Getting Your First Whistle…
I’m no expert, but I’ve been playing for a little over a year and have bought most of the inexpensive whistles. I have a Clarke Original, Sweetone, Feadóg, Generation, Oak, and Clare, all in D. I also have a Generation, Oak, and Walton in C. For my first whistle order, I got a Clarke Sweetone and a Feadóg, both in D. I think these two are good to start with.
The Sweetone is easy to play. The tone has a breathy hiss to it, and I generally like it. Some folks don’t like the tone, saying it sounds like a toy. I can hear the toy-like characteristics in the lowest note or two, but I don’t think it’s too bad. Besides, I think the ease of play is worth it. It moves relatively easily between registers, and plays well in tune. It’s not too loud, and isn’t shrill on the high A or B. It was fairly easy to get the head off to make it tuneable. I have not done any tweaking, and don’t feel it needs any either. The only minor complaint I have is that, because it’s conical, the holes are relatively small. This makes it harder to half-hole notes, and makes me have to babysit slides a little more. Overall though, it’s not a big deal. This is a good choice for a first whistle. On a side note, the Clarke Meg is basically the same whistle at around half the cost. Apparently they’re made in a cheaper facility, but I can’t tell any difference in playability. I bought one for each of my daughters.
The Feadóg is a different animal. The tone is very different from the Sweetone. It’s more buzzy or reedy sounding, it’s got sort of a dirty flavor to it. I’d say it has a bit more character than the Sweetone. It is more difficult to play, as it requires better breath control. If you’re new, you will probably be squawking on this whistle. Just stick with it, and get to know it. It’s a little louder than the Sweetone and a bit more harsh on the high A and B notes. However, it’s not too bad once you learn how to work with it. I did do the putty tweak on this one and it did seem to make a difference in jumping between registers. Don’t be afraid of this whistle though. Even though it’s more difficult, it’s not terribly so - just more challenging (and rewarding).
Of all the cheapies I have, I still think these two are the best to start with. Their contrasting tones compliment each other nicely. A new whistler will have one whistle that’s easy to play (Sweetone), so getting started is less frustrating. He/She will also have something a little more challenging (Feadóg), that has a little more character.