Tin Whistle
Robb on Apr 03 2009
Women adore a man with a shiny whistle!
Some of my whistle compositions
This section will be used to list some of my whistle masterpieces! So stay tuned as I add on when I get around to it. The tunes have been recorded with a program called Mixcraft. A multi tracking affordable audio program. I then add echo to the final mix.
This one is my favorite to date. It’s called Suo Gan. Was in the movie “Empire of the Sun.”
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This is a tune from a classic renaissance number from Tripsichory. I don’t know the name or title.
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A classic. ”Hector the Hero”.
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The Ides of March. ( From the Heavy Metal band ”Iron Maiden” )
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This is something I made up and finally tried to record it. I call it,.. Taylor’s Tune
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Here’s an Irish lullaby I arranged today. I love this song sung by none other than Meryl Streep. Yes! The actress. It’s called ” Gartan Mother’s Lullaby “
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Here’s my version of the haunting melody from the movie “Last of the Mohican’s” titled: ” The Kiss “
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A haunting tune from Mannheim Steamroller titled: ” Red Wine “
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Weclome to the Tin Whistle page
The Tin whistle, also called the Irish Whistle or Penny Whistle, is six-holed woodwind instrument. It is an end blown fipple flute, putting it in the same category as the flageolet, recorder, Native American flute, and other woodwind instruments. A tin whistle player is called a tin whistler or whistler. But you can just call me Robb.
I’ve been playing this simple inexpensive instrument for about 15 years now. Simply as a hobby, though I have considered finding other whistle players to get something started. Maybe like a Punk Rock band or something. But seriously, it is enjoyable and relaxing. It also kills time when your downloading a huge file on your computer. I also play acoustic guitar and bagpipes. However I no longer have my pipes. Unlike the bagpipes or guitar even, you can take and play the Irish Whistle just about any place you want. And it sounds great in places that echo. Like a bathroom or a homeless shelter at 3 AM. No, no, I’m kidding. I’ve never played at any of these prestigious venues before. But I could. I mean if I really really wanted to.
Contemporary whistles
The most common whistles of today are made of brass with a plastic fipple. AKA mouth piece. Some inexpensive brand names include, but not limited to;
- Generation
- Feadog
- Oak
- Acorn ( not to be confused with Obama’s Acorn )
- Waltons
I believe there is another brand called Guinness and “little black”
These can be found at gift shops for the most part and can cost you around 15 to 30 dollars. And yes, there are more expensive ones out there. And basically, you get what you pay for. These are usually “tunable” where you can slide the fipple up or down a bit, to tune along with other Celtic instruments. You can also find different key’s and ranges of whistle. Such as tenor and soprano ( i.e. piccolo type ) Basically an octave difference.
The most common whistle found are usually in the Key of D. But different key’s can be found. Such as the long LOW D whistle. ( Pictured above )
I happen to use and highly endorse the Tony Dixon line of whistle. Tony Dixon has been making flutes, pipes and whistles for many years in his UK surroundings. He won’t let a whistle out of his shop that he wouldn’t be happy playing himself. He has whistles from the traditional woods such as maple and cherry. But you can also find great sounding smooth playing polymer, ABS, aluminum, nickel and brass. But my advise to aspiring whistle players around the world is to start out simple. Get a 15 to 20 dollar whistle and see if you like it. Then you can move up to a more professional grade.
There are many different makers of whistles. Each with pro’s and con’s. And I won’t get into all the debates about the makers. You just need to find a maker or brand that suits your needs and budget, that’s all. And for me, Tony Dixon is the perfect fit for my use and budget.
Tin Whistle Links:
Coming Soon!
