A little while back at a session that my teacher hosted, I mentioned to the group that eventually I wanted to give the low whistle a go. One of members at the session said that he had a low D that I could have a give a whirl. He did say that it was a homemade low D but I was welcome to have it and if I didn’t like it to either return it or pass it along to anyone else that might want to try it out. So later that night I stopped by his house and he gave me the homemade low D. Excitedly, I went home and gave it a try…my excitement lasted for all but a couple of minutes because I really had a hard time getting my fingers on the holes. I have read about the “pipers-grip” on these forums but never really tried to apply it.
Fast-forward to yesterday, and in a response to the new Hammy low D whistle I posted that I would love to play the low whistle but I could not cover the holes. Feadoggie responded back telling me not to give up just because of that. So when I got home last night, I was determined to play this homemade low whistle by learning the pipers-grip. After about a half-hour or so…I was finally able to play down to the bell note D. Next I tried some tunes that I play on my regular whistle…with some stumbling and repositioning of fingers…I was able to put together some notes that would resemble the tune a bit. Later, before I went to bed…I picked up the low d and within 10 seconds I got my fingers correct to play down to the bell note.
So here are some of my observations that I made:
You do not need a lot of breath at all for the lower notes (which I read but never realized how little until I tried)
Pushing you fingers down on the holes does not do you any favors, however if you place your fingers there, it works much better
Practice, practice, practice
So with this success breakthrough for me…I will be in the market for a low whistle (once I save enough $$).
Sorry about the long post…but I was encouraged with my progress yesterday. Now comes the research for which whistle to get…however, after reading many posts on the subject…I think I will go with the Burke Viper Pro. However, that makes me wonder…should I go for the normal or EZ version? Hmmm…
I made this offer to you on the “Hamilton” thread but I’ll add it here as well. I have three Burke low D’s. You are welcome to try them. One is a Composite EZ model, one is a 2001 vintage aluminum Pro and the other is an aluminum Viper. We don’t live too far from each other. If we can figure out a mutually agreeable schedule…
Yep that piper’s grip is fantastic once you get it down, but there’s a period where you can’t get your fingers to seal and you just make squeaks.
I’ve played pipes for 35 years so the low hand piper’s grip comes naturally. But a couple years ago when I bought a Burke Pro Viper I realised that I was going to have to learn the piper’s grip for the upper hand. THAT has been a struggle but I’ve recently had a breakthrough. As you say it all comes with practice.
I’m trying to get to the point where I can lay my upper-hand fingers nearly anywhere and still seal the holes.
Yeah, I was surprised that I was able to get the pipers grip with the lower hand with not too much trouble…but the upper hand…always giving me problems. Both the L2 and R2 holes are the hardest…the holes are so honking big!
Anyhow, I will have to keep plugging away on the homemade low whistle while I try to stash some money here and there until I can purchase a production one.
I guess I’ve been pretty lucky.so far with low D. I can play both my low cost Indian plated brass Pipola and GG style CPVC whistle with a “standard” fingertip grip. Of course I’m just over 6’-2" and have a tip to tip finger spread of 10". Like others I’m looking to “trade up” to a Burke viper to deal with the lower octave volume consideration of the plastic whistle and the general lack of western (diatonic?) Scale accuracy in the pipola. Don’t get me wrong, each of the other whistles has a place, I’m just hoping that I’m ready.for the Burke now, or in the near future. Also hope that I can still “fingertip” it, but if not will have to learn another skillset I guess. It will give me something sessionable to practice on when my flute embochure gives out for the day, or I’m having a lazy evening.
The Burke’s upper-hand stretch is wider, or at least feels wider, than any Low D I’ve played. I’ve always used the “piper’s grip” for the lower hand due to my background as a Highland piper but I’ve always used the end pads of the upper-hand fingers. This approach has worked on every pipe or whistle I’ve ever played over the last 35 years until I got the Burke Pro Viper.
Right away, from the first day, I could feel discomfort in my upper hand. It’s a combination, I think, of the Burke’s wide spacing and the Burke’s huge fat tube. I knew that the solution was the piper’s grip for the upper hand but it took a long time to break my upper hand’s habits and get it used to the new grip.
I just played a while last night and had very few squeaks. I’m getting to the point where my upper hand can be at the middle-joint pads, or end-joint pads, or anywhere in between and still seal well. That’s where I want to be, where I can hold the whistle wherever it’s most comfortable and not have to worry about getting a good seal.
By the way the Burke has a great big sound, an exceptionally powerful bottom D, and great tuning over the range.