Hi there,
I received a tin whistle (MEG by Clarkes in the key of D) for my
birthday last week. I am a keen harmonica player and was delighted to
be introduced to another diatonic instrument.
So I have been learning to play this little metal flute for the last
week or so, about 45 minutes a day. And now I seem to have developed
a tender lower lip. The inside of the lip feels kind of like how it is
when you have slightly scalded your mouth with a hot beverage. It
isn’t terrible or anything but a bit odd and not something I ever
encountered when practicing my harmonicas - which I regularly do an
hour or two at a go.
So I wondered if it might be the plastic mouthpiece that I was having
a reaction too though I am not an ‘allergic type’ person normally.
Anyways, just wondered if anyone else had run into a similar problem
and am wondering if trying/buying a different whistle… well one
with a different mouthpiece, might help. But then again, I don’t even
know what other type of materials I could expect to find when it comes
to these penny whistles. Are they also made out of wood or what about
a metal mouthpiece…? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
BTW, I am really enjoying this sweet simple instrument - what a great
gift it has turned out to be!
I use a Clark tin whistle that is a tapering metal tube with no unconnected mouthpiece. The whole thing is made out of one strip of metal. Anyway, that might work out better for you. I got mine at the local music store for about $11
You are probably just chafed and need to lay off for a day or so. I think if you’ve never played before and have been practicing 45 minutes a day for a week, this is the most likely explanation. Also, make sure you aren’t curling your lower lip over your bottom teeth and biting your lip between your teeth and the mouthpiece. This is incorrect.
My lower teeth are a little crooked with some sharp spots, and I notice my lower lip gets sore if I haven’t played in a while. Maybe this has something to do with it too. At any rate, I think your lip just needs to toughen up and get used to whistling.
How much saliva is around there? If you lick your lips too much it’ll get tender, happens to some kids fairly often. Naturally being the bottom lip it’d probably get the most saliva, but of course I don’t know if this is it, just a guess.
A while back the Oak whistles had problems with the mouthpieces that causesd a numb or tingling sensation in the lips. The cure was to soak the end in a strong solution of soapy water overnight.
For sure, in my beginner’s enthusiasm I may be overdoing it and also could be my sloppy technique.. too much saliva gathering and such. Nevertheless, I was able to find a tin whistle like you described Ram1712, a Clarke that is made out of one piece of metal with a wooden plug in the mouthpiece.
I gave it a go during today’s two seperate half hour practice sessions and it was great! The inside of my lower lip wasn’t aggravated at all. Maybe I’m being more conscious of technique and not overdoing it and maybe it is the metal/wood combo but whatever the reason, my lower lip wasn’t sore.
So, for the time being I think I’ll stick to practicing with this second Clarke whistle and see how it goes.
