I have finally decided to take the plunge. I’ve been under influence of other people who are trying very hard to get me to buy a whistle. So, here I go! But I want some advice about which to buy.
I would like it to be quiet. That is somewhat optional, but I don’t want loud.
I would like to start out with a fairly good quality whistle. I don’t want to be having problems later on.
Around 15 to 20 US dollars (it can be less) is the price range that I’m looking in.
Since you all have been most helpful in the past, I assume that you will stay the same, and help me here.
Thanks!
~kitty
I’m a Tony Dixon Fan but that might add up in cost. I did however just get the 2 part Clare, which is cheap, is a two piece pocket whistle, and mine seems to be not too loud or require much breath.
Kitty, you have two very good choices. My first whistle was a Sweetone D and it’s still one of my favorites. It’s about $8.00 and not a loud whistle. It’s not unusually quiet either, which leads me to my other favorite, the O’Briain tweaked Feadog from http://www.shannaquay.com. It’s around $30, shipping included and is very quiet. It takes very little breath and you should be very happy with how quiet it is.
I suggest a Meg. Even tho it’s REALLY cheap, it’s an awfully good whistle, especially for a beginner. It’s easy to play in both octaves, is in tune with itself, doesn’t require much breath, and is one of my quieter whistles. It is also kind of pretty to look at as well as having a really nice tone.
-Consider the Susato Very Small Bore (VSB) Soprano D Kildare (tuneable) whistle-a fair $22.00 plus shipping from Thom Larson at The Whistle Shop. -Good tuning and high “playability”. I pick mine up when I can’t be troubled
to warm up my alloy whistle. The VSB is perfect for learning new tunes, and quiet
enough to spare neighbors/family/roommates overt annoyance.
-The lower D note is pretty quiet, but everything else about it is superb. -Tone sounds a little recorder-like, but not bad.
-These are also available in a non-tuneable version called the VSB Dublin at less cost.
-I am intrigued by the modified Feadog
from Shanna Quay mentioned above, but have no experience with it.
-Good Luck! You have lots of good choices. How about a post to the board whatever you choose ?- Brian
\
Whistlito ergo …
[ This Message was edited by: brianormond on 2002-07-07 19:41 ]
[ This Message was edited by: brianormond on 2002-07-08 22:20 ]
I’m throwing in my vote for the Thom Larson tweaked Clarke D, available from The Whistle Shop. My only problem with this fine piece of work is that it’s a little too quiet for my taste. Ok, for the ears I’ve blown out with my fife playing. I also think it’s nice to start out with a traditional whistle like a Clarke. Call me a romantic.
I would put a vote in for the Clarke D original, too. I have a lot of inexpensive whistles, and the clarke is one of the quietest. The Clarke has a nice tone in both octaves (it’s chiffy, but it doesn’t seem to “crack” like some of the other whistles I have. It’s really stable), so even if you’re just beginning you really can’t go wrong with the sound.
Good luck!
When I got home from work just now, I sat down at the computer and saw my Acorn D sitting here where I was playing it last night. It’s another good choice, quiet and about $8.00. Good tone, too.
I’d avoid the ultra-cheapies outright to be honest. The price is right, but the tone is most often shakey at best. You MAY get a decent one, but probably you won’t.
I’d suggest spending just a little more and looking into brands such as:
Oak (my most played whistle - and has been for over a year. Cost about $12)
Hoover - very quiet, and among the sweetest whistles on the planet. Also very forgiving to new players working on their breath control.
Cilian O’Briain Tweaked Feadóg D whistle - the absolute TRUEST whistle tone I’ve ever heard, and although one needs to learn breath control a little faster with this whistle than others such as susatos, you are able to acheive a great deal of flexibility in your tone.
I’ve played a great many whistles over the years, and most have had some redeeming factor. But all in all these remain my favorites.
I’d support the Cillian O Briain tweak unequivocally, easy to blow, not too loud, tuned, no risk of getting a bummer due to quality control problems as experienced under mass-production conditions elsewhere.
Also a lovely tone, even though a little lacking in chiff for really expressive slow-air playing.
I’m certainly not the expert, I just have real world experience with a lot of whistles, so take my views as opinions only, and not gospel truth.
At any rate, I’ve almost universaly found that it pays a LOT in the long run to pay just that little bit more and get a superior product, rather than jumping the gun and getting the cheapest possible item in the least amount of time.
Do yourself a favor, and if at ALL possible, save that extra bit, and wait two more weeks for another paycheck if needed. Also, if you are anywhere near a decent music store, PLAY the whistles before you buy one - assuming they allow this. If not, be absolutely sure they have a decent return policy!! Can’t stress this one enough.
A good case in point is my fiancé, who thought it a good idea to purchase a beginner keyless flute from a local maker. When she bought it, I asked her two things: Play it first, and make sure his return policy is sound. Well, $200 later, all we have is a pretty piece of firewood. The thing doesn’t play well at all, and the guy who sold it won’t take it back.
Most dealers are honest enough guys, but you’ll do yourself a favor by shopping around, and comparing service as well as selection.
For a first whistle, I would go for the Sweetone every time. It’s very easy to play. It is the equivalent of a polo shirt and jeans - comfortable, inexpensive, and fits in almost everywhere.
On 2002-07-07 18:18, Kendra wrote:
I suggest a Meg. Even tho it’s REALLY cheap, it’s an awfully good whistle, especially for a beginner. It’s easy to play in both octaves, is in tune with itself, doesn’t require much breath, and is one of my quieter whistles. It is also kind of pretty to look at as well as having a really nice tone.
I don’t think that they’re that in-tune myself. I think that the Sweetones are more in-tune, even though they’re more expensive.
-Ross
I’m certainly not the expert, I just have real world experience with a lot of whistles, so take my views as opinions only, and not gospel truth. >
At any rate, I’ve almost universaly found that it pays a LOT in the long run to pay just that little bit more and get a superior product, rather than jumping the gun and getting the cheapest possible item in the least amount of time.
Do yourself a favor, and if at ALL possible, save that extra bit, and wait two more weeks for another paycheck if needed. Also, if you are anywhere near a decent music store, PLAY the whistles before you buy one - assuming they allow this. If not, be absolutely sure they have a decent return policy!! Can’t stress this one enough.
A good case in point is my fiancé, who thought it a good idea to purchase a beginner keyless flute from a local maker. When she bought it, I asked her two things: Play it first, and make sure his return policy is sound. Well, $200 later, all we have is a pretty piece of firewood. The thing doesn’t play well at all, and the guy who sold it won’t take it back.
Most dealers are honest enough guys, but you’ll do yourself a favor by shopping around, and comparing service as well as selection.
Bri~
2 things-
If you buy a whistle that’s a ton of money, if you don’t want to play it and the store won’t take it back, what can you do besides sell it?
I think that it completely defeates the purpose of whistles, which were supposed to be cheap when they were first made.
A lot of people seem to think that Sweetone is a good choice. I’ve also been wondering about Generations. Some people like them, some seem to hate them. Can I ask (without a flame war ) what is wrong with them?
Jenny