I’m a beginner (been playing about a year) with a Clarke traditional D and a Generation C. I like the Clarke much better for both tone and feel, but the Generation seems much sturdier so it rides in my book bag for urgent whistling needs at bus stops and the like.
With a new baby on the way, I’m thinking I need to bring the volume down a bit (maybe a lot). I’ve figured out how to use tape to mute either whistle; that trick is much more effective on the Gen than the Clarke, but it really screws up the tone on both. Independent control of volume and pitch would be nice, so I’m thinking about picking up a Tipple flute (and recognizing that I’ll then be spending lots of time working on embouchure).
So here’s my question: am I being stupid? (More stupid than usual, anyway.) Can a beginner expect to play a flute and have it be quieter (or at least less shrill) than a whistle? And what about a low whistle: how does the volume compare?
First, let me welcome you to the world of C&F. Hello!
Second, congratulations on the baby.
It’s a simple question. But the answer is perhaps multifaceted. I personally don’t think the flute is a quieter instrument, just lower in pitch. A low D whistle would be similar in pitch and they can be quieter than the flute, depending on the maker. Tony Dixon’s polymer low D is on the queit side and has a demur second octave (IMO). The high notes will still be too loud for a sleeping baby I am afraid. That’s just my opinion (with three grown kids now).
It’s a common enough topic that we should maybe have another sticky thread at some point.
The flute can be played quietly too using a similar technique as the whisper method described in the above link. But that does not help you train your embouchure, your tone or your focus. It rather avoids the whole area of good technique. I am sure others will share their advice. But don’t let it stop you from delving into the flute.
Since no one else has mentioned it, I will mention the Park’s whistles. It actually has a volume control on it. Now, the tone does become more airy (breathy?) as the volume is lowered, and the pitch is lowered but the whistle is tunable so it can be brought back into tune at the volume you desire.
That’s a great idea; I’d missed the previous thread and didn’t find it in a search. The whisper method was new to me, and it’s working really well so far.