This could be a poll, but it would have 24 choices (chromatic from Low Low G to High G). So, what key Whistle do you really like? Why is that key your favorite?
Me, I like As a lot. Why? Because they have the air lower requirments of a High Whistle, the higher Backpressue of a lower Whistle, the dynamic range of a Low Whistle, the volume and projection of a High Whistle, and I like the key in general. So, this gives a very versital solo instrument on Airs that can still rip through faster tunes. It also makes for an interesting adsition to a session as one can finally play those A and D tunes that go below a D.
I am also a fan of Bnats, but haven’t tried enough to judge them correctly.
I like Bb and A about equally, and better than the rest because they combine the ease of a high whistle with a sound approaching low whistles. And because 99% of my playing is alone, for my own pleasure.
I haven’t acquired (or even tried) whistles in all keys. Mostly I have C and D whistles. And, since I tend to play mostly at home, I tend to pick up the Cs the most often. So, I guess that makes me a ‘C’ guy.
Unseen122,
I’m curious about that A-whistle. It seems as if I might want one, but I’m not sure. I play a lot of tunes that require a C-natural. Is that particular maneuver very difficult to do properly on an A-whistle? Also, what brands of A-whistle are you using?
And to answer your question: Good ol’ D-whistle, though the only other ones I’ve tried/owned are C and Bb (and I do love the sound of the Bb, just don’t play it as much).
My most favorite key for whistle is Bb (I only have a Gen in that key), my current favorite whistle is a high D (My Sweetheart), and I would say low D and low G are tied for third favorite (Water Weasel G and Howard D).
D, but only because that’s the key everyone else is playing in. However, if I could magically force everyone to play in whatever key my whistle was in then I’d say a B whistle would be just right…not too high, not too low, not too hard a stretch for the fingers.
I like Eb. No reason - I just like it. I never get enough time on it though - whenever I pick up a whistle these days I feel guilty unless I’m doing scales or learning a tune on my D - the Eb would make my fingers lazy, but it’s always the whistle I pick up when I just want to noodle around.
E-flat soprano
I agree with The Weekenders and Mitch. But I most often pick up my E-nat Burke Black-tip for fun or trying out new tunes. Sweet, pure, easy effort and in-tune.
Because I like my WW Bb/A/Ab set a lot and my D’s (Burke, NB Stealth, WW, WhitecapOak) I agree with Dale’s list, too.
Mary Bergin, and other noteworthy players, often play and record on E-flat sop’s; must be something to it.
Cnat isn’t too hard, it is like playing an Fnat on a D Whistle but the holes are bigger and easier to half hole. Although, I usually play G tunes in D on this (another session use if someone starts a tune that you know in G, but they play it in D you just whip out the A whistle). So, it is not horrible to get Cnat, but if they are really important I would suggest a Low G as opposed to the A, as the G is also a nice key.
I have two As currently, a Water Weasel this has a very sonorous warm sound, very Woody and a Harper, which is brighter and higher back pressure, I usually prefer this one, the Harper, as I can mess with the pitch more for airs and I can lean into dance tunes.
I am a fan of Ebs also, I just bought a Copley Eb Flute and I love it. One thing I like about Ebs is one can really lean into them even on the Eb Flute. It is not a mystery to me why some bands play a lot in Eb.
I really want to try an Ab/G# as I love the sound of the key. This couild also be one reason why I like Ebs as the secondary key is Ab.
Interesting how a lot of people like Whistles in the Alto Range (arguably Fnat to Bnat).