Question about The Irish Flute Store & Chuck Tilbury Whistle

[JTC111]

@NicoMoreno

Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, this philosophy doesn’t apply to whistles.

@Mr.Gumby

The weekend before last…two whistle players…one from Sligo playing one that cost thirty or forty times the price of the first.
No competition whatsoever.

When I typed this…
“So, applying my guitar logic to whistles (because that’s all I had to rely on at the time)…”
I was alluding to what the both of you are saying.

Where our opinions differ is whether there is any benefit to a beginner playing on a better quality whistle (better quality does not necessarily translate into more expensive). I understand both of your opinions on the issue. My own experience is that I do benefit from playing better quality whistles because I can make those whistles sound better to MY ears therefore I’m more inclined to practice/play.

Something else that may play a role in this is what our goals and expectations are. I have very little desire to sit in on an ITM session. Musically, while I enjoy a beautiful aire, I’m a singer/songwriter first. If I can become proficient enough on whistle to accompany myself in the studio, I’ll be a very happy camper …but I’m a long way from there.

[hoopy_mike]

@Mr.Gumby

The weekend before last I heard two whistle players in a row…

It’s almost inevitable that two whistle players meeting will result in a row.

[system]

@hoopy mike

@Mr.Gumby

The weekend before last I heard two whistle players in a row…

It’s almost inevitable that two whistle players meeting will result in a row.

Unless one of them has feathers…

[UncleChuck]

For what it is worth, I am still around. I had some rough times (layed off of several day-jobs in short sequence) a couple of years back and I had to back off of the whistle making a bit. I am all the way back in it now.

I really appreciate everyone hanging with me through the tough. Things are getting better now.

All the best!
-=chuckt=-

[UncleChuck]

@NicoMoreno

Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, this philosophy doesn’t apply to whistles. Unfortunately there is (in my not all that limited experience) as much variation between “high-end” whistles as there is between “low-end”, if not more! You are really only paying extra for the fact that someone has to put in hours making the whistle. “Cheap” whistles are cheap because they can be mass-produced cheaply, not because they are bad. Although some makes of cheap whistle I do think are inherently bad, I still far prefer Feadogs and Generations to all (almost) high end whistles. Because the tone, volume and playability are, in my experience, better. Or at least I can achieve what I want to more easily on these types of whistles.

You are completely correct that what you are really paying for in a “high-end” whistle is mostly the maker’s labor. All makers that I am aware of actually put hands on the whistle and voice each instrument individually. That (AFAIK) is not the case with low end whistles. The fact that Jerry Freeman can make a living voicing low end whistles is a testament to the (low) quality of their voicing. (Also a testament to Jerry’s hard work and dedication, because it ain’t easy making a living from whistles.) He adds that individual attention to the whistle to make it better. Also, if a high end whistle does not meet your needs, you have someone to go to in order to get it fixed or whatever. All of that service costs money and you will not get it with a low end whistle.

Oh well, my $0.002 US worth.
-=chuckt=-

Edit1: For clarity.
Edit2: I have also seen whistle players that could make a rusty pipe sound good. Leo MacNamera, for example. YMMV.
Edit3: Link to Leo MacNamera: http://www.hoilands.com/concert.htm