I say this in the spirit of self-admonishment and reminder, not to be pedantic. I just realized the other day that posting reviews of whistles after comparing them one to the others should only be done after listening to them from recorded like pieces that you play. I found that there was tremendously less difference among whistles of the same key and material across various makers than I had thought based on prior subjective evaluations without recording. Seems like some whistles “feel” better when playing but the differences don’t necessarily translate to the same degree when more objectively listening to the recorded pieces. Really helpful to use a recorder (sometimes) when practicing. Also helpful to go back and play some tunes slowly. BTW someday I’ll figure out how to post some tunes on Clips and Snips; you guys are great; Tony Higgins you posted some really nice renditions. Thanks.
Jeepers, Phil. Thanks for the nice words. I agree that the differences between whistles is heard a lot less on recordings and the most distinct differences are noticed when you are playing yourself as opposed to listening to someone else. But seeing as the pleasure we get from the whistles is by playing them, I justify getting one that sounds good to play. The mp3’s loaded on Clips/Snips are compressed and throw out the subtleties (sp?) of the whistles’ tones.
Now, for getting you on Clips and Snips…I worried from the start that it would boil down to people who were more comfortable with their playing abilities being the ones who submitted all or most of the tunes. Maybe that was the inevitable evolution. If so, it’s unfortunate. I’ve gently pleaded from time to time that it’s not a beauty contest and I’d love to have more people sharing what they do, regardless of level of polish. People talk about slow airs they love to play. I haven’t heard of all the tunes named and I’d sure love to hear them (and learn them).
What was my point? Oh yeah. A $10 microphone plugged into the back of your computer is all you need to get rolling. Any computer less than 4 or 5yrs old has a sound card and software loaded that will let you record yourself. If you don’t have the capacity to convert your wave to mp3, email it to me and I’ll convert it. (My email service scolds me every time I go over 2megs, so be kind.) And like I’ve said, recording yourself is a fabulous learning tool for self critique. (Humbling and inspiring at the same time, not to mention fun.)
Tony
Tony - I’ve lost all vanity and will post gladly. I have a new computer (one year old)and will pick up mic tomorrow. I think there is a site I can go to to convert. Before long, you’ll be sorry you asked! Regards, Phil
Tony