Hi,
I’m still learning, maybe slowly, but enjoying it. I had heard Youtube pieces on the Dixon Alto G and though that I would dip into the bigger whistle world whilst not having to use the piper grip, so bought one.
The Dixon is wonderful. I can reach all the holes quite easily on a normal fingering grip. This whistle instantly made my playing sound better, I love it and prefer it for anything played slow (most things at the moment, I am a learner!)
I didn’t need any more whistles (so my wife said, and she knows a thing or two about whistles and cameras and most other things that I want…apparently), but when I saw a chance to get a bargain Howard Eb, I grabbed it. Now that it has arrived I can see that I am but a child in the low whistle world. This monster might suit the hand size of the Jolly Green Giant, but will be a new learning opportunity for me. I can get my finger tips into some of the holes, let alone cover them. A must for the piper’s grip.
Do you think that a learner can cope with both a standard AND a pipers grip, or will it not help the learning of either?
This is a very different whistle and yet another voice. This is going to so good…just need to fatten those fingers…
You’ll get used to it - with practice… I think the Howards have particularly wide spacing - not sure why. Could be because the tube is bigger than most others. If you do go all the way down to the (D)ark side, you might try a Susato - I find that I use pipers’ grip but can just about do without. Oh yeah, Susatos are cheap, too (relatively speaking).
This phrase has no meaning. I’ve heard it, even said it before, but based on behavioral results, it just doesn’t seem to convey any actual connection to reality.
I did not even realize I was using a piper’s grip or even know what a piper’s grip was when I got my first low whistle, it just made sense. I also didn’t realize that I was playing left-handed either when I started on the whistle. No one tells me anything.
Have fun. How did you come to find out about whistles? I’m nosey.
Ha-ha. I’m finished buying whistles,…no,..really…But, a high end whistle for peanuts isn’t like really buying a whistle is it? I can tell you what I told her, I didn’t really want to buy it, I just put on a ridiculously low bid and…well…no-one else bid on it!??
It was almost forced upon me…
40 years ago, I was in my school band on Bb trumpet. Herb Alpert eat yer heart out. I was never any good, but it gave me an appreciation for music. (my trumpet is in my loft, slides seized). In the last few years, I have come again to enjoy brass band music, (we have a lot of bands hereabouts, Saddleworth brass band contest and all that) but it was clear that I couldn’t give the commitment needed to play brass (and I’m too old).
I watched a great gig earlier this year, “Snake Davis” playing the Sax. Really hit home that I should try to be creative again. So there it was, I was going to get a Sax…
I searched on you tube for him. A few vids were there, but not the numbers I liked best. He played a tin whistle too, this was very nice, so I searched for tin whistle… and found Ryan Dunns. I was “gob-smacked” as they say…now I’m here, a wannabe again.
You don’t need anymore but if you fancy one and have the money, well go on you might as well treat yourself. Careful though, don’t get into debt. There could be a whistle collectors anonymous requirment if people let it get the better of them. It could lead to divorce and all sorts. Think of the kids! Practise both grips daily about half each and all should be well or abit less piper if your hands hurt, unless you like that sort of thing. Best of luck wth your tunesing.
When I was first learning I had both a high and low D. The piper’s grip took a little bit to get used to but switching back and forth was pretty easy and I think learning them at the same time was easier in the long run because I wasn’t fighting against years of experience and habit.
I play cornet and trumpet and as far as I know it is good to start playing at about nine or ten and continue until you can’t manage it anymore. I personaly began at eleven, stopped at sixteen, no horn, and began again at forty. I now have two cracking good Yamaha Xeno’s and nothing will stop me this time. I hope this is of help. If precocious start at eight.
That’s hilarious!
