Recently I’ve become very interested in collecting antique whistles and flageolets.
I stumbled upon a very beautiful antique whistle in soprano E that I was considering buying. I heard a similar whistle in high G that sounded very good (which is suprising, given the key), and not at all like the clarke it resembles. I suppose that kind of design works better with the very high keys, as it mellows out the high pitch. It has a similar design as a clarke, but made of brass, and much more ornate looking. I am pretty sure the fipple block looks to be made of lead.
While I’m interested in having a piece of history, I also believe instruments are to be played. Is there any way possible to put something over the lead so it does not poison me? Are there any instrument makers who can safely remove the lead (without damaging the whistle), and replace it with a non-hazardous material? Would it be sacriledge to even consider doing such a thing to an antique? It’s something I’d intend to keep, and would not resell later, so lowering the monetary value would not matter to me. It would increase it’s value to me much more if it were playable.
Not only do I ask this question because of this particular whistle, but because I have an interest in antique whistles in general, and the lead factor seems to be present in many of the older whistles. I was hoping this does not render them completely unplayable.
I tried to retrofit one of those some years back with no luck, but someone else might have some success.
If you just want to play it a little bit once in a while, covering the lead with black electrician’s tape might be enough. Blow through the wind way to clear it, rather than sucking back. Again, I wouldn’t suggest playing that whistle in it’s present condition for extended periods though.
After I made this thread, I got ahold of the person who plays the similar whistle in G about this issue. He says he covered it in clear fingernail polish, and also avoids sucking in .
I was really hoping some maker here would be able to remove the block completely and find a way to fit a new one in, but, I understand that is risky business, and probably difficult to do.
More than that, it would be tantamount to revoicing the whistle and destroying its value as an artifact, such as it is. There are plenty of good whistles around for everyday playing, and there’s nothing especially unique about the sound of the old ones.
Yes, you’re right. (about removing the block, that is. I have no idea about the sound, as I haven’t played them before). I didn’t take into account the fact that replacing the block would bring about a change in the voicing, as it would likely not be fitted exactly as the old one was.
I suppose if I buy it I should just keep it in it’s current state, and on the occasion that I play it, cover the block temporarily.
Sirchronique,
Your admiration for some of these antique whistles is understandable as is your concern regarding lead fipples and associated hazards. Of note, one of the chemicals used in the formulation of fingernail polish is formaldehyde ( a known carcinogen ), so I guess one might say “pick your poison” when choosing between the two (lead and formaldehyde).
I also agree that any alteration of such whistles would be the wrong thing to do from a historical perspective.
One could question how much exposure presents a hazard, but why risk the avoidable?
I’m no expert on either chemistry or nail care (one look at my nails would tell you that). But …
I understand there are formaldehyde-free nail polishes, which would presumably be as effective as the others for the purposes of covering the fipple block.
Since formaldehyde is a gas a room temperature, the formaldehyde component in polish takes the form of aqueous formalin or methylene glycol with low toxicity. Its purpose is as a drying agent, and the danger is mostly in the off-gassing of formaldehyde during the drying process, not contact with the dried polish. Thus more a concern to salon care workers with constant exposure than to the casual individual user.
Compared to the risk of extended lip exposure to a lead block …
