Hey all! I am new to this site so I’m sorry if this doesn’t go here. ^^
I have been playing the whistle for about 3 years now, and have been looking very hard for a low whistle because of it’s beautiful tone. However, I don’t have enough money at this time, to spend on a nice low whistle. I was wondering if anyone knew where I might find a ‘beginner’ low whistle for a low price. It doesn’t have to sound perfect, but I need something that I can practice the L.W. on.
Thanks for hearing me out. ^^
I have no idea how large your hands are, but have you ever tried out a low D before to be sure you can handle the reach? Many(most) Low D’s require a huge stretch to cover the holes, and despite all that you will hear on here about pipers grip, etc, if your hands are typical sized for a woman, the reach is an issue. You need to know what whistles will possibly be sized correctly for you first and then deal with the $$ issue.
I know what you mean. ^^ I have tried a low whistle before and I was able to stretch easily enough. My hands are the normal size for a woman, but as I said, I have tried before and though it will take a little to get used to after playing mainly original whistles, I think I might be able to handle it.
Thanks for the concern though. 
if you have any more advice then please share! I need all the information I can get. But I love the sound of the low whistles to much to give up the thought of playing one. 
Also, thank you for replying so quickly.
What do you consider to be a low price?
Hey, I have a Susato low D (unkeyed) lying around that I don’t play much, that I’d be willing to sell.
It’s not the best example of a Susato I’ve played, but it’s playable. I’ve found that the 2nd octave works better on it using a ponytail holder in front of the windway, and the 2nd octave D is tough to hit if you tend towards not lifting the top finger like me. Shoot me a PM if you think you’d have any interest in trying it out.
I might be willing to part with my chrome over brass Howard at a good price. My two other low Ds get all the playing time now.
My humble opinion is that it has a better sound than a Susato, BUT the finger holes are larger. That could be a real issue depending on your finger size.
If you want a rock bottom price so you can experiment with a low D, consider Daniel Bingamon’s at Jubilee Whistles (http://www.tinwhistles.us). I have not tried this whistle, but the finger stretch is better than most. And it’s only $28.
Edited to add that if you are inclined, you can make a PVC whistle. Instructions and comments are in older posts.
Not quite as inexpensive, but I have a lot of low D whistles, and I think the Kerry low D (the inexpensive model with the plastic mouthpiece) sounds great, is easy to play and pretty easy on the pocketbook (about 80 pounds I think). I believe the Irish Whistle Store might have a used one for much less (maybe $50?) a few days ago when I was lookiing around there.
I love low whistles!
Best,
Jaydoc
ok- just noting that being able to stretch enough to reach the holes is going to be way different than being able to seal them well and play for any extended amount of time. But if you think it’s a go, the Susato and Dixon delrin sorts are pretty cheap and I believe a bit more forgiving on hole size and spacing than say a Chieftan or Howard. Someone on the board has a Susato they cold sell you, and there are always Dixons around- even new on e-bay they are cheap enough. And despite what anyone says, I heard someone play a Susato low D with their band a few months back and it did sound good, so don’t rule that one out by any means. either of these should get you started and you will see if it will work for you.
Hi There:
I bought a Dixon poly low D a year ago and had no difficulty reaching the holes. My hands are average size for a woman. I come from playing the pipes, so I guess it feels sort of the same to me. After I got the hang of it I had no real problems.
The Dixon whistle was very reasonably priced, and sounds good. I’m probably going to buy a more exotic one some day, but for now it’s making me very happy!
I love low whistles too,..
Someone is selling a Susato Low D for $35 (including shipping) in the used instrument section!
No doubt for the same reason I sold mine at a loss.
I haven’t quite made up my mind about unloading mine yet but as I recall, the Dixon was pretty inexpensive. Nice whistle, too, if you don’t develop arthritis.
Thank you all so much for your help and your offers. ^^
I was actually interested in either making the PVC whistle, or buying one since I am just beginning and need the practice. Once I have gotten used to playing it, then I will most definitely consider buying a nicer whistle.
My mum wants to make one, but I don’t think we have time for that, even though from what I have read it doesn’t take that long. We are always doing projects around the house in our free time, from construction on the house, to having people over, to cleaning the house. ^^ hehe. So that is why I am trying to tell her that I would just like to BUY one.
So, if you have any certain instructions that you like please tell me!
Okay, I will stop rambling. Thank you again for your great offers, and help.
I was the guy selling the Susato for $35 - it’s gone, btw… If finger stretch is an issue, I’d recommend you look at the keyed Susato. I used to have one (about 17 whistles ago!) and found it to play quite nicely. My problem with it was the noise the key made. The whistle I sold (it was a non-tunable, non-keyed Susato) played really well - on pitch and good volume across the range. Only reason I sold it was 'cause I bought a Kerry Pro.
Another recommendation: don’t plan on getting a good low-D whistle by making your own out of PVC, at least on the first couple of attempts. I’ve made quite a few and none come close to even the Susato.
Good luck in your search.
Pat
Instructions for PVC whistle making:
http://www.ggwhistles.com/howto/
You can also buy pre-made low-tech whistles from him. They get good reviews!
I’d second JayDoc’s recommendation: the Kerry low D, the one with the black (dark blue?) plastic head. I’ve been noodling around with one … my first low D … and it does seem a good choice for a beginner. I have some old nerve damage in my right hand that limits somewhat how wide I can spread the third finger … I also have average-to-small hands for a man … and I’m managing the piper’s grip on the Kerry D.
Also quite cheap: He’s now selling it on his Web site for 65 pounds, which includes shipping. That was about $105 US for me.
I’ve got a Dixon Aluminum Low D whistle / flute combo that I’m willing to part with. It’s easy to play, sounds good and doesn’t require huge hands to play. The whistle / flute combo comes with two interchangeable heads that fit on the same body. PM me if you are interested. I’m looking for something like $35 + shipping.
I have a homemade low D that you can have for free if you want. It’s made out of black “Sil-O-Flex” plumbing pipe, not a good choice for sound, but it was an experiment. It works, but has a weak-ish and breathy tone, like a Clarke, and it seems to clog pretty quickly. But if you’re just wanting something to get a feel for the holes/spacing etc it will do the trick.
I also have a low D Susato with 1 key up on eBay, ending tomorrow; link is in the used instruments section.
If you decide to make a low tech whistle by Guidos excellent “how-to”, you might consider an alternative to the wooden fipple method he describes. In my oh so humble opinion my method is simpler and produce better results
You will find it described here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JN_vMXSP10
But beware, the notorious Whistle Obsessive Construction Disorder lurkes around the work shop for the unwary
pipsqueak:
Interesting technique - it’s essentially how the native American flutes work (kinda).
Pat
Exactly, plunk111, it is like half of one. It was when making a low tech PVC version of a native american flute that I decided to try this. It actually works well to extend the construction to a two chambered flute.