The modern tin whistle, also known as the penny whistle, traces its history back to the 19th century. It is a staple of folk music, particularly in Irish traditions. First conceived by Robert Clarke, the Clarke Tin Whistle holds the claim of being the 'original' tin whistle. However, the Clarke is just one of many tin whistles you can explore, with each brand offering its own unique sound and style.
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With so many options available today, selecting your first whistle or upgrading to a professional model can be overwhelming. No need to worry. This guide will provide an overview and quick reviews of the best tin whistles suited for beginners and seasoned players alike.
Which Key of Tin Whistle Should I Get?
Before diving in, let’s discuss a common question from beginners: should you choose a tin whistle in C or D? We recommend starting with a D whistle, as the D major scale is the most frequently used in folk music, making it the most common key for tin whistles. Once you're comfortable with that, you can explore others, like C, F, or G.
The Best Beginner Tin Whistles
The beauty of the tin whistle is its low barrier to entry. This is why it’s dubbed the penny whistle—many variants are affordable, with prices starting as low as £6/$8. We hope your first whistle will be the beginning of a wonderful journey. However, if you don’t enjoy it, the cost is minimal. Due to this aspect, they make excellent first instruments for children interested in music. Traditionally, tin whistles are tuned to D, and we suggest sticking to that key for your first purchase. Brands like Clarke, Feadog, Generation, and Waltons offer some of the best economy tin whistles. Read on for more details.
Clarke
Originating in Suffolk and later established on the outskirts of Manchester, the Clarke whistle carries significant history. The Original Clarke Tin Whistle features a wooden underlip and comes in either natural or black and gold finishes. Its conical bore design is distinct. The Clarke Sweetone serves as a more affordable alternative, featuring a plastic mouthpiece, but it still looks and sounds fantastic, bearing the recognized Clarke brand.
Material: Tin
Price range: £8.50-£14/$10-$20
See all Clarke Tin Whistles.
Feadog
Made in Ireland, Feadóg whistles boast rich history. As an authentic Irish tin whistle, their craftsmanship and variety of colors offer excellent value. If you're looking to upgrade from a beginner whistle, the Feadóg High D Black Pro is a popular choice, praised for improved playability and tone.
Material: Brass or Nickel-Plated
Price range: £7-£12/$9.50-$16.50
See all Feadog Tin Whistles.
Generation
With roots in Oswestry, England, Generation introduced its first whistle in the 1950s. The Original Generation Flageolet is celebrated for being both high-quality and budget-friendly, making it perfect for beginners. The new Generation Boho series offers visually appealing design options with improved playability.
Material: Brass or Nickel-Plated
Price range: £5.50-£11/$7.50-$15
See all Generation Tin Whistles.
Waltons
Less well-known than competitors, Waltons produces quality whistles deserving of attention. Its High D Mellow model is particularly popular for its smoother tone, making it one of the softest whistles available while maintaining traditional Irish qualities.
Material: Brass
Price range: £7/$10
See all Waltons Whistles.
The Best Professional Tin Whistles
Makers of tin whistles have innovated for decades, enhancing tonal quality and design. If you’re transitioning from beginner to professional models with richer sounds, here are some recommendations.
Dixon
A favorite at the affordable end of professional tin whistles, Tony Dixon offers both high and low whistles made of polymer and aluminum. The Dixon High D One Piece whistle delivers exceptional value and rich tone.
Material: Polymer and aluminum
Price range: £14.50-£50.75/$20-$69.50
Browse all Dixon Whistles.
Shush
The New Improved 'Shush' Whistle has upgraded features, enhancing tone while reducing sound output for practice. Its distinct design makes it an excellent option for quiet yet great-sounding performance.
Material: Brass or nickel
Price: £40/$54
See all Shush Whistles.
Shaw
The handmade Shaw whistle is crafted using traditional designs, delivering a soft, warm tone ideal for skilled players. Each whistle is crafted by master artisan Dave Shaw, ensuring distinctive sound quality.
Material: Rolled nickel
Price range: £25/$35
See all Shaw Whistles.
Which Tin Whistle Should You Buy?
While personal preference matters, we recommend beginners start with a high D from Feadog, Generation, or Clarke. Once comfortable, consider mid-range options from brands like Syn or Parks. For those who enjoyed their high D, exploring low D whistles is the natural next step. If you need further assistance or recommendations, feel free to get in touch with us!
Feadóg vs Clarke Tin Whistle
The main distinction between Feadóg and Clarke Tin Whistles is that the Original Clarke features a wooden fipple, producing a breathier sound. Both are popular among beginners, though some find the Feadóg challenging until they develop skills.
We hope this guide has provided useful insight. If you have any questions about the whistle makers featured, connect with us for personalized advice. You can view a complete range of high whistles and filter options based on your preferences to find the perfect fit. Happy whistling!
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