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03/12/2002 Entry: "More on the tin whistle"

Although it is possible to buy tin whistles which cost an awful lot of money that are made with all kinds of different materials, my favourite is essentially the same as would have been played in Victorian times. Made of rolled tinplate with a wooden plug ("fipple"), the "Clarke Original" whistle is a gem, and only costs around £5. I took up the tin whistle because I couldn't afford to buy a clarinet - I'd sold mine when I was a penniless student, and I've regretted it ever since - but in many ways the whistle was a much better bet. I can have one in every bag, jacket and drawer, and always have one to hand for when the muse alights - and you don't have to worry about breaking them. The tinwhistle is a truly democratic instrument, available to everyone and offers everyone the opportunity to make music instead of being just part of an audience. Give it a go!