Tin whistles: keys, and why D is the default
Tin whistles: keys, and why D is the default
A tin whistle is a fixed-key instrument: the six holes give one scale, and playing in another key means picking up a different whistle. That makes the key on the label the single most important specification.
Why D
A whistle in D plays the D major scale with all six holes covered upwards, and it also plays G major comfortably. Between them, D and G cover the overwhelming majority of Irish and Scottish traditional repertoire.
Every beginner tutorial, method book and session assumes a D whistle. Buying anything else as a first instrument means transposing everything you are taught, which is an unnecessary obstacle in week one.
The other common keys
C whistles are the second most common and suit some song accompaniment and a certain amount of published material. Lower whistles — B flat, A, low D — have a mellower, breathier voice and wider hole spacing.
Low whistles are lovely and are not beginner instruments: the holes are far enough apart that most players need piper’s grip, which is a technique in itself.
Materials
Brass
Traditional, with a bright, slightly reedy voice. Brass warms in the hand quickly, which helps tuning stability. It tarnishes and can develop a patina, which is cosmetic.
Nickel and nickel-plated brass
A little brighter and more cutting than plain brass. Popular for sessions, where a whistle needs to be heard over other instruments.
Plastic-headed whistles
Most common whistles use a plastic fipple head on a metal tube. The plastic head is consistent to manufacture, which is why these instruments play so reliably at their price. Fully plastic whistles are more tolerant of temperature and moisture.
Tuneable heads
Some whistles have a head that slides on the body, allowing small pitch adjustment. Fixed-head whistles cannot be tuned at all: the pitch is what the maker set, adjusted only by how hard you blow.
For playing alone this does not matter. For playing with anyone else, a tuneable head is a considerable advantage.
Clogging and condensation
Whistles clog: moisture condenses in the windway and the sound becomes airy or stops. This is normal physics, not a fault.
Warming the whistle in your hands or under an arm before playing reduces it substantially, because condensation forms on cold surfaces. Blowing sharply through the windway clears it mid-tune.
Some players use a drop of anti-condense solution in the windway. It works and needs occasional reapplication.
Breath, not force
The second octave is reached by blowing harder, and the most common beginner problem is overblowing the first octave into a thin, sharp version of itself. A whistle wants a gentle, steady breath at the bottom and firmer pressure only as you climb.
Practical checks before ordering
- Buy D first, whatever else you are tempted by.
- Prefer a tuneable head if you will ever play with others.
- Leave low whistles until the fingering is comfortable.
- Warm the whistle before playing to reduce clogging.
- Check whether a case or pouch is included if it will be carried.
Where this sits in the shop
Everything discussed above comes back to one part of the shop: Tin Whistles and Ocarinas, which currently holds 5 listings between $12.44 and $31.95. The whole of it is picked and packed at Venuti's Music Store & Studios, 2539 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA, during Tue, Thu–Fri 2pm–7pm, Sat 11:30am–5pm, closed Sun, Mon and Wed — so anything written here can be checked by phoning the counter on ((215) 336-2698.
From our shelves
- Sondery Handheld Kazoo Wind Instrument Big Size for All Ages — $14.99
- Clarke Sweetone Tinwhistle in D – BLACK Pennywhistle with Soft Black Cloth Whistle Pouch — $20.99
- Schylling Pan Flute (One Random Color) – Music (PF) — $12.44
What we get asked about this
Do you ship outside the United States?
Not at present. We ship to US addresses only, including Alaska, Hawaii and territories the carrier serves.
Can I pick my order up at the shop?
Web orders are shipped, not held for collection. If you want to buy in person, come to 2539 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, United States during opening hours (Tuesday and Thursday–Friday 14:00–19:00 · Saturday 11:30–17:00 · Closed Sunday, Monday and Wednesday) and buy across the counter instead.
Read next
- Choosing a first flute or recorder
- Electronic wind instruments: practising at two in the morning
- Cleaning and swabbing a wind instrument
Ordering from Venuti's Music Store
Orders of $49.00 or more ship free anywhere in the United States, and a flat $5.99 covers everything below that. Handling takes 1–2 business days and carrier transit is normally 3–7 business days. Unused items can go back within 30 days, and if the mistake was ours we pay the return postage.
Questions about anything above go to [email protected], answered within 1 business day, or call (215) 336-2698. Full detail is on the Shipping Policy and Refund and Returns pages.