Comments

Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

I've had my Shaw D tin whistle and G low whistle for about 10 years and they are in very bad condition, so now it's time to buy new ones.

What I need is low whistle (G) and tunable D whistle with breathy sound like Shaw. I hate the shrill and metallic sound that for example Generation whistles have and also the plastic sound like Susato. I like the wooden mouth piece in Shaw, but I think there aren't that kind of tunable whistles.

D whistle price should be at most 150 euros. Low whistle (G) would cost more of course.

What kind of a whistle is for me? Chieftain? Any suggestions?

# Posted on October 2nd 2008 by Elfarran

Re: Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

If you like the conical bore of your Shaw, I'd try a D from Hudson Winds, which is conical and made from brass with an acetal plug.
I have one and it's a fantastic whistle. I think they cost $165.

http://www.hudsonwinds.com

# Posted on October 2nd 2008 by Chief Wanganui

Re: Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

How about wood?? I have Sweethearts (sweetheartflute.com) in both D and C. They have conical bodies and seem to hold up well, made from the laminate they use. I like mine very much.

# Posted on October 2nd 2008 by whistler gan ainm

Re: Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

I have a Tony Dixon tunable D for a year or so and I like it - plastic top, metal body, brass tuning slide. Not breathy but I like it. Generations have been good enough for many trad musicians for many years - wouldn't be too quick to knock them.

# Posted on October 2nd 2008 by the wounded hussar

Re: Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

Woods are supposed to be high maintenance despite their nice sound.

I was warned away and purchased a Michael Burke. Superb instrument. for the die cast aluminum I paid $150

I have a susato set and find them clear, precise but with very little character and a bit shrill on the high side.

# Posted on October 2nd 2008 by zippydw

Re: Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

zippydw, sweetheart uses some sort of finish on the outside that doesn't require any maintenance, The inside is unfinished though, so I oil it (inside only) when I oil my other wooden whistles/flute. I don't know that it is necessary, but it seems like a good idea, takes very little time and gives me somthing to do when I'm listening to some tunes. I certainly agree with you about Burkes.

# Posted on October 2nd 2008 by whistler gan ainm

Re: Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

Can't go wrong with Burke whistles! I have a Session D and the Viper low D -- both wonderful instruments.

# Posted on October 2nd 2008 by pn5jn

Re: Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

Hi Chief Wanganui

Thanks for the link to Hudson Winds. Could you tell us abit more about this whistle. I've never heard of it. From the pictures and description on the webpage it looks like a cross between an overton and a copeland. Not excactly bad company to be compared to. What's your take on this whistle, playability, backpressure, tone, volume, clogging etc.

Thanks in advance for your reply!

Chef P

# Posted on October 4th 2008 by Chef Paul

Re: Help needed for buying a new tin whistle

Did You ever consider John Sindt? Not Breathy but very clear bright sound. Mary Bergin Herself Played them. So does Breda Smith. Tony Dixon or Chieftan Low whistles.

# Posted on October 7th 2008 by boconnell804

Not a member yet? Sign up!

forgotten your password?

Frequently Asked Questions

Enter your email address to have your password sent to you.