I started playing a Sweettone two weeks ago for a fair. I did a fairly good imitation of someone who knows how to play a whistle.
So, this past Saturday I went to Lansing (MI) to the only decent “folk” oriented store in Michigan. I picked up a Susato 3 piece set (C,D,Bb), a C,D Clarke standard, a C, D Meg, a Shaw Eb a Susato A and Low D.
PLUS: 121 Favorite Session Tunes with book and 4 CD, O’Neill’s giant tome and the Mel Bay 2 CD 110 Whistle tunes.
Some observations:
The Meg’s are fairly similar to the Sweettones.
The Shaw and Clarke’s are extremely “chiffy” and sound more like air then sound. I’m suprises anyone likes them. I did find out they are easier to play and sound better if I narrow the blow hole a bit.
I like the tone of the Susato’s but they are clearly not what you would call traditional. I notice that on all of them the second octave is harder to hit then with any other whistle. The second D on the Low d is difficult. They are nice and loud though.. I will probably make them my primary whistle.
The low-D was designed by sadists.
The A is really nice.
QUestion: Do Susato whistles require a breaking in period?
Wow, nice haul at Elderly’s. That’s where I bought my Susato set, Clark D, and Shaw D. I like the Shaw a lot. As far as I know, it doesn’t “break in” with playing, other than the player getting used to its idiosyncracies.
With Susatos, you need quite a bit of air pressure, especially the top 3 notes of the second octave.
But…
Air pressure and air volume are not the same thing. You need to get the pressure up by narrowing your own windway.
Susatos are very popular in Ireland for recording, but I agree, the sound is not 100% what I look for in a trad whistle.
I have a D Shaw, and can barely get through a tune without passing out.
I have Clarke originals too, and but it doesn’t take as mich air as the Shaw, and I like playing it, I like the breathy flutey sound. I think ther’s quite a bit of variation in manufacture though.
I’m a newcomer to the fine art of whistle playing, and I’ve acquired WHOA in a bad way. I promised myself a visit to Elderly this week, but I’m in a quandary over what to buy.
Here are my questions:
If Sweetones and Meg are pretty much the same, should I just get the cheaper one? (the Meg) Is there any point to having one of each?
If I already have a Clarke original (painted), is there any point to getting an unpainted one?
They have Waltons Brass Mellow. I’ve seen varying views about Walton. Is there a consensus?
What about keys? How many different keys would I really use? Are any of these whistles better in some keys than in others?
I know these are a lot of questions. Any insights as to how to prioritize would be appreciated.
Hi Sharon, For keys, I’d just get D at first, then C for a slightly lower, mellower tone. Other keys can wait unless you want to accompany singers, or a particular tune on a record.
I wouldn’t bother with both Meg and Sweetone, just get a black Meg.
Ditto Clarke, if you have an original, don’t bother with an unpainted one unless you intend to appear in a Civial War Reinactment parade.
I like the Walton Mellow D, it is hard to get squeeks out . They’re all cheap, so get one, just for a change of pace!
OTOH, I have a Walton’s Mellow D, and it’s the nastiest thing on the planet…not even close to being in tune, and wheezy as all get out. Best advice: if possible, play before you buy.
In my opinion, the only two brands of cheap whistle that are good and dependable right off the shelf are the Sweetones and the Clare (I have several Clares, all good). The only real difference between the Sweetone and the Meg is that the former is made in England and the latter in Chinal, but they are made to the Sweetone specs. And I’d just get the D for now. If you get addicted, go back and get the C later.
I have a Painted Clarke and an unpainted Clarke, and there really is no difference in the sound. I just got the unpainted one because it… well… looked cool.
Susato’s are nice, and yeah, they do take a lot of air. I tend to prefer them because the air req. is similar to the Saxophone(which I play often).
Hi,thats quite some WHOA attack you,ve had there! Pretty heavy on Susatos and conical tinwhistles,which are virtually at opposite ends of the whistle spectrum.You DO realise that you have a GREAT YAWNING GAP in your collection don’t you?(I,ll bet your sub-conscious knows!)YOU HAVE NO CHEAPO ‘GENERATION’ TYPES! what are you to do? YOU MUST BUY MORE WHISTLES!!!(welcome to a brilliant obsession!)
Right Kevin, They don’t sell Generations in my little burg but I can get a couple of Oaks. They had tons of Generations at Elderly but it’s a two hour drive. At least it gives me something to buy next time!
I guess I should run out and get those Oaks ASAP.
I am suprised to find all these people who know about Elderly Music.
Hhmmm…I think buying a TON of Generations might be taking Whoa a BIT TOO FAR! (lol!)Mind you,with Generations’ quality control record,some people might think that this is necessary to get a couple of good’uns!
