Submitted by Cara on Sun, 09/27/2009 - 20:49

Hello all, first post here!

So I just started playing the whistle and I have a Generation in D. I was messing around with a friend who also has a Generation whistle in D and they were totally NOT IN TUNE with each other! Completely off!

So we threw mine out and he gave me his and boy do I ever have a hard time playing that one in comparison to mine! It almost seems as though the metal is "thicker" and seems to get "windy" on the high notes, notes that I had no problems hitting on my original whistle. I don't know if that makes sense or not, but it is what it is. Is this a common issue with the Generation line? Is there a more consistent whistle that someone could recommend?

I hate to say this but I played recorder as a kid (I know, I know, not the same!) BUT I played on a wooden recorder as opposed to those plastic ones (which actually sounded nicer, believe it or not!) I would like to buy a wooden whistle and would love some suggestions or advice on a reasonably priced wooden whistle. Also, opinions on which is better, metal or wood, and why.

Thanks everyone!

Cheers!

- Cara

‹ Goldie buying a whistle ›

Hi Cara -- welcome to

Submitted by Sean on Wed, 10/07/2009 - 08:52.

Hi Cara -- welcome to Whistletutor, first of all!

Your experience with Generation whistles is very common -- you can go through a box of 100 and find two or three great ones while the rest will be mediocre at best. If you're looking for a wooden whistle there aren't many to chose from these days -- Ralph Sweet is about the only one doing it these days. You can check his website out at http://www.sweetheartflutecom.

Personally, I like the sound of metal whistles because they have what I consider to be a more traditional sound -- though it's really just a matter of preference.

All the best,
Sean

I have been borrowing a Ralph

Submitted by William on Sun, 12/13/2009 - 01:56.

I have been borrowing a Ralph Sweet whistle from a friend of mine who had not been playing recently. It is a beautifull instrument, the kind of thing you hate to have to put down. There are actually some others out there making what look to be very nice wooden whistles. they are expensive though.

Fred Rose makes beautiful

Submitted by Jude12 on Wed, 02/10/2010 - 05:49.

Fred Rose makes beautiful wooden whistles; he has a 6 month waiting list.

Jude

I think a good alternative to

Submitted by solewhistler on Tue, 02/16/2010 - 20:13.

I think a good alternative to wood is a Dixon polymer whistle. They're a lot more affordable and the sound is very close to a wooden whistle. At least they're a definite contrast to metal. Although I agree with Sean, the metal ones sound more traditional...FWIW!