I have a Dixon polymer and aluminium D whistle and I am generally very pleased with it, with one exception. When I play it in a humid pub it squeals like a stuck pig. At home or in a large airy hall it is fine but in hot humid places the tone breaks up. It does it straight out of the bag so it's not as if it is caused by a build up of condensation. Any suggestions as to what the cause is and what I can do about it?
The cause I suggest is, when you play, the breath going into the instrument contains moisture. In a dry, airy environment this moisture will evaporate quickly and won't be a problem. In a humid atmosphere the moisture won't be able to evaporate so easily and will tend to hang around inside the instrument, hence the problem affecting the tone production.
A solution I would suggest is to keep the instrument as warm as possible when in a humid environment so as to prevent a build-up of condensation. When not playing, hold the whistle close to your body, or clasp it in both (warm) hands - I've seen orchestral woodwind players doing this in cold halls.
Whistle Trouble
Whistle Trouble
I have a Dixon polymer and aluminium D whistle and I am generally very pleased with it, with one exception. When I play it in a humid pub it squeals like a stuck pig. At home or in a large airy hall it is fine but in hot humid places the tone breaks up. It does it straight out of the bag so it's not as if it is caused by a build up of condensation. Any suggestions as to what the cause is and what I can do about it?
# Posted on October 21st 2006 by Thumper
Re: Whistle Trouble
The cause I suggest is, when you play, the breath going into the instrument contains moisture. In a dry, airy environment this moisture will evaporate quickly and won't be a problem. In a humid atmosphere the moisture won't be able to evaporate so easily and will tend to hang around inside the instrument, hence the problem affecting the tone production.
A solution I would suggest is to keep the instrument as warm as possible when in a humid environment so as to prevent a build-up of condensation. When not playing, hold the whistle close to your body, or clasp it in both (warm) hands - I've seen orchestral woodwind players doing this in cold halls.
# Posted on October 21st 2006 by lazyhound
Re: Whistle Trouble
Yep. It needs warmed up.
# Posted on October 22nd 2006 by Innocent Bystander