I’ve only been playing the whistle for about 7months, and the flute for about 3-4. I’m pretty much self-thaught, and learn mostly from watching and listening to professional players. To the question!
I nearly always play the second octave D with all holes closed. I’m aware that leaving the top hole open produces a more stable second octave D and keeps it from going down an octave. Still I’ve always liked the sound alot better when keeping all holes closed. I see lot of good players playing the high D with the top hole open. Are there any real pros and cons to the two methods, or is it just a matter of personal preference?
Please enlighten me, I’m still very new to playing the whistle and flute.
On Brother Steve’s tin-whistle page he reccomends closing all the holes. At least most of the time anyway. It definitely makes things easier to not have to keep lifting the left index finger everytime you go to middle D.
IMHO, some whistles and flutes need that venting, especially when you’re pushing them to their limit. I’ve only played a few but I can tell there is a difference when I’m playing nice soft music and when I’m playing really hard, lively, loud music.
I definitely like the stability of the vented high D. On most whistles I own, it sounds better that way too. Once you play it like that for a while, it becomes pretty natural. However, whatever works for you is fine. Just check your octave intonation both ways and see if one is more spot on.
