The problem is that when I play whistle outdoors, at least if there is some background noise (just lots of people nearby) I have trouble hearing the whistle myself, let alone anybody else hearing it. My Clarke seems louder than my other whistles, but does not work in those situations (sometimes feels too loud when played indoors though).
The whistle would otherwise be ideal instrument to play drunk during some festivals or something - cheap and portable.
So the question is: what is the loudest whistle on earth and where can I get one (being in tune etc. is optional for my purposes) or should I consider other instrument altogether.
[ This Message was edited by: Spoo on 2001-07-20 06:44 ]
I probably won’t be the only person to suggest that you should try a Susato whistle. They are loud, durable and, though not as cheap as Clarkes, Generations, etc, they are still fairly inexpensive.
Colin Goldie told me that he makes some very loud whistles, too (not the standard model). They are all metal, so you can wash the beer out after the session.
I would definitely go with the Susato whistles. For outdoor work, they are loud and unbreakable. There is a consistency from whistle to whistle that is a nice by-product of their material. Parts, such as mouthpieces and O rings, are readily available in case of a mishap.
Cheers to you…
I’ll third that vote for the Susato. I like the intonation and the volume makes it one of my better session whistles. Be warned that it can be unforgiving in the upper half of the second octave. If you don’t play like you mean it your high notes can crash & burn.
If it wasn’t for the price, I’d say get yourself a Water Weasel.
They are very loud, and very durable since they are made from PVC water pipe.
They are also far superior in sound and playability to Susatos… but about three times the price.
For loud and cheap, I’d have to agree with the Susato suggestions.
Water Weasel (I have c,D,Eb…Bb to be picked up this week) is the loudest of my whistles, about same volume as my Copeland. I use the Water Weasel (and sometimes a cocobolo ThinWeasel)regularly with good sized amplified Church choir and it does the job without special instrument miking. When I need a softer breathy sound, I use my Tweaked Clarke.
Well, the Water Weasel soprano E whistle carries about as well as any I’ve heard - Kicks the snot out of any D whistle I’ve played so far. It’s also tiny and breaks down even smaller since it’s a two piece jobbie.
If you want something a little lower pitched and more Manly looking, The Goldie Overton G whistle is the loudest Low Whistle on earth. No fooling man, it’s like the Sam Kinison (RIP) of whistles. Wouldn’t trade mine for all of Mr. T’s Gold.
The loudest whistle I know is the
Susato, louder than the water weasel.
The D is a bit shrill; the C seems
to me the most successful–has a
purity of tone and it carries.
Many years ago when I was trying to learn guitar, I ran across a small battery powered amplifier/speaker that could be clipped on one’s belt. You could combine that with one of those little clip-on microphones. I used one in a session with a rock band – played “Can’t You See” by The Marshall Tucker Band – and it worked great.
Thanks, everyone. I think I should go for the Susato set, so I’ll also get couple of other keys.
Thorton’s idea about mic/amplifier is also interesting, since I have to get the mic for whistle anyway, also for rock band project. By rock here I mean hard rock and some punk. But for playing at outdoor drinking festivals I would be worried about equipment too much.
I remember a friend of mine who played guitar having a little amp called a pignose, it was about the size of a shoe box and ran off regular wall current or D cell batteries. He used it to play in parks and other outdoor locations.
A friend of mine is a professional busker. He makes incredible money just playing around local main streets (one of the area postcards shows him playing)). Anyway, he has a nifty little amp that is designed for on-the-go. He just charges it at home and it lasts him all day on the street. Might be a Peevy, I don’t remember.
Does anyone have suggestions or ideas for mike? Should I go for clip on mike on the whistle or just regular that could also be used for vocals? I think the clip on mike would be problematic if you want to use different whistles, are doing also vocals or are going to get rid of moisture in in the whistle, but would be much easier to use when just recording the whistle part.
What is the price range for decent clip on mikes? Also suggestions about makers are could be useful.
I have seen performers use both clip-on and regular microphones for whistles. I think the clip-on microphones are slightly better, but a standalone microphone seems to be more common. If you are going to be playing multiple whistles and/or singing, go for the standalone microphone. Just be sure to get one that can pick-up the whistle.
If you have a Mars Music where you live, check them out. Their web site is http://www.marsmusic.com.
I have found that the head phone type ‘operator’ mics work well. I also have a mic specifically designed for flute (works for whistle too) that attaches to a powered belt amp. This mic actually attaches by velcro (though I rig a clip sometimes). It’s made by MicroVox. Also Barcus-Berry carries some nice wind instrument pick-ups.
