| | Customer Service | Contact Us | Index | Show Order | |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tin Whistle. The Feadóg Irish Whistle | The Clare Tin Whistle | The Clarke Pennywhistle | The Susato Whistle | The Waltons Tin Whistle | Mel Bay Music Books top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns What is a Tin Whistle? The Irish tin whistle also known as the pennywhistle, is a small, high-pitched whistle flute which is end-blown like a recorder. It is made of brass, nickel, aluminum, or plastic with six finger holes and a mouthpiece, also known as a "fipple". top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns Is it easy to learn to play? The Tin Whistle is a musical instrument possessing two special qualities: it is very inexpensive and it is the simplest. However, don't be misled into thinking that it's barely more than a toy, or that it is inferior or a second-rate instrument. On the contrary, despite its low-cost and its easiness for beginners, the tin whistle is a full-blooded musical instrument; capable of music of a quality often unsurpassed by far more eminent instruments. top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns What kind of music is played on the Tin Whistle? The whistle can be used to play haunting slow airs or the most complex up-tempo jigs, reels, hornpipes and other dance tunes. You will find many people who have heard and loved Irish Music and didn't realize it was the little whistle often creating those beautiful sounds. The Tinwhistle is often heard in pop, rock, and modern music too! top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns Which are the most common keys used by Tin Whistle players? Tin Whistles are made in different keys, but those in the key of 'C' and 'D' are the ones more commonly used, with the key of 'D' the most common. top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns Why do players prefer the key of 'D'?
Is the fingering the same for each key, or do I need to transpose? It is important to note that the fingering necessary to play any specific tune will be the same regardless of the key in which the whistle is made. top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns Will I be able to play in other keys besides D on the D whistle? Although the D whistles are in the key of D, by playing different scales and using different fingering techniques, a variety of keys can be played on the D whistle including: D, G, E and A Major; as well as E, A, and B minor. top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns What is the difference in tone between a Brass and Nickel whistle? Although some may argue there is not a noticeable difference in tone, most would say the Brass has a more mellow tone while the Nickel tends to be on the brighter side. top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns What is the difference in tone between a larger bore (the diameter of the tube or barrel of the whistle) and smaller bore whistle? The size and geometry of a wind instrument's bore determines the volume of a given instrument. The bigger the bore, the louder the sound; the smaller the bore, the softer the sound. top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns On getting included in your School Band I began playing the whistle at age 9 after Jerry Colgan, the bodhrán and whistle player in his and my parents band, taught me the old tune "William Bloat". After 8 months and of lots of practice I began playing regularly at the local museum village, county fairs, and talent contests. After some friendly persuasion my music teacher finally gave in and I switched from clarinet to tin whistle in the school band. It was the first time an unconventional instrument was permitted into the music program. My (very supportive) teacher had to re-write some of the music to fit, but mostly I played the parts written for Oboe or Flute, taken down the octave, or clarinet (which is the fun one because you have to play on a B flat whistle and think C whistle; due to the fact that the Clarinet is naturally tuned to B flat -- so it is a little difficult at first! I was so used to playing Irish tunes all the time my teacher had to keep reminding me "My Country 'Tis of Thee" was not written as a hornpipe. Two years ago, when I showed up with my whistle for auditions at the University; most were skeptical (you'll get used to it) and now in my second year the doubts, and some of the novelty has worn off, and my Irish Whistles are now accepted as part of the wind ensemble. So, if you think you would like to play the whistle in your school band: first, you have to give them a good reason to consider it so learn the instrument backward and forward until you can play at least as well as the others on their respective instruments. Second, practice changing whistles and keys on the fly, know the songs your school band plays, and then approach your music teacher. Best of luck! top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns  The Feadóg Original Irish Whistle is 100% manufactured at their premises in Dublin, Ireland and is the oldest commercially produced tin or penny whistle in Ireland. Although known as the “tin whistle”, the Feadóg is in fact made using a seamless brass barrel. We produce a range of brass, nickel-plated and color-coated whistles in the keys of "D" and "C". A whistle tutor book & accompanying C.D are also available.Music Initiative: In 2005 a music initiative took place in Ireland with a view of increasing awareness of Music in Schools. As a result of this initiative, 26000 Feadóg Irish Whistles were purchased and distributed to every primary school teacher in Ireland. Andrea Corr supported the initiative and helped launch this worthwhile cause. Feadóg are proud to announce Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann as endorsers of Feadóg "Original Irish Whistle". Sémus MacMathúna, Music Officer with Comhaltas, tested several Feadóg whistles and said: "They have a bright, clear and true tone with very good tuning. The whistle has a very strong tone throughout its range." top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns  The Clare Tin Whistle coming from County Clare, the home of Irish Traditional Music, is one of the oldest musical instruments of Ireland. Its ease of playing makes it the perfect instrument for learning music. It is a traditional Irish Instrument in the key of 'D'. The tin whistle is still today the main musical instrument taught in schools throughout Ireland.The Clare 2-piece Brass Whistle is completely portable, it comes easily apart to fit in your pocket or purse. Two piece design allows for additional fine tuning possibilities. About the Company: David Le Bas comes from a long tradition of craftsmen. His family were French Huguenots and left France in 1590, when Guilliam Le Bas moved his family to London, where he was apprenticed to a watchmaker. His son Peter became a Goldsmith, the family moved to Dublin in 1790, and up to this day the Le Bas family have been involved in the Goldsmith industry, David's father was the Assay Master of the company of Goldsmiths of Dublin. David's skill in handling metal is in his roots. top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns  The Clarke Pennywhistle consists of a sheet of tin-plate, a piece of wood and a small quantity of solder.In 1843, Robert Clarke a poor farm laborer left his employer after having been unjustly accused of dishonesty. He was a talented amateur musician and played a wooden whistle. He developed the idea of copying his whistle but used tinplate to do so. He made the block in the mouthpiece out of wood which he cut into shape using a homemade saw. He decided to mass produce his new style of whistle setting up his workshop handbarrow in market places, showing how the whistles were made and selling them. His most popular piece was "Danny Boy". It is said that the whole busy market would stop and listen when he played this piece. The Clarke Pennywhistle Company has been in production from the mid-nineteenth century to this very day. The instrument is still made of tin-plate with a wooden plug in the mouthpiece. Delicate operations still continue to be done by hand and, most importantly, Robert Clarke's traditional conical bore has been retained to give the instrument its unique sound. Tin whistle buffs call this sound "chiff" and no other tinwhistle has the same degree of "chiff" as a Clarke. The tone of the instrument is clear and flute-like, but it is also described as "crisp and responsive" by Bill Ochs; and "husky and sensual" by Mary Bergin. All these descriptions add up to "chiff". What Tommy Makem calls, "The great Clarke tone". This is what makes a Clarke Tin whistle unique. The Company has now produced a brand new type of tinwhistle, the SWEETONE. This is the first conical bore tinwhistle to have been made with a plastic mouthpiece - the combination of traditional workmanship with modern technology. top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns  Waltons is an Irish company that for over 80 years has been dedicated to the promotion of Irish Music.Available in the keys of D and C, they are made from high-quality materials and finished to produce the perfect whistle sound that has made their whistles so popular worldwide. see all whistles | bags | music books | bodhráns Walton's Mellow D specially designed wide barrel gives a mellow tone to this whistle and avoids the possibility of over-blowing, making it an ideal instrument for children and beginners.  Waltons Irish Black Whistle is a celebration of Guinness and its long association with Irish traditional music in pubs and venues all over the world. The tinwhistle is as much a part of our heritage. The haunting slow airs and lively jigs or reels played on the Irish tinwhistle have brought endless hours of contemplation to countless musicians and listeners alike as they enjoy a pint of Guinness. It is hard to contemplate one without the other.Waltons Irish Black Tin Whistle is a musician's whistle. Made from aluminum, it comes in the key of D and is specifically designed to effortlessly create a sweet melodic tone which is distinctive and favored by Irish whistle players worldwide. top of page | see all whistles | carry bags | music books | bodhráns  We offer a wide range of Irish Tin Whistle, Pennywhistle, Piano, Guitar and Bodhran instruction and traditional music books from Mel Bay Publications. |
Contact Us Customer Service FAQ Help / Info:| help / faq / information page |special/quantity orders | secure shopping privacy policy | shopping help | contact us | shipping info | international/APO Military | refund policy | 10% Discount Coupon | link to us Gift Items:| gift certificates | angel cheeks / pins | books / candles | blackthorn walking sticks | caps / hats / scarves / socks | pocket tokens / coins | claddagh | connemara marble | dolls | glassware | guinness | wall hangings | flasks / pill boxes | jewlery / charms | license plates | mugs | inspirational / rosaries | shamrock seeds | stepdancer | sun catchers | key rings | teapots / mugs | tin whistles bodhrans | tea / coffee / food sweets | worry stones Copyright © 1999-2010 LollySmith.Com All Rights
Reserved. | ||||||||
