
I have a funny feeling that what you mean by “airy” is not what some posters mean by it. On this board they mean a lot of that “air-rushing-through-the-whistle” sound is added to a flute-like or recorder-like sound.
Nothing wrong with that, mind you. It’s a great traditional whistle sound. Just so you know.
If you have the means, the various websites that post sound clips can be very useful. Just be sure to listen with decent headphones or speakers.
Thank you so much…Im still not sure but I plan on buying a few different kinds. 
even though you are starting out on a whistle keep in mind that you
do not neccesarily have to go inexpensive! i’m of the opinion, learning
all about swimming on dry land will not get you anywhere once you
are thrown in the water. so perhaps start out w/ a good one! overtons
are nice . there are others as well. dont worry you will adjust in time.
and you’ll come to appreciate a really good one. infact, some stores
do have overtons w/out the long waiting process. check it out. hope
this helps. happy searching! -talbert
Welcome to the board!
I agree about Clarke Sweetones and Dixons. Haven’t tried Serpent’s Polly-mer but heard good things about them. I wouldn’t sink a lot of money in a high-end whistle at this point–it’s not necessary for learning to play well, you can get a good instrument cheap. Plus you can try out a few and see what kind of sound you like since each whistle (and your preference) will be different. Enjoy!
hello! perhaps some misinterpret what i am trying to say. there is
ofcourse nothing wrong with the principle “cheap but good”! infact
i feel that one of the best high-end whistle’s are coming from susato.
i’v meet many who feel that way as well. i play them also. but based
on some experience throughout the years, things can get quite
expensive in time. getting use to one or perhaps maybe two gives you
a real chance to understand the instrument. this is a good thing!
you’ll come to see that one is not so bad. that’s all. the best thing about this internet community is that we all can have something encouraging
to share! if not incouraging atleast informative.
I was thinking about one to the more expensive ones along with one the cheaper ones. Thank you for your imput, and thank you for the warm welcome. 
Jenni