The Mighty Oak

Whistle
1

Hello all! Kinda new here, name’s Tim.

I’m a huge fan of cheaper whistles, I’ve got quite a collection now of Feadogs, Waltons, Gens, Clarkes, Susatos, and Oaks. My Oak is my favorite in D by a long shot. It’s the most responsive, clear, and loud whistle I own, and it’s a blast to play.

I also have an Oak C, and unfortunately, the experience isn’t the same. The look and feel of the whistle is almost identical to a Feadog in the same key. Fairly breathy, requires a lot of air, and requires that “lean” in order to sound the upper octave notes. I’ve heard a few people on this forum mention that both manufacturers use identical heads, but the head of my Oak D has a slight outward dimple at the very top of the blade (which, I suspect, is partially responsible for its better playability). Could it be that one is the “Oak Classic,” while the other is…Oak regular? :really:

After several months, out of curiosity I checked my online records of which whistles I ordered, and the D whistle is indeed listed as “Oak Classic.”

So I suppose my real question is this: Is anyone aware of whether Oak consistently uses the “dimple mouthpieces” on their “Classic” model, while their regular model is simply a rebranded Feadog? I’d eventually like to find an Oak C that plays as well as the D.

Cheers,
-Tim

2

I have an old Oak D from the early1980’s which is a great whistle, my favorite cheap whistle. Last year I bought an Oak C which was a disappointment. I could say the same things about it that you did. Definitely not in the same league as the D.

3

If you like to tinker, perhaps you could simulate that outward dimple (pimple?) with something temporary like plasticine clay or candle wax. If it gives you the desired improvement, you could do it more permanently with epoxy glue. Check the tweaking whistles thread too.

4

I tried replicating this “dimple” on the 'dogs, but to no avail. After VERY close inspection, it seems that the window on my Oak D is just slightly smaller. I also measured out the windways of these whistles (in D), and it turns out the Oak’s is just slightly narrower, but taller. I’m really not sure how I could measure the angle of the blades on these whistles, but all of these variables are pretty much out of my control.

It’s no big deal, I was just curious if anyone knew more than I did about any relation between these brands.

I guess it just goes to show how precise whistle-making is, and why there are so many preferences and opinions about all of these instruments! (especially the cheap ones!)

-Tim