i have heard that overton are making a 10 hole whistle which is almost chromatic (- a Bb i think). i was wondering if these are worth getting? also, what whistles do you rate at the higher end of the buget? off the top of my head: overton, cheiftain and alba seem to be top at the moment. can anyone think of any others i should look at?
you know, if you get 10 holes on a whistle, you might as well get a full set of uilleann pipes, lots more to do and keep yourself occupied. just think of the reeds you could make
There's nothing you can buy that will make you sound better. Mary Bergin got that glorious sound out of a Generation.
People buy "high-end" whistles like they're trying to buy a shortcut to virtuousity.
Stick with the best sounding out of all the cheap whistles you already own and play it for hours and hours. And hours. You'll start sounding pretty good. And it will $ave you money, too.
I've been telling them the same thing over and over, s1m0n... they seem to think quality is related to how expensive the whistle is. I keep telling them about Mary as well, she gets a lovely tone indeed of those inexpensive Generations. I've had mine since 1978 when I first heard her and bought her new (new at the time) recording.
I can remember the excitement of buying and trying new whistles, back when I was starting to learn, but it's years since I've bought a whistle and every whistle I play cost me less than 12 bucks. Canadian. Not one of the high end whistl;es did a thing for my playing; I didn't start to get better until I spent a few months busking every afternoon after I had written my quota on a novel.
I have a Chieftain low D whistle and a Susato high D. If you are not wanting to spend fortunes on a whistle but want a whistle that is relatively easy to play and 'better' than a Generation then Susatos are definately worth a look. A new low whistle that has just come on the market is the Low D and F whistles from MK Whistles (www.mkwhistles.com). These are handmade whistles by Misha Somerville of Croft No 5. I had a go on one of the Low D's last night and was impressed. They are very playable and are easier on the fingers than Overtons (which definately have awkward spacings). If anyone else has seen these whistles I would be interested to know what you think.
Hmmm... no one has mentioned Copeland whistles. I'm curious to know what some folks' thoughts are on these pricey yokes - which often have a long waiting list, as well.
I couldn't agree more about not wasting money on high-end whistles. I did "splurge" for both Tony Dixon and Susato high D whistles, and they're both pretty good. But my favorite, still, is the Sweetone, at right around $10, sometimes less. I do think a bit of random luck was involved becuase I have tried other Sweetones that didn't sound as good.
Just had a quick look at the mkwhistle site...those are about $250, way too pricey for me. And the low Ds are completely unavailable.
Here's a related question...are low Ds different? I have a Dixon low D, cost about $100 shipped and all. I like it very much, and there really aren't any out there cheaper. Are the more expensive low Ds all that much better?
It is all pereference I have a Gen, a Sweetone, a Dixon, a Feadog, and an Alba. My favorite is the Alba why? Because it is better than all the others a better tone, better playablity, better range, the list goes on and on the main pint is that for someone who just plays whistle it is a lot eaiser to like the cheaper ones because you might not have as much musical experience someone who plays a lot of instruments would look for the best. I bought my more expensive whistles because I wanted to try them in no way did I buy them to become better in fact my playing got the best on my Sweetone but the Alba sounds way better I guess I am more discerning about tone quality.
burkes are great. they wont make you an amazing whistler, tho. no good instrument will. i dont have one yet, but i want one. i will get one once i have the money. the reason they are so great is that they play in tune! the sound is brighter and crisper, and they do respond better, but if you arent worried about tuning, it might not be worth it if you dont have the money. thats the big thing, tuning tuning tuning. they play, in tune. and they are amazing in other respects. but i have fun with my feadog, and honestly i dont play much with other people so i dont care if i'm in tune right now.
but dont ever think you need an expensive whistle, really. it wont make you better. it'll make you paranoid about ruining it. only get one if you are serious or are really loaded. and like everyone else said, a lot of people get by with cheap, wonderful pieces of crap. it all depends whats important to you.
like, i dont have a wooden flute *yet*, but when i work at it i can get my silver flute to sound wooden (not worth it usually tho) by changing my embouchoure and making it leak. likewise, when brett lipschutz plays his wooden antique flute (sorry dont know the maker) it sounds like a silver flute cuz he's got great embochoure. so its all about the sound you want!
tinny and classic is as good a sound as crisp and more in tune. it depends what you want.
My FLUTE case has a Generation D (1975) on one side and a Copeland on the other. I still play them both and a Shaw Low A as well as the flute. How many axes can you use?
To the point, when a lovely whistle player in Connemara tried my Copeland whistle, she threatened to not give it back. It's not just the sound, but the feeling of power. I am careful not to use my 'power" whistle unless there is a real need for it, which is rarely in a session. Phil
just keep practising on your favourite whistle for hours at a time, play easy stuff first even if it is daggy! and then move on to harder stuff. Keep telling yourself I can play the whistle and you'll be fine. Be grateful you're not playing anything harder. "penny" whistles are not meant to be expensive!
I have a Clarke meg,Susato,and an Overton,all soprano D's.the Overton has a far better tone than the other two and it is perfectly in tune,though you have to work at it to play it,for ease of playing I use my Susato,I'll learn a tune on it,then when I've got it down,I'll play it on the Overton and add the ornamentation,as it is a much more expressive whistle.
Granted, I'm not a fabulous whistle player by any means (I'm working on it!), but my big issue with the cheaper whistles was intonation. It was fine when I was just playing by myself to have my Clarke, but as soon as I started playing with other musicians (which I infinitely prefer), not only was my sound completely covered, but the intonation was terrible! That's when I started looking at other options.
What I settled on, and am very pleased with, is the Tony Dixon high D "duo." It's great because 1) It's tunable! 2) The "duo" refers to the fact that it is possible to have two different headjoints for it, one for a whistle and one for a piccolo. This was what really sold me on this model. It was surprisingly inexpensive to get both headjoints, and I'm amazed at how the color changes between the whistle and the piccolo. It's really wonderful and versatile. 3) It's plastic. At first I wasn't sure about it, thinking it might sound more like a recorder, but I really enjoy the sound a lot. Plus, the intonation doesn't go wild with the temperature. 4) It was only $50 for the whistle with both headjoints. A great deal if you ask me, since you're essentially getting two instruments in one!
re: Michael Copeland...Michael is my dear friend and whistle instructor/trainer. He is on a sabbatical presently, having just married and moved to a new home. He is well and settling in to his new life arrangement. He is setting up his workshop presently, taking his time about it since he is not really sure how future whistlemaking will be. I believe he really wore himself out with Copeland Woodwinds since it became more of a business than an art. I believe that when he gets back to making whistles, it will be for the sake of craftsmanship.
I guess we'll all wait and see which way it "turns".
Ah, Copland whistles, and my memory of the man, a short association, also pretty impressive... I still hope to one day have one of his instruments. I liked the man I'd met and I liked his attention to detail, his passion and his instruments. Someday? I wish him luck in his new life and hope we will be blessed with more instruments of music crafted under his guidance... If he's lost his way, well, I trust he will easily find it again...
Well, Ceolachan, I cannot imagine Michael NOT making instruments! He does go about ideas for making instruments, mostly whistles and flutes, but isn't settled yet on what and how...But, as I said, it will be for the sake of art and craftsmanship.
I don't know when you met him, but he is still an amazing man of extraordinary talent and skill, still very passionate about music and the instruments that are used to make music...Not to mention being a wonderful and delightful human being! I am very lucky to have him as my teacher/trainer/mentor!
Yes! Michael is an amazingly compassionate man! I am so blessed to have not only a whistle AND a flute made by him...but when I emailed him about my whistle being lost/found/not returned to me on july 25th, 2008 (@ a festival)...he immediately called me to console my broken heart and he and his lovely wife agreed to send me another one that had been 'waiting' by the sidelines. And to have his instruments, as they are just beautiful and to perfection in my opinion...i even skipped the beers for a longgggg time to save the $ for these..ha-ha (ok, actually I saved and saved for these...but because I bartend, I did not have to pinch for a beer-thank God!) ...so he is to me...a dear and sweet friend! Keep well Michael and Pam XXXOOO
Attention whistle players!!
Attention whistle players!!
i have heard that overton are making a 10 hole whistle which is almost chromatic (- a Bb i think). i was wondering if these are worth getting? also, what whistles do you rate at the higher end of the buget? off the top of my head: overton, cheiftain and alba seem to be top at the moment. can anyone think of any others i should look at?
# Posted on October 4th 2004 by UglyBoyJoe
Re: Attention whistle players!!
If you can stretch to it, the Clarke's Meg (£1.75 inc. V.A.T.) will give you the real tin whistle sound that you surely crave.
# Posted on October 4th 2004 by Ottery
Re: Attention whistle players!!
Albas are great you should also consider Burkes.
# Posted on October 4th 2004 by Why Bother?
Re: Attention whistle players!!
Humbug!
# Posted on October 4th 2004 by Ottery
Re: Attention whistle players!!
you know, if you get 10 holes on a whistle, you might as well get a full set of uilleann pipes, lots more to do and keep yourself occupied.
just think of the reeds you could make
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Attention whistle players!!
In other words, they've invented the recorder.
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by s1m0n
Re: Attention whistle players!!
There's nothing you can buy that will make you sound better. Mary Bergin got that glorious sound out of a Generation.
People buy "high-end" whistles like they're trying to buy a shortcut to virtuousity.
Stick with the best sounding out of all the cheap whistles you already own and play it for hours and hours. And hours. You'll start sounding pretty good. And it will $ave you money, too.
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by s1m0n
Re: Attention whistle players!!
I've been telling them the same thing over and over, s1m0n... they seem to think quality is related to how expensive the whistle is. I keep telling them about Mary as well, she gets a lovely tone indeed of those inexpensive Generations. I've had mine since 1978 when I first heard her and bought her new (new at the time) recording.
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by Phantom Button
Re: Attention whistle players!!
Kids these days!
Ha-rumph.
I can remember the excitement of buying and trying new whistles, back when I was starting to learn, but it's years since I've bought a whistle and every whistle I play cost me less than 12 bucks. Canadian. Not one of the high end whistl;es did a thing for my playing; I didn't start to get better until I spent a few months busking every afternoon after I had written my quota on a novel.
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by s1m0n
Re: Attention whistle players!!
I agree about "Generations", they are fine whistles. I think Mary Bergin now plays "John Sindt" whistles...I bet she still tootles on the Gens though!
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by Twiz
Re: Attention whistle players!!
If you're looking at little whistles - then Generation and practice! With Low Whistles the story can be a bit different.
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by jkneale
Re: Attention whistle players!!
I have a Chieftain low D whistle and a Susato high D. If you are not wanting to spend fortunes on a whistle but want a whistle that is relatively easy to play and 'better' than a Generation then Susatos are definately worth a look. A new low whistle that has just come on the market is the Low D and F whistles from MK Whistles (www.mkwhistles.com). These are handmade whistles by Misha Somerville of Croft No 5. I had a go on one of the Low D's last night and was impressed. They are very playable and are easier on the fingers than Overtons (which definately have awkward spacings). If anyone else has seen these whistles I would be interested to know what you think.
Alistair
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Attention whistle players!!
Hmmm... no one has mentioned Copeland whistles. I'm curious to know what some folks' thoughts are on these pricey yokes - which often have a long waiting list, as well.
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by browndog
Re: Attention whistle players!!
CLARKES! What about Clarkes?????
You spend 6 quid on the whistle and have plenty left over to get the beer!
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by Folkie Junkie
Re: Attention whistle players!!
I couldn't agree more about not wasting money on high-end whistles. I did "splurge" for both Tony Dixon and Susato high D whistles, and they're both pretty good. But my favorite, still, is the Sweetone, at right around $10, sometimes less. I do think a bit of random luck was involved becuase I have tried other Sweetones that didn't sound as good.
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by ketida
Re: Attention whistle players!!
Just had a quick look at the mkwhistle site...those are about $250, way too pricey for me. And the low Ds are completely unavailable.
Here's a related question...are low Ds different? I have a Dixon low D, cost about $100 shipped and all. I like it very much, and there really aren't any out there cheaper. Are the more expensive low Ds all that much better?
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by ketida
Re: Attention whistle players!!
It is all pereference I have a Gen, a Sweetone, a Dixon, a Feadog, and an Alba. My favorite is the Alba why? Because it is better than all the others a better tone, better playablity, better range, the list goes on and on the main pint is that for someone who just plays whistle it is a lot eaiser to like the cheaper ones because you might not have as much musical experience someone who plays a lot of instruments would look for the best. I bought my more expensive whistles because I wanted to try them in no way did I buy them to become better in fact my playing got the best on my Sweetone but the Alba sounds way better I guess I am more discerning about tone quality.
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by Why Bother?
Re: Attention whistle players!!
burkes are great. they wont make you an amazing whistler, tho. no good instrument will. i dont have one yet, but i want one. i will get one once i have the money. the reason they are so great is that they play in tune! the sound is brighter and crisper, and they do respond better, but if you arent worried about tuning, it might not be worth it if you dont have the money. thats the big thing, tuning tuning tuning. they play, in tune. and they are amazing in other respects. but i have fun with my feadog, and honestly i dont play much with other people so i dont care if i'm in tune right now.
but dont ever think you need an expensive whistle, really. it wont make you better. it'll make you paranoid about ruining it. only get one if you are serious or are really loaded. and like everyone else said, a lot of people get by with cheap, wonderful pieces of crap. it all depends whats important to you.
like, i dont have a wooden flute *yet*, but when i work at it i can get my silver flute to sound wooden (not worth it usually tho) by changing my embouchoure and making it leak. likewise, when brett lipschutz plays his wooden antique flute (sorry dont know the maker) it sounds like a silver flute cuz he's got great embochoure. so its all about the sound you want!
tinny and classic is as good a sound as crisp and more in tune. it depends what you want.
# Posted on October 5th 2004 by daiv
Re: Attention whistle players!!
My FLUTE case has a Generation D (1975) on one side and a Copeland on the other. I still play them both and a Shaw Low A as well as the flute. How many axes can you use?
To the point, when a lovely whistle player in Connemara tried my Copeland whistle, she threatened to not give it back. It's not just the sound, but the feeling of power. I am careful not to use my 'power" whistle unless there is a real need for it, which is rarely in a session. Phil
# Posted on October 7th 2004 by wvwhistler
Re: Attention whistle players!!
just keep practising on your favourite whistle for hours at a time, play easy stuff first even if it is daggy! and then move on to harder stuff. Keep telling yourself I can play the whistle and you'll be fine. Be grateful you're not playing anything harder. "penny" whistles are not meant to be expensive!
# Posted on October 7th 2004 by snowyowl
Re: Attention whistle players!!
I have a Clarke meg,Susato,and an Overton,all soprano D's.the Overton has a far better tone than the other two and it is perfectly in tune,though you have to work at it to play it,for ease of playing I use my Susato,I'll learn a tune on it,then when I've got it down,I'll play it on the Overton and add the ornamentation,as it is a much more expressive whistle.
# Posted on October 8th 2004 by banjo billy
Re: Attention whistle players!!
Hallo all! I'm new here, this is my first post!
Granted, I'm not a fabulous whistle player by any means (I'm working on it!), but my big issue with the cheaper whistles was intonation. It was fine when I was just playing by myself to have my Clarke, but as soon as I started playing with other musicians (which I infinitely prefer), not only was my sound completely covered, but the intonation was terrible! That's when I started looking at other options.
What I settled on, and am very pleased with, is the Tony Dixon high D "duo." It's great because 1) It's tunable! 2) The "duo" refers to the fact that it is possible to have two different headjoints for it, one for a whistle and one for a piccolo. This was what really sold me on this model. It was surprisingly inexpensive to get both headjoints, and I'm amazed at how the color changes between the whistle and the piccolo. It's really wonderful and versatile. 3) It's plastic. At first I wasn't sure about it, thinking it might sound more like a recorder, but I really enjoy the sound a lot. Plus, the intonation doesn't go wild with the temperature. 4) It was only $50 for the whistle with both headjoints. A great deal if you ask me, since you're essentially getting two instruments in one!
# Posted on October 8th 2004 by rampant whistler
Re: Attention whistle players!!
"...when brett lipschutz plays his wooden antique flute (sorry dont know the maker) it sounds like a silver flute cuz he's got great embochoure..."
Daiv - it's because he plays with his lipz schut.
# Posted on October 8th 2004 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Attention whistle players!!
re: Michael Copeland...Michael is my dear friend and whistle instructor/trainer. He is on a sabbatical presently, having just married and moved to a new home. He is well and settling in to his new life arrangement. He is setting up his workshop presently, taking his time about it since he is not really sure how future whistlemaking will be. I believe he really wore himself out with Copeland Woodwinds since it became more of a business than an art. I believe that when he gets back to making whistles, it will be for the sake of craftsmanship.
I guess we'll all wait and see which way it "turns".
I'm posting this with his blessing.
# Posted on July 4th 2008 by c.smitty
Re: Attention whistle players!!
Ah, Copland whistles, and my memory of the man, a short association, also pretty impressive... I still hope to one day have one of his instruments. I liked the man I'd met and I liked his attention to detail, his passion and his instruments. Someday? I wish him luck in his new life and hope we will be blessed with more instruments of music crafted under his guidance... If he's lost his way, well, I trust he will easily find it again...
Congratulations and best wishes!!! ~ 'c'
# Posted on July 5th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Attention whistle players!!
Well, Ceolachan, I cannot imagine Michael NOT making instruments! He does go about ideas for making instruments, mostly whistles and flutes, but isn't settled yet on what and how...But, as I said, it will be for the sake of art and craftsmanship.
I don't know when you met him, but he is still an amazing man of extraordinary talent and skill, still very passionate about music and the instruments that are used to make music...Not to mention being a wonderful and delightful human being! I am very lucky to have him as my teacher/trainer/mentor!
# Posted on July 5th 2008 by c.smitty
Re: Attention whistle players!!
Yes! Michael is an amazingly compassionate man! I am so blessed to have not only a whistle AND a flute made by him...but when I emailed him about my whistle being lost/found/not returned to me on july 25th, 2008 (@ a festival)...he immediately called me to console my broken heart and he and his lovely wife agreed to send me another one that had been 'waiting' by the sidelines. And to have his instruments, as they are just beautiful and to perfection in my opinion...i even skipped the beers for a longgggg time to save the $ for these..ha-ha
(ok, actually I saved and saved for these...but because I bartend, I did not have to pinch for a beer-thank God!) ...so he is to me...a dear and sweet friend! Keep well Michael and Pam XXXOOO
# Posted on September 30th 2008 by Celticmermaid