This may have been talked about before but I can’t remember, or find a thread about it. I have always played metal whistles, and have been considering getting a wood one. My question is, is there a “playing in” period on wooden whistles like there is on flutes? If so how do I go about it? Or..do I just keep them oiled? Thanks
Wooden whistles are made from woods that have been dried and seasoned for a long time and are therefore quite dry. The break in period consists of adding back some of that moisture gradually. In addition to oiling the whistle, I usually recommend that the owner plays it for only about 20 minutes a day and dries it out afterwards with a cloth handkerchief or swab. Gradually over the next couple of weeks, increase the length of playing by 5 minutes at a time, increasing the amount every couple of days. No need to be totally afraid of this, but I would worry about taking a brand new whistle and playing it an unlimited amount right from the start. It might be fine, but I feel that a bit of caution is worthwhile.
Thanks very much for the info!
I use this method. http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/bleazey/CARE/index_flutecare.html