I just registered and just wanted to say howdy and introduce myself. I’ve never played a whistle before. I am a piper and just purchased 2nd hand an ElfSong Chanter whistle that uses the same fingerings as a pipe chanter. I know some of you may be thinking that’s cheating, but hey, I’m in a hurry to get on with it. I am interested in learning the 6 hole system as well. I had no idea there were so many whistle enthusiasts out there.
I would be especially interested in talking to any of you in the Tri-Cities, TN area.
Well, I’m beginning to see that. I haven’t even received my ElfSong yet, and already I’ve called up the local Celtic shop in Jonesborough to check out their Walton and Susato whistles. Sheesh As if piping didn’t take up enough time and money.
Oh, and John, I actually live in Boones Creek/Gray! I minister in Johnson City.
Okay, I did it. I just couldn’t wait any longer for my ElfSong to arrive so I bought a Susato C whistle, and I like it very much. Although it is difficult adjusting from piping fingering to this “open” style, pad of the fingers fingering.
BESharp, hi there and welcome to the Whistle Forum. Someone recommended to me that I try playing my high D whistle using the piper’s grip to the extent I could to get ready for my practice set coming in the spring. Maybe you don’t have to change. I don’t know though.
Brian, I’m over in Nashville but hail from East TN. Daniel Boone HS class of 79. What sorts of pipes do you play that lead you to refer to yourself as a piper? I’ve been playing uilleann pipes for 8 years. Travel to East TN 4-5 times per year. Perhaps we should meet on one occasion.
I play Gibson Great Highland Bagpipes (plus a Gibson African Blackwood Practice Chanter), Walsh Scottish Smallpipes (Mouthblown in A), a Fagerstrom Electronic pipe, a Susato C whistle, and soon to come…a “D” Elfsong Chanter Whistle
Welcome. I also play Highland Pipes but have become more of a Flute player and haven’t picked up my Pipes since October, McCallum AB4s if you are wondering. I have been playing Whistle a bit longer than Pipes but after I started Flute there was no stopping me. There are a couple other Highland Pipers here and some more who have gone more towards the Flute, Whistle, or Uilleanns. Cynth playing with Piper’s Grip on the High D has to be the worst idea I have heard in my life, of course this is coming from some one who can’t play a Whsitle above Eb.
Hi.
I’m in SW VA, about an hour above Bristol, and a bit more to get to Johnson City. Use to do GHBs a bit, and also have shuttlepipes. I havn’t played out with them this year due to illness, but I do tenor drumming for the Appalachian Highlanders pipe band , based in Abingdon, VA.
I did piping before picking up whistles and have ALWAYS played all my whistles with a pipers grip. Dont’ worry about it, just play however you are most comfortable. As a piper, you’ll have great fun with whistles.
