#CHIFF AND FIPPLE BEST TIN WHISTLE FULL#

The single most important thing to look for is a whistle that is in tune with itself as you play a scale.

ItвЂ™s a few years old, but still useful, and way more detailed than anything I could write. The Chieftain Thunderbird is one of the best low D whistles IвЂ™ve played, and works well for sessions, gigs, or just fooling around at home.The first thing IвЂ™ll say is that players of whistles, flutes, bagpipes, and similar instruments have a fabulous forum going at Check out that site, and search through the forum archives. Otherwise, as with the Chieftain high D whistle, Phil Hardy has made a great instrument. A more ergonomic whistle like the Dixon tapered-bore low D might be a better fit for anyone who finds the Chieftain too tough. If you have smaller hands, or trouble reaching, you should definitely try before you buy. The holes are large, and the bore is wide. I have average hands for a man, and itвЂ™s doable, but itвЂ™s not necessarily easy. The one drawback to this whistle is the reach. This appeals to me, but those looking for something a bit more complex might prefer another model, like the Chieftain V5. It has a fatter, more robust tone than most other low D whistles IвЂ™ve tried. While the low whistle is not a great session instrument, the Chieftain Thunderbird is at least somewhat audible in smaller sessions, more than can be said for most. Overall, I think this is a great whistle for what IвЂ™m looking for. The Chieftain V5 is designed to be softer, with more of that chiff and a bit more complex tone. If youвЂ™re looking for the вЂњcosmic drainpipeвЂќ sound, breathier and bit more complex, this may not be the whistle for you. This is what the Thunderbird low whistle is designed for, and it delivers. Some people like a flute-like whistle, with a reedier, fatter tone. The upper octave introduces a bit more вЂњchiff,вЂќ but keeps that nice round tone for the most part. The low octave is nice and round, with a dark edge. It certainly wonвЂ™t be mistaken as a recorder, but itвЂ™s not nearly as breathy as many other low whistles out there.

#CHIFF AND FIPPLE BEST TIN WHISTLE FULL#

The Chieftain Thunderbird produces a strong, full tone for a low D whistle. Just donвЂ™t sit next to a banjo or accordion player, or all bets are off! Tone The lower notes (F# and down) will get drowned out, but thatвЂ™s true of any low D. The second octave is certainly loud enough, and the top of the first has good volume as well. However, if you do want a low D whistle that at least has a chance of being heard, the Chieftain is a good bet. HardyДЄ question IвЂ™ve seen come up a lot on Chiff and Fipple and The Session is some variation on вЂњwhat low D for a session?вЂќ ItвЂ™s really tough to play a low whistle at anything but the smallest session, because of their inherent lack of volume. It does, however, have a good bit more volume than your average low D whistle. ItвЂ™s still not loud in comparison to most instruments, and certainly not in comparison to ChieftainвЂ™s high D whistle. The Chieftain Thunderbird low D whistle is designed for volume. That being said, my average-man-sized hands donвЂ™t have any issues using the usual piperвЂ™s grip. ThereвЂ™s no option for ergonomic hole spacing, and players with small hands might find it a bit too much of a reach. The Thunderbird has a wide cylindrical bore, and the holes are rather large. The reach is also a little wider than other low whistles. Even newcomers will probably be OK after a bit of an adjustment period. However, itвЂ™s certainly not unmanageable for anyone who already plays the low whistle. Because of this, it would not be my first recommendation for a beginner. It takes a little more breath than the usual low whistle, especially on the top. Like all low whistles, the Thunderbird does require a lot of air. It has synthetic cork to help the seal, and comes pre-greased. The tuning slide on the Thunderbird low D works smoothly and allows plenty of room to tune.

Chiff and fipple best tin whistle