Whistle Care & Maintenance

Playing in

The whistle will take up to an hour a day at first (in two playing sessions, each of a half hour duration), and then gradually increase the playing time by ten minutes per day (five minutes each session). 

Oiling

The whistles should be oiled with almond oil — both inside and out. It is also good to soak the actual block and headpiece in oil. Tip the whistle upside down, and carefully immerse the head and block completely in almond oil. Leave it to soak for five minutes or so, and then after taking it out and draining off the excess oil, place the whistle upright on a stand and let the oil soak in overnight.  In the morning just wipe off any excess from the outside and within the bore with a soft clean cloth. This treatment should be given once a month for the first few months, and should help the block from excessive swelling and help stabilise the whole top end of the instrument. You may notice the sound is a little unclear when you first begin to play it again, but this will soon disappear. After three months you only need to give the whistle this treatment every three months or so and after a year, only at very infrequent intervals.

Storage

Make sure you protect the instrument from violent temperature changes. Try to store the whistle in a situation where the air is not too dry or humid (i.e. 40—60% humidity which is the average range for a normal household). Don’t leave the instrument exposed in hot, humid conditions, and especially don’t leave it near a heater or air conditioner. And of course, don’t leave it in a vehicle in hot weather

If you do all this, the instrument should develop in tone and character, become more flexible and warm and should settle in to your playing needs. Sometimes changes do occur that are less than desirable, and if you have any problems whatsoever, do not hesitate to get in touch. All instruments are guaranteed against faults in workmanship and materials to the original owner.