Tunable high D - Which one to get?

Whistle
1

So far I have bought all my whistles from Finland, and trust me, that’s not a big selection to choose from. Once in my life I have visited a celtic music shop, which was a tiny Celtic Shop in the Netherlands, and that was a wonderful experience! I was there to get a low whistle and a bodhrán, so I didn’t pay much attention to the soprano whistles. I thought that my current ones were good enough (Clarke Original and Meg). But, my new low D didn’t get on well with them (even though I took a tunable one in purpose), so now I need a tunable high D.

And now I need your help. I don’t know anything about any good whistles out there, and the only online shop I know is The Whistle Shop. I watched through all the tunable high D’s they had, but of course they were only pictures and didn’t tell me much.

My ideal whistle is in tune with itself, plays easily in both octaves, doesn’t require too much air and sounds nice. So that you would know what sounds good to me:

I don’t like: Generation, Feadog, Susato
I like: Clarke Original, Meg, Shaw, Tony Dixon low D (what kind of opinions you have of Tony Dixon high D?)

Those are all the whistles I have ever tried. So please, tell me what kind of experiences you have had with different kinds of whistles, what you like the most, what should I think about and what would you recommend.

I play in a band of four university student girls, so we are not really professionals, but I’m not afraid to spend money for this. Good tin whistle is something that I dream of. Still, I’d appreciate recommendations also for cheaper models. :wink:

The website of our band Kelpia

2

Howdy,

There are many quality whistles out there, but there is no “one perfect whistle”. Each whistle has qualities that appeal to different people. A good place to start is with Wanderer’s reviews. Very detailed. Then you can search these forums for the name of the whistles that interest you. I’m sure that each whistle has been discussed before on this board.

Personally, I have a Thin Weasel (clear, easy playing, bold, slightly reedy sound), a busman (clear, easy player, amazingly balanced between octaves), and a SZBE (accurate, loud, fast, great sound).

Best,

Dave

3

Hi WhistleFairy,

There are a few whistle specialist stores on the WWW. Some are not too far from Finland.

Also, there are a few whistle makers who post on this site.

Here are a couple of other good sites to have a look at:

http://www.tinwhistler.com/reviews.asp This page has “Wanderer’s” whistle reviews that include sound clips of each.

http://dmoz.org/Arts/Music/Instruments/Winds/Tin_Whistle/Makers/
This one has a listing of makers - most of these also have demonstration sound files.

Hope this helps :slight_smile:

4

There is Big Whistle in England which may be good for Shipping costs.

As I said in the last thread, I think a Dixon High D would suit you. From what you do like ad what you are looking for; I think it is a good Whistle for you. I would also recommend a GFM (available from The Whistle Shop) and a Sweetheart. Those two are louder than a Dixon.

5

I picked up a Burke brass D in March during the St. Louis Tionol. I’ve fallen in love with it…it’s the larger-bore studio model. You might check his website – I’m not sure if he ships overseas.

Thanks Mr. Burke for a great whistle!!

Starr

6

I’ll second the Burke recommendation. My preference would be his brass session or composite whistles. They are amazing instruments that would fit your list.

Jef

7

I third the Burke reccomendation. They are very sweet and easy players. It would be good if you could try to get one used to cut down on cost. (That’s how I got mine.) Like Unseen said, a Dixon might be too soft if you are playing with others. The Burke is louder, although not too loud to be overpowering. (At least in my experience…)

8

I would also have to agree with the Burke. That was my initial thought before reading all the posts. I do not own one, but I was lucky enough to play one a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. It could be heard nicely over the group, but still had a sweet tone.

9

If you know what WhOA is: I certainly got it; buying whistles like mad, but when it comes to my high D whistle: It’s a Burke DAN, and it’ll always be. I know, it sounds too good to be true! Okay, then. If I’m buying an another high D, it has to be a Burke DBSBT…

Burke is my choice! One thing is for sure: You won’t be disappointed!

10

Mick O’Brien handles the European distribution of Burke whistles in Europe. Really nice guy and he usually keeps all of the high D’s in stock.

When I am not playing my Burke, I am playing my Abell’s (Olivewood and Delrin…) :slight_smile:

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That’s right. I got mine from him. A really nice guy, indeed.