I know I have posted a similar topic in the Trad Music Forum,
But I am wondering on the general vibe from whistlers here:
What is the best key to invest in?
Im thinking here for sessions, and also to play along to groups such as Lunasa etc.
Thanks.
D?
I have a Susato D and Bb.
Thinking of others?
I know most sessions are played in D, but what are the next most common keys?
C and A would prolly be the next
Then prolly G and E but for sessions…really only a D,C and A. For Lunasa and other groups…just depends on the tune.. I think lunasa do alot of stuff on f. Flook and groups like that you will have a lot of flats ect. Just a range for different situations. This is why Whoa happens…you need just 6 more whistles
As everyone says, start out with a D. It will be quite a while before you find you “need” a C, and even longer before that A will call your name.
This is the theory anyway. In reality, you will soon find that you have over a dozen D whistles that all have some quality you really love. You will find that a couple Cs are easily justified and of COURSE, that Low A and G are necessary.
Then comes the Low D…you can’t live without it…you NEED it. Bb will make your mouth water. Low F will call your name from afar. Eb has that bright tone you will want. Enat…why not? Heck…Bnat has gotten more than a few threads.
Love them all…you can never have enough.
I agree with the D&C whistles. Most whistlers also have a Generation Bb.
I actually use an A way more than a C whistle. But then I play alot with smallpipers, it a good key for singers and sometimes its easier to play certain tunes on…but in session…a d is what is needed..
D for sessions. Eb just in case and for certain recordings. C for those tunes and Singers. A for those other tunes and other Singers. Low F for when the Lunasa Lads break out their F Whistles, Flook does it a lot too.
That should cover most of your bases. Of course, the goal of any Whistler is to have Whistles in every key. 
I still say just buy another D whistle.
Preferably both a narrow and a session bore, and in brass, copper, wood, aluminum and composite. And, of course, there are those who say both the vintage and color of the fipple and barrel can make a difference, as well as the country of origin and the route it took to its final destination…
Well, the two “good” whistles I have are Susatos: Soprano D and Medium Bb.
I am thinking of getting maybe a Soprano C and a medium F… I might even stretch to a Low D someday lol.
I quite like the Susato, but might think of getting a Chieftan or an Overton (again, any thoughts on that are welcome!)
I have been a whistle player since I was no age (most of you Irish folk will understand! lol) and although I can read music, I am not what you would call fluent in it, and I often have CD’s from Lunasa, Flook, the Kifenora dudes etc and just go over and over and over untill I can play the tune I want.
Now however, I do want to get serious about it, and proper learn - Ive bought Brain Finnegans Mad4Trad CD-ROM, and would deffo recommend it for anyone who just needs that extra visual to get the hang of ornamentation etc. - And so hence the reason I ask all my questions.
I was wondering though, on the tutorial (If anyone has it! lol) if Brian Finnegan just plays the whole thing on a Soprano D? It doesnt look like he changes, but the tutorial says about tunes in D, G and A and so I get a bit confused as I just go by working the tunes out as I hear them, and not by their key or notes.
Thanks.
Yes, all whistle tutorials are played on d whistles.
If you want to get serious about it, you should get a whistle other than a Susato. Susatos are LOUD. While they have their place in public performance where you need to be heard, I think they are terrible for practicing. A much better choice, for a similar amount of money, would be a Jerry Freeman Mellow Dog.
I was wondering though, on the tutorial (If anyone has it! lol) if Brian Finnegan just plays the whole thing on a Soprano D? It doesnt look like he changes, but the tutorial says about tunes in D, G and A and so I get a bit confused as I just go by working the tunes out as I hear them, and not by their key or notes.
I’m not familiar with the tutorial, but playing in G is actually really easy on a D whistle. All you have to do is half hole or use a cross fingering on the top hole so that it plays C natural instead of a C sharp. A great way to do it is to cheat and half cover the top hole with tape which will put the whistle into the key of G.
I’m sorry if you knew about that and I’m just rambling.
The only exception to this is Bill Och’s Clarke Tutorial. The older tutorial has the notes written in the key of G or D (generally), but the whistle on the CD/Tape was a C and the whistle sold with the book/CD was a C Clarke Original. It could be that the tutorial CDs now are all played on a D whistle.
Interesting! Thanks for the correction.
Right Keith. When Bill’s book/cassette/whistle combo first came out (my original foray into this maelstrom), I believe for whatever reason Clarke was only making the C. They’ve since been making both and Bill’s tutorial now has CD rather than cassette with D whistle.
Philo
Phil
Whats a session bore?!
Larger diameter barrel, and generally louder sound, designed for playing in a group setting.
Cool Thanks for all your responses folks.
I totally know what you mean about the Susato being loud - and so a different D is on the horizon, for the practicing! lol.
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Whats a session bore?![/quote]
Someone who continually plays the same tune over and over and over…
Philo