What is the “quietest” or softest playing brand of D whistle, if you don’t want to annoy others with volume while practicing? I think my Clarke original tin whistle, with the wooden fipple block and the conical shape, is the quietest I own, but I would welcome other peoples opinions.
Try this link,
http://learningtowhistle.blogspot.com.au/2006/01/tweaks-methods-of-muffling-whistle.html
There are also multiple threads on C&F about reducing the volume of instruments you already own, rather than buying another. On the quiet side the best buy consensus seems to be the Mack Hoover whitecaps.
I have a 2006 Burke narrow-bore that is nearly inaudible in anywhere but a quiet room.
Sticky Tac (the blue stuff) covering part of the windway at the blade is a common practice. I’m also a fan of a more simple approach. Put a paperclip in there. Just set it against the blade so it comes out. On a normal D it will just sit there while you play. It cuts the volume by more than 50%.
Also - Blowing over the hole in the fipple (at the top) makes a very quiet but audible sound of the notes.
I never used this but was stuck on a long bus journey from Skye recently and found this very useful when I had no bluetac to hand!
Excellent for fingering practice!
I have an old Feadog which is very quiet. It’s a wonderful player, but you have to mic it for most situations.