The Medusa Fora

I like Feadog whistles myself, used to get Generation, until they went a bit rubbishy sounding.

Only problem is you can only buy Feadog whistles in Ireland or on line.

well, i have to stick to doing it online anyway because there aren't any decent shops around where i go to school (and i don't have a car, anyway). the whistle & drum site hasn't been working so i just ordered a susato d from a different website and they said they were shipping it out today. i'm going to have to find some place on campus to play it without annoying the shit out of my neighbors, but i'm excited anyway

blownspeakers wrote:well, i have to stick to doing it online anyway because there aren't any decent shops around where i go to school (and i don't have a car, anyway). the whistle & drum site hasn't been working so i just ordered a susato d from a different website and they said they were shipping it out today. i'm going to have to find some place on campus to play it without annoying the shit out of my neighbors, but i'm excited anyway

The whistleanddrum site has an annoying tendency of dropping out lately (early '06), but I suspect it has been due to an extensive rebuild or overhaul of the site's secure shopping facility. Sorry for the slightly bum steer there, pardner...

Glad to hear you bought a Susato. I think they're the duck's nuts, in terms of a balance between affordability, sound quality, volume, ease of play, and physical toughness.

Check out their website - http://www.susato.com

George Kelischek and family are real gems, I reckon......

Hope you enjoy blowing up a storm.

i actually bought it from their site

mr kelischek emailed me shortly after i sent my order in saying that he'd be sending it out shortly. so i should be getting it soon. thanks again for your suggestions!

blownspeakers wrote:in july '85 i was just an idea in my parents' minds...

Crivens, I feel old
In July 1965 I was but a glint in Ernie the Milkman's eye.....

How's the tin-whistle/feadóg playing going? Have you got yer Susato yet? Which one did you get? The Kildare? Which colour - bog-standard black like me, the nice 'rosewood' red, or the 'ivory' look (with or without Celtic etchings)? Do tell when ye get it, I'd like to hear from you.

heh heh, i guess i could be considered somewhat of a pressing idea by '85, or even a plan of sorts, as i was born in may '86...

anyway, i got the whistle today! i was so excited when i got my email from the post office, then had to sit through classes with my unopened package until i could come back to my room and play it. it's beautiful... i got a black one, i thought it looked the nicest. i think i have the general hang of it since i learned to play the recorder when i was like, seven (haven't played it much since then, but i can still pick it up and play a tune) and i often play the violin by ear, so combined i have a pretty good idea of what i'm supposed to be doing. of course, i'm sure i'll need quite a bit of practice to improve, and i could definitely stand to learn more irish tunes to practice with. as for now, i am fooling around with a couple of pogues lines - fairytale, soho (though those high notes are obviously not sounding so great right now), and some other stuff i know (ie danny boy). my primary worry is finding places to play where i won't annoy the shit out of my neighbors in my dorm

okay, it won't let me submit when i edit, only preview, so i'll add here - i forgot to say, yes, i got the kildare two-piece, thought it'd be nice to be able to tune it a bit.

Did someone mention an American made whistle here? Quite expensive, never goes out of tune? Or am I just dreaming about fucking whistles now...

Pogues Whistle Player wrote:Did someone mention an American made whistle here? Quite expensive, never goes out of tune? Or am I just dreaming about fucking whistles now...

Never goes out of tune? Shit, sign me up for two. One for each nostril.

But in all seriousness, Spider, what brand do you play generally? Any real favourites?

I have been playing Overtons since John Sheahan told me about them when we were recording the Irish Rover. Actually, I think I used his whistle when we recorded it. Whatever, they are made in concert pitch so never need tuning - or at least that is the theory, but I have a hankering to try something else.

It would be so funny to see you on Irish flute or something

Real punk

Spider wrote:I have been playing Overtons since John Sheahan told me about them when we were recording the Irish Rover. Actually, I think I used his whistle when we recorded it. Whatever, they are made in concert pitch so never need tuning - or at least that is the theory, but I have a hankering to try something else.

Hope you washed after, I'm a fucker for germs.

Pogues Whistle Player wrote:I have been playing Overtons since John Sheahan told me about them when we were recording the Irish Rover. Actually, I think I used his whistle when we recorded it. Whatever, they are made in concert pitch so never need tuning - or at least that is the theory, but I have a hankering to try something else.

How much do Overtons cost? I may try one of those.

Heather wrote:How much do Overtons cost? I may try one of those.

Bernard Overton basically INVENTED the low whistle with Finbar Furey. Pure genius. Both of them. One day, I dream of affording a set of Overton Goldies. David Goldie is a maker in Germany, trained and licensed by Bernard to make his whistles. High-end stuff these.

For you Heather, I'd try:
http://www.bigwhistle.co.uk

Currnet price for an Overton D whistle (soprano)= £ 99


Hey Spider! If you ever wanna try an Aussie whistle, have a Black Diamond by Earl Bartlett. He lives not far from me, and makes shit-hot whistles and bodhráns. Just a thought.

Thanks for the link Fintan, I'll check it out.