How to Select Your First Pennywhistle
Pennywhistles make great first instruments. Simple fipple flutes of metal or plastic, they are cheap and easy to play.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of music you would like to play. American music is generally written in the key of C, so you would need a "C" pennywhistle. Traditional Scottish and Irish music is best played with a "D" pennywhistle.
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Decide how long you are likely to play and who will use your pennywhistle. Fipples, or the mouthpieces, come in traditional wood or modern plastic. If your pennywhistle will be played by a child or you will be playing for long periods, a plastic fipple is best. Wooden fipples are sensitive to moisture and require extra care.
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Decide what tone is most pleasing to your ear. Cylindrical bore pennywhistles produce a bright, crisp sound that is excellent for playing in ensembles. Conical bore pennywhistles produce a warm, reedy sound well-suited for airs.
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Tips & Warnings
Pennywhistles can be found for as little as $5.
Common manufacturers are Clarke, Generation, Oak and Feadog.
Many whistlers start with a "D" pennywhistle
References
Resources
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