Hushing Up My Sweetheart

[crookedtune]

For Avery, James, Swizzlestick and the rest who love their Sweetheart Pro D whistles, but can't always stand the volume:

1/2" of leather, 1 rubber band, and you have the Sweetest little QUIET whistle in town!




[img][img]http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4784/prodwithmuters8.jpg[/img][/img]

[Wanderer]

This is the way I do it...it never works though.

You can use plain ol' scotch tape to the same effect, though breath moisture renders it non-sticky after a bit.

[King Friday]

I play in my basement so I let the thing go as loud as it wants

[crookedtune]

I play in my basement so I let the thing go as loud as it wants

Better stuff it, then!!

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/5044/ear1oy1.gif" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

[swizzlestick]

Now than brings a grin to my face, just when I need it.

I'll give it a try and let you know how it works!

(It is so nice a whistle - 'twould be cruel to banish it outdoors.)

[greenspiderweb]

Hey Charlie,

That's a good idea, I like the leather idea! It's more versatile than my version, using a blob of blue tack in front of the window, but then it's hard to put the whistle under your arm to warm it up.

I like your version better-I just need to find a supply of small rubber bands.

[crookedtune]

Another way is to remove the leather, and just drop the rubber band down to just below the window. The top of the rubber band should be about 1/2 mm below the top of the blade, so that you can just barely see it. This isn't quite as quiet, but does take the edge off the sound, (and doesn't look quite as funny). I use this method to mute my Syns. ....notice how I refrained from throwing out a stupid pun here, (almost ).....

[Unseen122]

Not a bad idea, I will have to give it a try. Although, I usually practice on my Busman or Flute. I was thinking that someday a maker would make a whistle that has multiple different tones, then I realized that thos McNeil Low Whistles with the adjustable windway are pretty close to that.

[Screeeech!!!]

I tried the bit of leather on my DASBT. Practiced yesterday and today with it, it still sings perfectly and it's nice and quiet. I live in a flat and can only normally play the DASBT when all my neighbours are out.

So thanks for the tip, you've made me happy.

[Donn]

Good idea. Thanks for posting a picture of it. Could work probably on any whistle you want to quiet down.
Donn

[fearfaoin]

I use this method to mute my Syns. ....notice how I refrained from throwing out a stupid pun here.....

May God bless you, yea, even unto the tenth Generation.

So, does the leather just hang in the windway, or is it also attached inside the whistle?

[I.D.10-t]

So is this better than the toothpick in the windway tweak because the backpressure is not changed?

[crookedtune]

It only extends in far enough to cover the blade edge. Maye 1/8 " beyond that seems to work well for me. It's not attached in there.

I think it's better than a toothpick/matchstick/paper clip because it's secured, and also it's square enough to cover the blade evenly. (i.e. it's not a window obstruction as much as a window "reducer"). Because it's soft leather, you won't damage the blade. Also, you can "unmute" simply by pulling the lace out of the window, but it's still there and attached when you need it.

I've tried it on a few whistles, but it's the Pro D that benefits the most. (Loud whistle!!) Anyway, it has made my family happier!