My first post here [though I’ve been reading along for a while] and I haven’t seen this subject come up…
I’m a neophyte whistler and have some hopes of getting better, but the only opportunities I have to practice are late at nite when the Mrs. has already retired… and even then, the dog scowls at me as though the whistle hurts her ears, too. [Whether that’s the dog’s opinion on whistling in general - or simply my own efforts - I don’t know.]
Is there any way to “muffle” a whistle for rehearsing? Or is there a “quiet” whistle variant?
One way to muffle a whistle is to build a (temporary) wall of silly putty in front of the slit, blocking the air path. Don’t close the slit, just build a wall in front of it. This will quiet most whistles a great deal, without changing their sound.
There are quiet whistles too. Anything described as “narrow bore” is usually quiet. Mack Hoover has a good reputation for making the best quiet whistles. http://home.bresnan.net/~mackhoover/ I haven’t tried them yet, but if any kind soul would like to send me a Hoover whistle as a gift, i’ll tell you my personal opinions.
Alba’s Q1. Fantastic whistle. It’s quiet compared to say a Dixon, and the quality of tone is superb. Price is midway between cheapies and Chieftains. A quality whistle that will last a lifetime, and unless yer playing in a group probably the best whistle you’ll ever need for home playing or in a quiet gathering.
Search for Alba’s Baby on the C&F whistle forum - about 2 weeks back - for more details about it and reviews.
I have played a Clarke Original for a couple of years (the one with the wooden fipple stock) and it is fairly quiet. I can’t successfully play it at a session as it is easily drowned out. It also seems to play well with very little blowing, which in itself keeps the volume down.
I’ve been the proud owner of an Alba Q1 for about a week and it’s just about the perfect late night whistle, sweet sound, breaks the octave politely and reliably and is really quiet.
Yuzz
