Tweaked home-made high D

Whistle
1

Inspired by Gregory’s videos, I decided to put a video up of a high D I made. A few weeks ago, just before Christmas I decided it should be possible to make a penny whistle from PVC pipe. I have no idea why that idea popped in my head then. It was 15 years since I saw a tin whistle (Clarke) that my dad had just got on a whim.

I searched the web. Landing on Guido’s site was the best thing that could have happened. I had a whistle in short order, and it actually made proper sounds! Thanks again, Guido!

The one I’m playing in the video is basically from Guido’s instructons but I can’t find the pipe he recommends, so I used the spreadsheet calculations I found someplace else to place the holes on this one, made from CPVC. I wasn’t pleased with the difference between the tune of the two octaves, so I tried some things to make it better. Maybe I only made it different? Or maybe it’s worse.

The two main things I did was file both the upper amd lower edges of the window to place the lip in the middle of the air flow, and I placed some material in the bore to approximate a taper. By the PDA tuning program the two octaves are closer than without these mods, but still not pefect.

Have a listen and see what you think I achieved. I know making a whistle is no big deal - everyone has probably made several. And I’m sure not a performer! You wouldn’t believe how many takes it took to get that video, and it’s still got errors. I would not have believed stage fright would happen in front of my camera when I can just delete the file!

Sorry the sound and video don’t match. They do on the file I uploaded.

I place myself at your mercy…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVY2Qedvl1E

2

Hey that sounds great to me buddy. Great job!!! I have filed down the numbers and letters off of my low d and am going to paint it over the next few days. I have had a few requests for one when I start merchandising them. I am going to try and get better at it before I do that though.

I am about to begin an experiment on making a high d without the external mouthpiece. I have to get my grandpa’s belt sander to get really good edges on my fipple. I will post pics and video when complete.

Kepp up the good work Mr carey…
g

3

Thanks Gregory. I seem to recal that Guido said something about taking the printing off the pipe with acetone. Could be easier than filing, but maybe not so healthy .

I’m interested to hear how your internal mouthpiece experiments go. I’ve done a little messing around with that too, and keep going back to the seperate piece on top of the body.

Keep on whistling while you work on your whistle!

4

Nice, though the sound lacks some confidence, as if every note is on the brink of being overblown. But still - very nice! I am generally amazed by people who make instruments with their own hands! =)

5

Nice job on the Whistle. Just curious, whats the name of the tune youre playing?

6

It sounded like Donnybrook to me.

7

Correct Gregory, it was (supposed to be) Donnybrook Fair. I need to work on when to take breaths (among other things.) That’s a problem learning from ABC - it never breathes.