Clarke's Tin Whistle

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 16th December 10, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by tripleblessed

http://sites.google.com/site/dougsfl...mpleirishflute

What he said.

**auld argonian** · 17th December 10, 04:54 AM

Don't know if this guy is still in business but you might give him a holler:

http://www.becker.embarqspace.com/#/...les/4526996956

...shame that the Gonzato pages are gone because they were really quite excellent. They might be archived somewhere, so keep looking.

I've played the "flute" flute (or Boehm flute) for years and have fiddled around with recorders and tin whistles. Most of the low cost whistles have been sort of shrill for my taste (although I know that the shrillness is kinda part of the character of the instrument and its role in the genre, it still gets on my nerves) so I've settled on the Sosato whistles, which are hard plastic, as a somewhat mellower compromise. PVC whistles, when well made, are a lot more satisfying in the tone area.

Ooops, just found Gonzato:

http://www.ggwhistles.com/howto/

I have a Doug Tipple D flute and it is amazing. Not boasting but I have played well over what could be considered reasonable expectations for a "low-tech" PVC flute and I give all the credit to the instrument and not my playing...Mr. Tipple seems to have the magic touch with the PVC. Wish that he did make a whistle...

Best

AA

**Legba** · 17th December 10, 10:36 AM

Here's a PVC "flute" I made a while back, they sound very good!
A whistle with a fipple would sound as good and be very playable.

**Burly Brute** · 17th December 10, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by Legba

Here's a PVC "flute" I made a while back, they sound very good!
A whistle with a fipple would sound as good and be very playable.

Nice! Did you construct it in a similiar way to the instructions provided? I do way better with pictures!1!

**Legba** · 17th December 10, 10:56 AM

Pretty much the same, just side blown vs fipple blown.
I Place my holes at the correct distance(s), however I move them latteraly to ease finger placement.

**Lallans** · 17th December 10, 02:46 PM

What, no mention of Oak tin whistles? The best!

**Ryan Ross** · 17th December 10, 09:09 PM

Susato strikes a pretty good balance, I think, between cost and quality... especially if you're interested in giving the low whistle a go (which is what I've recently done). You can get a low D for $90-110. Owing to your user name, I'm guessing that you are a sizeable fellow, so playing the low whistle may not be too hard for you, should you be interested.

**Burly Brute** · 17th December 10, 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

Susato strikes a pretty good balance, I think, between cost and quality... especially if you're interested in giving the low whistle a go (which is what I've recently done). You can get a low D for $90-110. Owing to your user name, I'm guessing that you are a sizeable fellow, so playing the low whistle may not be too hard for you, should you be interested.

I will have to look into it. As with everything on this website, I have no idea what I am doing...haha

**Big Swifty** · 17th December 10, 11:40 PM

I've played the tin whistle on and off over the years,and while it is rediculously simple from a technical standpoint, you can have a great time making music with one. If you have some experience with any other instrument you can quickly get the hang of the whistle. If you are just starting out on the whistle with no other musical experience I consider the whistle to be the easiest starting point. It's far easier to learn than any other instrument there is, and is very easy to learn "by ear". From an economic standpoint you can lay down a very few dollars and be ready to go. I've played a few different whistles, including a wood flageolet, and always come back to a simple Generation whistle. The fife works the same way, but is side blown. I highly reccomend the whistle to anyone who wants to have a go at making music, it works well by itself, and once you gain some experience with it you can join in with a fiddle player and guitar and really have a great time.

**turpin** · 23rd December 10, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by Irish Jack O'Brian

I met this guy at a Celtic Festival and loved his products, but they are for professionals.

I started with a Freeman-tweaked Clarke Sweetone last January for $15, but it was too breathy. 3 months later I moved to a Susato Hi D, but it was too shrill. Then I ried and bought the Carbony whislte from Pipe Makers Union. Yes, they're pricey, but no more than any good quality whistle, an the tone is to die for. I love it.