Spider, how do you....

[Jim P.]

I recall hearing something about you tuning whistles. How exactly do you go about that? I have an Overton D that is perfect, but every other key I have is Generation and they're always not in tune.

What did you used to play before you picked up on Bernard?

[Jim P.]

To people learning whistle: If you don't know what key whistle people play in and you want to know, take a personal study/journey on how to have a good ear. At least good enough to relate it to a piano key or an in tune guitar or accordion. Grow an ear and then you will be able to play the whistle.

[Pogues Whistle Player]

I played Generations and I used to get James to do it for me. Basically, you hold the mouthpiece in the steam from a boiling kettle to loosen the adhesive and then either pull it out to flatten or in to sharpen. Thank fuck for Overtons. No tuning necessary. Oh, and when you are done with the steamin' and slidin' then you've got to secure it in place with good old rock'n'roll gaffa tape. Folkies probably use elastic bands. Or string.

[Jim P.]

Thanks mate, I'll give it a go on one of my hundreds of whistles.

[The_Northern_Irish_Girl]

I wonder shouldi try that on my whistles.

Good Tip though Spider Thanks

[Behan]

I play a Copeland whistle (D) and I only tune it once in a while. It stays in tune untill I have to take the fipple off to clean out the Guinness residue under a hot faucet. Michael Burke makes affordable ($150) whistles you can tune. It doesn't slide too easily, which is a good thing. These are reliable --- they stay in tune. If you want cheap, get the new Clarke whistles with a plastic fipple designed by Copeland --- They play pretty well and can be tuned as well.

I'll see you, Spider, in NYC this March. I've been waiting 12 or 13 years to see you guys again. Keep Shane somewhat straight so he can last 'til March. I don't want any cancelled shows. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

[Jim Pettjiohn]

I never did like Clarke whisltes, way too breathy. I'd take a Generation whistle anytime

I can't get over my Overton, though. Get one before they stop making em one day


Jim

[belgrade_celt]

I play SUSATO whistles!!! And no tuning necessary! Also they're durable, made of ABS plastic... sounds great in session playing and they're also good for recordings...

[Paddy Rolling Clone]

I was playing Generation whistles for about 2 or 3 years until someone put me onto Overtons a while back, haven't played anything else since.

[Mick Molloy]

I play those shite Walton's whistles everyone buys when they're on holiday in Ireland

[Guest]

Are there a few songs played in C. I have a D whistle and most of them sound alright in that key but I was told that a few of them are played in C for some reason.

[Jim P]

Pogues songs have been in all kinds of keys, not just D and C

[Guest]

I have real trouble distinguishing though. I'd say Summer in Siam is one but even that would be a guess.

[Guest]

I have real trouble distinguishing though. I'd say Summer in Siam is one but even that would be a guess.

I meant its in a different key.

[Danny Boy]

How much does an Overton-whistle cost?