How do you amplify a whistle on the street?

Whistle
1

One would need a way to mike the whistle,
also an amplified speaker. I know nothing
about any of this but I’ll betcha
you’all do. I’m especially interested
in amping a Copeland low D. I suppose
the whole thing must run on batteries.
Advice, please?

2

If you want something substantial and still be able to walk with the amplifier attached to a belt, I suggest the following:

Pignose battery operated amplifier $70
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=020714180208064034251053129569/search/g=guitar/detail/base_id/35742
Audio-Technica headset mic $80
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=020714180208064034251053129569/search/g=live/detail/base_id/38607

Need something just a bit larger?
Fender passport w/ mic $200
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=020714180208064034251053129569/search/g=live/detail/base_id/54008
wireless mic? $300
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=020714180208064034251053129569/search/g=live/detail/base_id/54007

3

I second the recommendation for the Pignose. It’s a rugged little amp/speaker that runs on 6 AA batteries. For around $70, it sounds pretty good.

4

Use a Susato-you won’t NEED amplification…

5

Jim, I third the Pignose idea, I’ve got one and it works great. However, a cheaper way to go for the mic is to pick up a lapel mic from Radio Shack and clip it on a plastic bracket. You can make the bracket from a plumbers strap by cutting off one of the ears of the strap and cutting away the fins on the inside or the strap so that if will snap over the whistle near the window. I use one all the time and it works great.
Ronaldo

6

I also love my pignose. I occasionally use it for it’s intended purpose and plug my guitar into it too! As an aside, is this a record? My pignose has been running on the same set of factory fitted AA batteries since … wait for it… 1993!!!

7

Someone should direct this post and thread to Anna Martinez. This would kill them in Deadwood.

I will!

MarkB

8

Thanks to all, Jim

9

Should you ever need something more substantial - but yet still battery powered - Carvin makes something called the Stage Mate. It is 100 watts and has 4 inputs - 3 of them XLR for microphone. The unit is a mixer/amp/speaker combo and works fine. Single battery will give you between 3-4 hours on one charge. Double battery doubles the time. The battery has no ‘memory’ and does not mind being charged when only half depleted. The sound is really realistic. An extension speaker is available. Unit sells from Carvin for under $400.
Cheers.
Byll

10

I use a MaxiMouse battery amp for street music. It’s like carying a car battery with a speaker on it. I got it for $375, I think in NYC. I used it for Blues Harp and guitar in Ireland on Grafton Street. A lot more punch than a Pignose, even the larger one.

http://www.lectrosonics.com/manuals/msmtman.pdf

Jim, I’m interested in selling it if you are interested since I don’t busk much these days. Contact me off-line if you like.

Jim Rementer

[ This Message was edited by: jimr on 2002-07-18 23:39 ]

11

If you are amplifying whistles, at what point does it become a risk of hearing loss?

When I was working around jet engines (previous job), hearing protection was always a big deal. Seems to me whistles are in the same range as jet engines, and the source is closer to your ears.

Any long-time whistlers having any ringing in their ears or hearing loss?

12

Say what, Bob?

13

I think the received view is that it’s
a good idea to be careful playing
loud soprano whistles in enclosed
spaces–even unamplified. I’m happy
to wail unamplified on the street,
I’ve never used amplification outside,
but the levels we’re talking about
are going to be pretty low. Also low
whistles are less dangerous. Best