Tinwhistles - WhistleShop

Celtic Tinwhistle
The Clarke Metal Kazoo
A Kazoo produces a pleasant ‘buzzing’ sound when you hum, sing or speak into it.
If you can sing or hum in tune – then you can play the Kazoo.
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It is a member of the ‘membranophone’ musical classification which is in the
percussion instruments, as the sound is created through a stretched membrane.
This is broken down again into a sub category known as ‘Merlitons’, the sound being
created by a vibrating membrane.
The Celtic
We manufacture our Kazoo in Tinplate finished in either Silver or Gold. Its design
provides a threaded cap and neck for easy tuning and membrane replacement. Each
Kazoo is attractively gift packaged in a tube with a history and information sheet.
It is impossible to hear a slow air played with depth of feeling on a Tinwhistle by a true Celt, without being
drawn into, and sharing the emotions expressed by the player.
Each of the Celtic nations has its own instrumental tradition and each claims their right to specific
instruments. The Scots will assert that the bagpipes are their property; the Welsh the harp. The Irish claim
the Uillean pipes as their own. One instrument played by all, and adopted by all is the Tinwhistle.
When Robert Clarke invented the Tinwhistle in 1843, little did he know that it would become the
perfect wind instrument to be played universally in all the Celtic lands.
Tinwhistles
It can be heard in concert halls, broadcasts, churches and above all, especially in Ireland, in the pubs.
It is easy to learn to play, inexpensive and can be conveniently carried so as to be available for
performances on all occasions.
Supplied in the key of ‘D’, this traditionally looking CELTIC Tinwhistle is finished in green with Celtic knot logo,
comes attractively packaged in a box with tune sheet and fingering chart.
The Clarke Harmonica
The Clarke 10 hole blues harmonica comes in the key of ‘C’, it features brass and
silver alloy reeds, on 0.1mm brass plates and with an 8mm premium ABS comb.
The covers are of 0.4mm stainless steel with an electro plated gold finish with
fancy engraving.
All this combines to provide a quality harmonica with a great sound and unbeatable value.
Each Harmonica is attractively gift packaged in a tube with a history and
information sheet. Cleaning cloth also included.
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Fun and easy to play
Clarke has been hand making Tinwhistles for over 160 years. They are still made
the same way as Robert Clarke made his in the mid 19th century, using tinplate
and its traditional conical bore which gives the Clarke Tinwhistle its unique sound.
The Clarke Story on DVD
James Galway introduces the dramatised rags-to-riches story of Suffolk born musician and farm labourer
Robert Clarke, who in 1843 walked to Manchester, built a successful Tinwhistle factory, and eventually
returned in triumph to his village, buying the house of the squire who sacked him. The DVD features renowned
international Tinwhistle players including Bill Ochs (USA), Robert Sithole (South Africa) and Mary Bergin (Ireland).
It includes more than 45 minutes of audio extras and slide shows.
The Clarke Tinwhistle Company
ESTABLISHED 1843
Tel: +44 (0)1892 837433
Email: john@clarketinwhistle.com
www.clarketinwhistle.com
MADE IN ENGLAND SINCE 1843
www.clarketinwhistle.com
The Original Tinwhistle
The Sweetone Tinwhistle
The Meg Tinwhistle
The Original
The Sweetone
The Meg
The favourite instrument of distinguished Tinwhistle players ever since 1843, this Clarke Tinwhistle can be considered the
Stradivarius of Tinwhistles. The instrument is still made of tin-plate with a wooden mouthpiece.
After 170 years of continuous production of the famous Original Tinwhistle, in 1996 the company
produced a brand new type of Tinwhistle, the SWEETONE.
Delicate operations still continue to be done by hand and, most importantly, Robert Clarke’s traditional conical bore has been
retained to give the instrument its unique sound, called ‘chiff’. No other Tinwhistle has the same degree of ‘chiff’ as a Clarke.
This was the first conical bore Tinwhistle to be made with a plastic mouthpiece, handmade in the UK
using quality raw materials; the mouthpiece is moulded using ABS PC blend. This combined with modern
technology and our traditional workmanship gives it a clear and accurate tone.
In 1843 Robert Clarke invented the Tinwhistle. The first ones he
manufactured were called Megs. Meg is the Victorian word for
a halfpenny and that is precisely what Robert’s Tinwhistle
cost to buy.
The tone of the Clarke Tinwhistle is clear and flute-like, but it is also described as ‘crisp and responsive’ by Bill Ochs, and
‘husky and sensual’ by Mary Bergin. All these descriptions add up to ‘chiff’ – what Tommy Makem calls ‘The great
Clarke tone’. This is what makes a Clarke Tinwhistle unique.
The Tinwhistle is a simple, traditional musical instrument; ideal for popular and folk music but it is also
suitable for a much wider musical repertoire. It is just as good for solo playing as in ensemble with other
musical instruments, and can be played by children, youth or adults alike.
Avaiable in the keys of ‘C’ and ‘D’.
In making such an inexpensive real musical instrument, Robert
brought affordable music to the masses and, in no time, his
instruments were becoming available worldwide.
The introduction of the MEG is a result of combining the design
of our popular Sweetone range with budget raw materials and
modified production process.
Tutorial Gift Set
Teach yourself the Tinwhistle with this comprehensive book,
CD and Original 'D' Tinwhistle. For players of all levels.
The tonal characteristics, although slightly different from those
of the Sweetone, still achieve the feel and quality of the
famous Clarke sound.
80 pages packed with tunes, tips and ‘Tinwhistle’ lore.
Avaiable in the key of ‘D’.
74 minutes of Jigs, Reels, Fife Tunes, Highland Flings and lots more.
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The Clarke Tinwhistle Pouch
This attractive made custom pouch is individually
hand stitched and crafted from a good quality
PU material, with a black snakeskin finish.
With a gold finished press button closure and
embossed with the Clarke logo they are available
to fit either ‘C’ or ‘D’.
The Clarke Tinwhistle Cleaning Brush
This custom made cleaning brush with tapered nylon bristles
helps to keep your tinwhistle clean and free from any build
up of unwanted mould or debris that can cause decay and
affect the sound.
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Tutorials
Clarke Tutor Book with CD
“The best whistle tutorial on the planet,” writes Dale Wisely of the Chiff and Fipple
website. The age-old sounds of Ireland, England, Scotland and early America come
to life with this remarkable book and CD for tin whistlers of all levels. No previous
musical training is necessary. The lessons are so clear and easy to follow that a
complete beginner can learn to play a simple tune at first sitting. Then, through a
specially selected series of folk tunes, beginners are carefully guided through all
the basics of playing one step at a time.
Tutor Book with CD for the Beginner
This Tinwhistle Tutor Course gives beginners full progressive tuition in playing the
Tinwhistle and includes a demonstration CD.
This method makes it possible to learn this instrument quickly and easily. The
course is especially suitable for group and individual music students as well as
for self instruction. Well known songs from all over the world with clear notation
and helpful hints ensure fun while learning to play.