A tinwhistle is an end-blown fipple flute that has six finger holes, all on the front. It may have a conical shape or a cylindrical shape and it is often made of metal. Even so, it is considered a woodwind instrument. The tinwhistle is in the same instrument category as the flageolet, the recorder, the Native American flute, and many other woodwind instruments found in traditional music.
Variations on the tinwhistle design exist in cultures around the world. In western culture, the tinwhistle is most identified with Irish music and it is very popular in Ireland. The tinwhistle is easy to play and produces a good, loud sound, although it can be ear-piercing in the higher notes.
Other names for the tinwhistle include the tin whistle, the penny whistle, the pennywhistle, the Irish whistle, the fipple flute, and the whistle. The Irish words for the instrument are feadóg stain, meaning “tin whistle” (feadóga stáin is the plural) and feadóg, meaning “whistle” or “flute”).
- -
Variations on the tinwhistle design exist in cultures around the world. In western culture, the tinwhistle is most identified with Irish music and it is very popular in Ireland. The tinwhistle is easy to play and produces a good, loud sound, although it can be ear-piercing in the higher notes.
Other names for the tinwhistle include the tin whistle, the penny whistle, the pennywhistle, the Irish whistle, the fipple flute, and the whistle. The Irish words for the instrument are feadóg stain, meaning “tin whistle” (feadóga stáin is the plural) and feadóg, meaning “whistle” or “flute”).
- -