I want to know what low whistle is good for small hands - someone told me that my hands are like hands from an ob/gyn . So the wholes shouldn´t be too large and the space between shouldn´t be very big.
I don't know about gynaecologists, I've never felt the need for one. But I do know I've seen ten year old girls with ten year old girl's hands play Overton low Ds very well.
This topic often comes up, people complaining that their hands are too small. It's more than likely that they are not, you just haven't got the technique right. All the best instruments need a bit of work.
In the long run, llig is right. However, there are some alternatives. My first low D whistle was a Susato. Since I also have "small" hands, I had keys added for both L3 and R3. As a beginner, that worked okay for me. I then discovered Michael Burke's Low D Viper. The Viper has a section at the end with R3 in it (if you play right handed) that turns so you can adjust the position of that hole. It helps alot. Good luck.
>>Would it be valid to try a low whistle smaller than a low D as transition to the larger instrument, or is it best to just go for it?<<
I .think so. In fact I think a low G or F are nicer than low D.
The Alba Whistle has a design that means very close holes.
Michael, the story about the 10 year old has changed? Last time you told it she was 11.
Harry, you might consider learning to play flute* . But yes, the Burke whistle has a bottom joint which can be rotated. This seems to help some players. Also, Colin Goldie (Overton) can set the holes to better fit your hand. Give him a call.
Short arms is also an issue for those who want to play a low D whistle.
I also have small hands but I manage to play a D flute with no problem. However, to play a low D whistle requires such a severe angle in my wrists, that it is too painful to play. The transverse position of the flute is much easier.
With low whistles there's no instant result until you develop the grip that works for you - everyone is a little different in this regard. It takes a couple of weeks finding a grip that works and does not cuse instant RSI.
That said, the low D whistle with the smallest reach that I have seen is the Sweetheart "Resonance". The difference is only a couple of millimeters, but that can be all it takes.
You might also look at Phil Hardy's Chieftain whistles - the bottom hand spread is the same, but more evenly placed, so the hand can be a little more comfortable. I beleive any hand-maker of low whistles can do this kind of thing. However, with thin-walled whistles there can be trade-offs with tuning and tone.
The thick-walled wooden ones can use flute making techniques. They are generally conical-bored and are more amenable to shorter hole placement..
What low D whistle for small hands?
What low D whistle for small hands?
Hello,
I want to know what low whistle is good for small hands - someone told me that my hands are like hands from an ob/gyn
. So the wholes shouldn´t be too large and the space between shouldn´t be very big.
Thank you for your support.
Br
Harry
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by Austrianwhistle
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
I don't know about gynaecologists, I've never felt the need for one. But I do know I've seen ten year old girls with ten year old girl's hands play Overton low Ds very well.
This topic often comes up, people complaining that their hands are too small. It's more than likely that they are not, you just haven't got the technique right. All the best instruments need a bit of work.
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by llig leahcim
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
In the long run, llig is right. However, there are some alternatives. My first low D whistle was a Susato. Since I also have "small" hands, I had keys added for both L3 and R3. As a beginner, that worked okay for me. I then discovered Michael Burke's Low D Viper. The Viper has a section at the end with R3 in it (if you play right handed) that turns so you can adjust the position of that hole. It helps alot. Good luck.
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by whistler gan ainm
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
Would it be valid to try a low whistle smaller than a low D as transition to the larger instrument, or is it best to just go for it?
Opinions?
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by Rook
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
>>Would it be valid to try a low whistle smaller than a low D as transition to the larger instrument, or is it best to just go for it?<<
I .think so. In fact I think a low G or F are nicer than low D.
The Alba Whistle has a design that means very close holes.
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by the wicked hacker
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
Michael, the story about the 10 year old has changed? Last time you told it she was 11.
Harry, you might consider learning to play flute* . But yes, the Burke whistle has a bottom joint which can be rotated. This seems to help some players. Also, Colin Goldie (Overton) can set the holes to better fit your hand. Give him a call.
*Re: Trouble with Seery?
February 22nd 2009 by Terry McGee
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/20737/comments#comment432129
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by Random_notes
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
I looked into this recently, myself, on the Chiff & Fipple site. Found this:
http://www.kingsmills.us/jubilee/store/pr-lowdrev.htm
But haven't bought one yet.
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by tuckered out
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
I met two girls playing together maybe 15/20 years ago now. I didn't ask their ages. They looked 10 or 11 ish. They were good players.
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by llig leahcim
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
Short arms is also an issue for those who want to play a low D whistle.
I also have small hands but I manage to play a D flute with no problem. However, to play a low D whistle requires such a severe angle in my wrists, that it is too painful to play. The transverse position of the flute is much easier.
Just something to consider.
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by Ceolmhar
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
Better yet, get in touch of sessions, and test yourself.
Got a PM about sessions in Vienna.
Thomas
# Posted on April 27th 2009 by TMB
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
Hi. have look at Sweetheart low D whistles, the hole spaces seem to be closer.
# Posted on April 28th 2009 by nik nak
Re: What low D whistle for small hands?
With low whistles there's no instant result until you develop the grip that works for you - everyone is a little different in this regard. It takes a couple of weeks finding a grip that works and does not cuse instant RSI.
That said, the low D whistle with the smallest reach that I have seen is the Sweetheart "Resonance". The difference is only a couple of millimeters, but that can be all it takes.
You might also look at Phil Hardy's Chieftain whistles - the bottom hand spread is the same, but more evenly placed, so the hand can be a little more comfortable. I beleive any hand-maker of low whistles can do this kind of thing. However, with thin-walled whistles there can be trade-offs with tuning and tone.
The thick-walled wooden ones can use flute making techniques. They are generally conical-bored and are more amenable to shorter hole placement..
# Posted on May 4th 2009 by Mozle