Whistles

Owning your very own GFM Whistles is easy — just follow the four easy steps:

 

 

 

Physical Characteristics
These are wide-body insturments made from .065 inch thick 6061-T6 Aluminum alloy. The body is 5/8 inches in diameter and the beak is made from 3/4 inch material. The insturment quality and overall look and feel are very consistent. While the holes are slightly larger than on most instruments to allow for easier half-holing, players with smaller hands should not have any trouble with this instrument. The tuning slide uses a standard rubber o-rings that may be easily replaced at any hardware store. We are also happy to supply extra o-rings if needs be.

Cleaning and Care
This instrument should be cleaned regularly, inside and out, with warm soapy water. The tuning slide should be lubricated with a very small amount of petroleum jelly after cleaning. I have also heard that Lanolin works well, but one should not use wax-based cork grease to lubricate the instrument as it may cause it to stick. A regular pipe cleaner, such as one may find in a hobby store or tobacco shop, can be used to clean the airway. Small surface nicks and scratches can be removed with a mild abrasive such as fine steel wool or an abrasive soap-based cleaner. One should avoid exposure to immoderate acids or caustics as they can dammage the metal.

Playing Characteristics
This instrument is ideal for people with moderate experence that want to step up to a higher-end whistle. It is also quite good for professional level play. These whistles are easy to play and are well balanced between octaves. They have a pure tone with just a hint of "chiff". Tuning is (of course) perfect and the instrument can be tuned a minimum of 20 cents sharp as well as flat. They have medium air requirements, and shifting between the high and low registers is very easy to control. The back pressure is quite moderate. The first 3 notes in the low octave are strong and clear, and there is very good balance between octaves. While not as powerful as a Chieftain or an Overton, it is loud enough for most sessions. Most cross fingerings are possible, such as C natural (on a D whistle) and in both octaves. This instrument is moderately loud, easy to play, and it is very responsive. It will comfortably handle any tap or roll that you throw at it.

 

 

 

 

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