As a “newbie” to the pennywhistle forum (look over to the left, that’s me with my hands in my pockets and check me date), yes, newbie and proud of it, I have enjoyed all of the recent forum posts related to the “touchey”, “feeley” of the whistle. I’ve liked the posts when the “visual” aspect is mentioned, as appearances can be deceiving… its only a pennywhistle, or tin whistle, (cheap) meanwhile, notes of joy emanate, or the “craftsmanship” is so exquisite that beauty is realized just “looking” at it (those photos wreak of drool and slobbering). The forum posts discussing the “sound” characteristics and qualities of the pennywhistle ring better understanding for this newbie… I listen therefore I am, so chirp 'n chime on. And, in particular, the posts pertaining to the “touchey”, "feeley"ness of the pennywhistle goes to the heart of “contact” with the aesthetic. (“have gun, will travel” becomes “have whistle, will practice”)
The pennywhistle forum discussions, debates, fights… of whether its wood, metal, plastic… (cheap or otherwise), feels better or plays better, sounds sweeter and whether smooth, satin or matt finish, dull, patinated or polished, culminate with the whistler’s own “style” (budget). Call it “swag” or “sway” if you will. Its the “journey”. Hence, the forum has proved quite pleasantly… enjoyably-educationaley for me likin’… and me’s a newbie. (look over to the left, that’s me with my hands in my pockets and check me date)
I have whistles made from a number of materials, ABS, PVC, brass, nickle plated brass.
And with cooperation from the postal service, I will soon have one made of wood.
So far, the feel of the whistle material isn’t a problem.
The whistle I use is dependent on the situation; quite whistle most of the time at home,
loud and rugged whistle at work, quite whistle in my small car, favorite whistle in my sunny garden.
But what do I know? I’m a n00b too.
Me too, on both counts.
I am down to three regularly used whistles - two low D one high D. I do not play the high D much these days so that will be the next to go.
oh, speaking for myself… about a week after i die… as long as there is something to learn, i’m a newbie. between now and then, i’ll never be mistaken for somebody who knows how to play a whistle or a flute…
I dont think life is as clear cut as Dungeons and Dragons where you got promoted to 15th level whistler, but only if you can find and control “zygax’ whistle of piercing”. I prefer to continue assuming I have more to learn than I have learnt already - it has turned out to be true so far.
