Why don’t Clarkes have their seam at the side, where no-one puts their fingers?
good question…maybe the makers prefered to make a symetrical whistle than one that’s more comfy.
It’s probably less practical, from a manufacturing standpoint, especially so in the time they were introduced. Besides, that seam gives traction!
Tradition:
if you put the seams on the side,
you’ll miss all the breathiness…
I’ll cast my vote on the ease-of-manufacture side: I figure it’s easier to stamp out fingerholes in the middle of a narrow sheet of tin than it would be close to one edge.
BTW, any more word on the Clarke low D?
–James
Putting the seam on the underside means a shorter seam. Less solder. Less soldering. Higher productivity. Got to compete with them 3 cents-per-hour overseas slave labor camps.
Oh, speaking of which.
A couple weeks back, I recieved some cheap cheap cheapo cane and brass whistles out of India.
The low F was almost unplayable. The brass whiste in G was unplayable. the one in Bb was almost as bad. But the A was really decent.
I found out why. The low F was manufactured by child laborers. The brass in G was made by Indian prison laborers. The one in Bb, made by lepers. But the A, it was made by political dissidents! A higher class of slaves! Just goes to show you what an education can do.
VB, has anyone ever complimented you on your absolutely disgusting pointilistic rendition of a regurgitating rabbit?
You definitely take the “Most Unique Avatar” award! 
–James
Yes they have as a matter of fact. It was and still is a work in progress. I usually add different colors by holiday or season. That reminds me, St. Patty’s day is coming. I need greener chunks…
hahhahaha…so gross, I love it.
That’s it VB, you’re off the guest list 
Trisha