How to Make a Wooden Slide Whistle

The slide whistle, or piston whistle, has a unique sound that virtually anyone can recognize, especially if that person has ever watched cartoons. In cartoons, slide whistles add a comic touch to a visual of a character falling down or facing an embarrassing situation. Often thought of as a child's toy, the slide whistle has nevertheless been used by jazz musicians and orchestras throughout history. These whistles can produce melodies as well as sound effects--it all depends on the skill of the slide whistle musician. The folk slide whistle is easily made with a thin branch from a tree.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Piece of willow or ash
• whittling knife

1. Make a cut completely around the woo, about an inch from one end of the piece of willow or ash, scoring the bark only. The top inch or so of bark will be left on the willow stick and will become the handle of the piston, or sliding section of the whistle. Note figure 1. Your piece of wood should be about eight inches long.

2. Figure 1

   Trim the other end of the stick so that it is even. Measure about 3/4 inch from the trimmed end and cut a slanted notch (see Figure 1) about a half inch deep through the bark and into the wood. This will eventually serve as the blow-hole.

3. To remove the bark, somewhat like sliding a coat sleeve off of an arm, use the handle of your knife to tap and rub the bark until it loosens and slides off. It may help to lightly twist the bark to loosen it, but use care to avoid causing splits or cracks in the bark.

4. Completed Whistle

   About a half inch from the bark-encased handle, begin to whittle away a channel in the wood, all the way to the blow-hole. (See Figure 1). Also, trim a thin slice from the top of the blowing end. (Refer to Figure 1.)

5. Now, slip the bark sleeve back onto the piston. Make sure to line up the blow hole with the long channel. Blow gently into the end opposite the handle. If you feel the sound needs adjusting, trim a little more wood from the long channel.

Tips & Warnings

• Gently cupping and uncupping your hand over the blow hole will help to vary the sound made by your slide whistle.

• Always use great care when handling a knife, especially a whittling knife. Whittle away from your body, not towards it.