Hi out there,
Does anyone know of a store in or around the Boston area that has a variety of whistles available for testing/playing?
If not, how does one get familiar with all of the whistles available? I’ve been reading reviews on many whistles, but it seems that it’s not a substitute for actually playing different instruments.
Thanks
Very out here…welcome on board. The Clips and Snips board is helpful - lots of samples of different makes and keys and they allow you to hear third person. Many whistles (particularly those that cost more) are only available new from their maker.
If I remember rightly, the Whistle Shop does sale or return and I suspect other internet traders might to.
Trisha
No, there is nothing like trying it yourself.
Hang out on the board long enough and you may form a friendship with someone who loans you various things to try. when you start buying (WhOA!) you can return the favor.
There are VERY few stores that supply more than one or two kinds of high end whistles…The Whistle Shop and Song of the Sea (almost within driving distance for you! its in Bar Harbor, ME) are examples.
Give in and buy something that looks interesting and is in your budget, and compare it to what you hear reports on. That will give you an idea about what you find important in a whistle. For example, backpressure is important to me, not too much, not too little. The word ‘breathy’ (for me) is a bad thing.
Get out to sessions and meet people who play whistle and flute. They’ll have opinions, and maybe something for you to try. Boston is a great place for that!
Best of luck!
You may be lucky enbough to have a maker come to a summer Irish festival. Last year Michael Burke was in Dublin, Ohio.