I live in Aspen, Colorado, and consequently, I do not have direct access to music stores. I would appreciate it if someone could recommend an online mail order store that could supply me with the materials I need to maintain wooden whistles.
Thank you,
Perry Fink
Maybe you can get a piccolo cleaning rod and cleaning cloth from
http://www.fluteworld.com
(or flute cleaning rod for low whistles). The piccolo flag and flute flag, available from the same site, may also be useful.
Get bore oil (and cork grease if you have corked tenons) from
http://www.doctorsprod.com/BoreDr.html
Some makers recommend almond oil for their whistles. You can get that in lots of shops. I don’t know if it makes a difference, but I stick to the instructions of the maker since I know I’ll be using the same oil as that the maker used when producing the whistle. Since there are different theories as to what exactly oiling does, especially in the playing in period, that’s always seemed to me the safest procedure. You’ll probably want to get more than one swab—one for oiling and one for drying.
Hi Perry,
Ah, Aspen… beautiful. I used to live there, back in the late 70’s/Early 80’s, loved it.
Regarding maint. stuff for your whistle(s), The Von Huene Workshop sells a maint. Kit for wooden recorders, which would save you from having to buy things piece meal and should suit your needs. The kit costs $15 and contains the following:
1 swab
1 slotted oiling rod
1 container of our special bore oil
1 bottle of our anti-clogging solution
informative instructions for oiling and general care of recorders
The web address is: www.vonhuene.com and you’ll find the kits listed under accessories, “Mantenance Kits”
Hope this helps. 
Loren (Still a Coloradan at heart)
And yes (because I’m sure it’s coming), I realize I’ve just used up my one commercial post for the month. 
Loren
Loren, are you working for the Von Huene Workshop?
Damn, dude, that’s impressive…when I was into early music, I remember them being one of the most recommended places for performance-grade instruments.
Edited: I went back, read through some of your postings on Woodenflute, and realized that you do indeed work there. That has to be a dream job!!!
–James
James,
Yes, it’s an awesome place to work - I swear, I have the urge to pinch myself at least once a day, just to make certain I’m not dreaming. Of course pinching onself while turning tennons or cutting cork slots to .001 in. on a $1500-$2000 (or more) instrument is not such a good idea, so I refrain. 
I’m learning more than my head can hold at times - two generations of von Huene’s have been making recorders and flutes to the highest standards for over 45 years now - combined there’s nearly 100 years of instrument making knowledge here in this shop. 
And to top it off, the Von Huene’s are all really nice people, a real pleasure to work for 
I did have to make serious sacrifices to be where I am right now, but it’s well worth it, especially considering how rare such an opportunity is…
Loren
The down side is that you have to work with rec*rders!
Thanks to all for the valuable information.
Perry
Like I said, sacrifices had to be made
Seth Gallagher and Bryan Byrne managed to survive the experience and turn out okay (as flute makers), so perhaps there’s still hope for me 
Loren
Hey Perry,
You wouldn’t happen to know Eagle Butler (from Aspen) would you?
Loren
Sorry, I don’t know him. Interesting name though.
Perry