5 important things you need to know about the tin whistle

The tin whistle is one of the most popular traditional Irish musical instruments around the world. This is because the equipment is simple, lightweight, and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners who are learning traditional Irish music.

  1. What gave it its name?

This whistle is also known as a “penny whistle” because it is sold for a penny on the streets of London. A number of researchers have noted that the price of the whistle is 3 pence and half a penny. This is quite expensive for the period.

  1. The material used to make it

Tin whistles are now made from a variety of materials, including

  • Plastic
  • Polymer
  • Brass
  • Nickel
  • Aluminium
  • Stainless steel
  • Wood

This whistle is rarely made up of tin sheets.

  1. Difference between the other whistle and the tin whistle

Generally, all whistles are the same instrument, but some have a longer body with a wider bore. So, they produce less music than tin sheet whistles. When playing the instrument, you can feel the difference between them.

tin whistle

  1. What distinguishes it from the Irish flute?

The Irish whistle is a small, high-pitched instrument traditionally made of metal. But the flute is made from wood, and unlike tin whistles, it has a longer body and wider bores. They produce a lower, more melodic sound than tin whistles.

To make sounds, it has a mouthpiece and a flipper. The sound produced by blowing into the air hole is impressive.

  1. A country’s traditional whistles

When people are surprised to hear the tin whistle over their country, it is a tradition. This gives the people in the country a distinctive beat.

This is famous in many countries because it is readily available and simple to use. This can be moved anywhere easily and is an affordable traditional musical instrument.