I am about to succumb to the siren lure and purchase my first high-quality whistle, and I would appreciate your recommendations:
I am looking for a smooth, pure sound, a whistle that is “in tune” across its range, and (most importantly) one that is more forgiving/easy_to_play than responsive. Perhaps in the years to come I will want a whistle that responds to the slightest change, but for now I am looking for something that won’t penalize me for “minor variations”.
There are many that fit this description, so more info please (like money, wood/plastic/metal, volume, etc). The way you describe what you want, I’d recommend the Rose.
Tcm, it might depend on just how much you want to pay and whether or not you are prepared to put in the extra care that comes with wood. A Rose would be wooden and quite expensive—I think, I haven’t priced them lately. It probably would suit you though. My favourite high Ds at the moment are a Copeland and an Overton, both of which would be far too breathy to suit you. One school of thought has it that Sindts are pure but I would describe them as slightly cloudy, as would a lot of others. Although I don’t own a Burke high D, I do own an AlPro high C which, as Carol says of her D, fits your descrioption perfectly. It would also be not very pricey. for what you are after, plus bang for buck, I don’t think you can beat a Burke.
What do you play now, and how would you like the new whistle to be compared to it.
e.g.
If you play a whistle that’s quiet, but like the sound and just want something louder, but with all other qualities the same, then we need some more info’
Also how much do you want to pay?
Frankly, some ‘high end’ whistles are not worth the difference in money when compared to something much cheaper.
On 2003-02-28 09:24, tcm wrote:
I am about to succumb to the siren lure and purchase my first high-quality whistle, and I would appreciate your recommendations:
I am looking for a smooth, pure sound, a whistle that is “in tune” across its range, and (most importantly) one that is more forgiving/easy_to_play than responsive. Perhaps in the years to come I will want a whistle that responds to the slightest change, but for now I am looking for something that won’t penalize me for “minor variations”.
So, what do you recommend?
Thanks, Tom
From what I’ve played personally, I think Elfsong would fit your descriptions rather nicely. Easy on breath requirements, sweet, soft toned, won’t squeak at the slightest provocation. I have a D/C combo, and an F/G combo on order. (Plus you get two bodies for most orders!)
On 2003-02-28 10:08, Easily_Deluded_Fool wrote:
What do you play now, and how would you like the new whistle to be compared to it.
e.g.
If you play a whistle that’s quiet, but like the sound and just want something louder, but with all other qualities the same, then we need some more info’ >
Also how much do you want to pay?
Frankly, some ‘high end’ whistles are not worth the difference in money when compared to something much cheaper.
I’m probably most comfortable with my SweeTone - I’m not looking for a lot of volume, and I love how forgiving it is - I am looking for something that is more accurate tuning across the range.
I’ve budgeted $100, but I’m will to go a little (but not a lot, please) higher.
On 2003-02-28 09:24, tcm wrote:
I am about to succumb to the siren lure and purchase my first high-quality whistle, and I would appreciate your recommendations:
I am looking for a smooth, pure sound, a whistle that is “in tune” across its range, and (most importantly) one that is more forgiving/easy_to_play than responsive. Perhaps in the years to come I will want a whistle that responds to the slightest change, but for now I am looking for something that won’t penalize me for “minor variations”.
So, what do you recommend?
Thanks, Tom
From what I’ve played personally, I think Elfsong would fit your descriptions rather nicely. Easy on breath requirements, sweet, soft toned, won’t squeak at the slightest provocation. I have a D/C combo, and an F/G combo on order. (Plus you get two bodies for most orders!) >
Aodhan
I agree. While it’s fairly responsive, it’s more forgiving than a lot of whistles I would also describe as responsive, and the price range is definitely right. You DO have to exercise breath control with an Elfsong, but even so, the bell note on mine is much more stable than the bell note on my O Briain “improved.”
Another thought…you could split the difference and get a medium priced whistle that might suit your needs more at this time. Thought about a Dixon?
My own choice is a Burke. I purchased the AL-Pro D and of all the whistles I own, it is the best one (in my opinion) for being in tune with itself and other instruments, as well as have a very pure and pleasant tone. There may be louder etc whistles but I am glad that I have this one.
The Burke is within your price range and, without checking, I’m pretty sure the Elfsong is. Right, Redwolf? Wooden whistles are most definitely not in that range.
On 2003-02-28 11:28, Wombat wrote:
The Burke is within your price range and, without checking, I’m pretty sure the Elfsong is. Right, Redwolf? Wooden whistles are most definitely not in that range.
Right. Last time I checked, an Elfsong (one mouthpiece and body) was $75 U.S. (an extra $5 if you want the mouthpiece engraved).
[I’m editing this paragraph slightly, because I think my first post may have read as if I was trying to discourage you from getting a higher-end whistle, which I’m definitely not! ] A lot really depends on why you want a high-end whistle at this time. If the reason is that you want something a little special to play…something that will get your heart beating a little faster everytime you take it out…then I say go for it. Most people here already know what a major fan I am of the Elfsong, and I think it would meet your needs spendidly…pure, sweet tone, forgiving enough so as not to be frustrating, but responsive enough to keep even an advanced player happy, very much in tune with itself, easy second octave, visually stunning. From what I’ve read about the Burke’s, one of those would probably also fit the bill…not having played one, I can’t specifically recommend it, but enough people whose judgement I trust like them that I certainly wouldn’t have any reservation about buying one. If I were you, I’d do some listening (see what you can find on Tin Whistle Tunes), looking and reading on these two whistles to help you decide which would be just right for you. I don’t know the URL for Burke’s website, but Elfsong is http://www.elfsongwhistles.com/ . A search here using the names of those whistles as keywords will net you a lot of information as well.
If, on the other hand, your primary motivation in seeking a high-end whistle is to find something that has characteristics your Sweetone lacks, and if you’d be happy to know you can get something very suitable without spending close to $100, I’d say look long and hard at the Dixon tuneable.
Redwolf
[ This Message was edited by: Redwolf on 2003-02-28 12:08 ]
[ This Message was edited by: Redwolf on 2003-02-28 12:11 ]
Can’t resist: for what you are looking for–Burke. There will be no need to upgrade. My whistle teacher does all his gigs and all his recordings with his Burkes; Larry Nugent has also used Burkes in his recordings. The Brass Pro Session D’s are $100.
Many other whistles are also wonderful, but again, for what you describe, I think you will be happy with the Burke for a long time to come. You can hear me playing mine if you dare.
On 2003-02-28 12:00, cskinner wrote:
Can’t resist: for what you are looking for–Burke. There will be no need to upgrade. My whistle teacher does all his gigs and all his recordings with his Burkes; Larry Nugent has also used Burkes in his recordings. The Brass Pro Session D’s are $100.
Many other whistles are also wonderful, but again, for what you describe, I think you will be happy with the Burke for a long time to come. You can hear > me playing mine > if you dare.
Carol
I don’t own one, but I got a brief chance to play a Burke at faire this weekend (Bedlam bells, another dance group has two in the group). They are nice sounding whistles. I wasn’t able to play them long enough to really judge them, but they did seem to have a nice tone, weight and responsiveness without being demanding.
Nick, I don’t usually disagree with opinions on the board, but I find my Rose to be EXTREMELY sensitive to breath pressure. I love the whistle dearly and sincerely, it is one of my top 4 for playing, but I feel it takes a lot of attention or you’ll get squeaks and jumps that aren’t intended. It is sweet beyond belief, but finicky.
At least that is the feeling I get from playing mine, and the impression I get from listening to clips of Roses.
Many other whistles are also wonderful, but again, for what you describe, I think you will be happy with the Burke for a long time to come. You can hear > me playing mine > if you dare.
Far be it for me to argue with any of the suggestions so far expressed in this thread. But I would like to add a little “begginers background” to the discussion. When it came time to make the jump to a hand made whistle the same ideas were put to me. At the time I was learning airs and some folk songs and just tweedaling along. And I did want to find something with a purer tone and better tuning and all that good stuff. Not to mention the art and craftmanship of the makers we are blessed with. When I made the leap into learning jigs and dance tunes I was in for a big supprise. No longer was pure and sweet acceptable. Loud and edgy were the cries from within. Listening to Macho Russel and other similar old timers realy turned my head. This was the sound I was after and out came my nasty old Gens and windy old Clarkes. Now dont get me rong, I am happy as a clam for having my Burke WBB. I think it is one of the finest whistles out there. And I play it every day. And my Hoover cpvc and weasel and now a Parkhurst Eb/D set(no thanks to David by the way who never answered any of my emails in Dec and Nov when I was trying to get him to make me a set) In fact the Parkhurst Eb is the finest Eb I have ever played. But when its jig time its Gen time. Though I am chomping at the bit for a Rayburn high D which sounds to me like it maybe the ultimate jig tool. All I am saying is that as you continue on this path of whistledum your ear may change many times. Now my suggestions for step-up whistles are thus: Water Weasel, darn near plays itself, well in tune, forgiving, good volume, and a ton of fun, Burke, Nuf said Hoover cpvc you just cant go rong with one of Macks whistles
I haven`t played an Elfsong yet though I just heard from Sandy yesterday and my E/D will be ready soon.
These are all in your price range and fill the bill as far as what you now want. Just remember you will need lots of whistles before you are far down the road.
On 2003-02-28 14:32, Blackbeer wrote:
Far be it for me to argue with any of the suggestions so far expressed in this thread. But I would like to add a little “begginers background” to the discussion. When it came time to make the jump to a hand made whistle the same ideas were put to me. At the time I was learning airs and some folk songs and just tweedaling along. And I did want to find something with a purer tone and better tuning and all that good stuff. Not to mention the art and craftmanship of the makers we are blessed with. When I made the leap into learning jigs and dance tunes I was in for a big supprise. No longer was pure and sweet acceptable. Loud and edgy were the cries from within. Listening to Macho Russel and other similar old timers realy turned my head. This was the sound I was after and out came my nasty old Gens and windy old Clarkes. Now dont get me rong, I am happy as a clam for having my Burke WBB. I think it is one of the finest whistles out there. And I play it every day. And my Hoover cpvc and weasel and now a Parkhurst Eb/D set(no thanks to David by the way who never answered any of my emails in Dec and Nov when I was trying to get him to make me a set) In fact the Parkhurst Eb is the finest Eb I have ever played. But when its jig time its Gen time. Though I am chomping at the bit for a Rayburn high D which sounds to me like it maybe the ultimate jig tool. All I am saying is that as you continue on this path of whistledum your ear may change many times. Now my suggestions for step-up whistles are thus: Water Weasel, darn near plays itself, well in tune, forgiving, good volume, and a ton of fun, Burke, Nuf said Hoover cpvc you just cant go rong with one of Macks whistles
I haven`t played an Elfsong yet though I just heard from Sandy yesterday and my E/D will be ready soon.
These are all in your price range and fill the bill as far as what you now want. Just remember you will need lots of whistles before you are far down the road. > >
Tom
That’s very true as well. I find I tend to favor different whistles for different things…for example, the Elfsong for airs, the Dixon for dance tunes, etc. There are exceptions…I love the way the Elfsong seems to dance lightly over the B part in “Kitty McGee,” for example. It’s not so much that one works and the other doesn’t, it’s just that the SOUND I’m looking for is different when I’m playing, say, Swallowtail."
On 2003-02-28 12:00, cskinner wrote:
Can’t resist: for what you are looking for–Burke. There will be no need to upgrade. My whistle teacher does all his gigs and all his recordings with his Burkes; Larry Nugent has also used Burkes in his recordings. The Brass Pro Session D’s are $100.
Many other whistles are also wonderful, but again, for what you describe, I think you will be happy with the Burke for a long time to come. You can hear > me playing mine > if you dare.
] A lot really depends on why you want a high-end whistle at this time. If the reason is that you want something a little special to play…something that will get your heart beating a little faster everytime you take it out…then I say go for it. Most people here already know what a major fan I am of the Elfsong, and I think it would meet your needs spendidly…pure, sweet tone, forgiving enough so as not to be frustrating, but responsive enough to keep even an advanced player happy, very much in tune with itself, easy second octave, visually stunning. From what I’ve read about the Burke’s, one of those would probably also fit the bill…not having played one, I can’t specifically recommend it, but enough people whose judgement I trust like them that I certainly wouldn’t have any reservation about buying one. If I were you, I’d do some listening (see what you can find on Tin Whistle Tunes), looking and reading on these two whistles to help you decide which would be just right for you. I don’t know the URL for Burke’s website, but Elfsong is