Who Makes Whistles With C Natural Thumb Holes?

Whistle
1

Hi Everyone:

I play mainly Sesame Street tunes, cartoon music, and whatever is in my head to entertain my kids, and find that C nat. holes really make my playing faster, particularly when I play my D whistles in the key of G.

So here’s the question:

Who makes whistles with C natural thumbholes?

I’ve already got Burkes (I love them), and an Abell on order…

Also, when advising, if you would, please note that I prefer quieter, pure sounding whistles.

As always, thanks so much to all of you for your sage advice.

Your pal,

Todd

2

Colin Goldie (Overton) will put one in for you.

They are not difficult to drill yourself in thin-walled brass whistles, like Generations or Waltons or Clares.

3

Why don’t you contact the whistle maker directly? I imagine most would be willing to do a custom order.

4

John Sindt will do them by request.

I am curious why you would want an Abell, Overton, Burke, etc. for the sole purpose of playing Sesame Street for your kids? Seems to me like you’re on a slippery slope to whistle obsession, and your children have become your scapegoat! :smiley:

5

Really??? When did he start doing that?

Todd, you do know that both Burke and Abell add thumb C holes, right? Mack Hoover also does it, and makes wonderful whistles, with the tone you’re looking for (quieter, purer).

Dana

6

Burke will add a C natural hole. I have two of his whistles with the C natural hole although I rarely use those holes. The extra hole is a standard option on Mike’s whistles. He may be able to drill a C natural hole in the whistle you now own.

I have made a few whistles myself with the extra hole too. But again, I don’t rely on those holes.

Swizzlestick’s advice is good advice, talk to your whislte maker. I think that is good counsel. Handmade whistles are a rarity in the instrument world because they a relatively affordable. When I buy a guitar, I buy from a known maker who will meet my specific needs now and in the future. When I buy a high-end whistle, I think the same way. You are not just buying the whistle but paying for a relationship with a maker that will stand by their work over time and in many cases will make modifications/repairs as you have a need for them. Talk to Mike Burke or Chris Abell.

I will add this afterthought. If you ever want to sell the whistle, the C natural hole may put off a few potential buyers. While you can tape over or plug up the hole to get back to a six hole instrument, some folks may not wish to do that.

Feadoggie