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MackBeth whistles have their roots with Hoover whistles, made in Colorado by Mack Hoover for over twenty years. In 2022 a new maker apprenticed with Mack and learned how Mack produces his sweet-sounding, pure instruments. Mack retired in 2023 and Hoover Whistles are no longer in production, but the classic Hoover sound lives on in Elizabeth's work. Mack himself created the name "MackBeth Whistles", and the very first MackBeth Whistle was gifted to him at the end of Elizabeth's apprenticeship.

Based in Oregon, MackBeth whistles are handmade with pride. Only instruments that are delightful to Elizabeth as a player are released for sale, but all players are different and what speaks to Elizabeth may not speak to you. Hoover whistles were always welcomed back home if they weren't a fit for the player and MackBeth carries on with that tradition.

The new MackBeth Whistles

Three MackBeth brass whistles resting on grey felt. From left to right, they are the telescoping, traditional, and two-piece models.
Three MackBeth Whistles: telescoping, traditional, and two-piece

MackBeth whistles are typically made of brass. Some models might be aluminum or CPVC plastic, or have plastic heads on brass/aluminum bodies. In the 2010s Mack experimented with making telescoping whistles for ultra-portability. MackBeth Whistles has continued with telescoping whistles and is also working on two-piece varieties.

Travel cases for telescoping and two-piece whistles are usually available. One two-piece or two telescoping whistles can typically fit in a single case. Exact case style can vary.

Travel cases with whistles inserted. The cases are black with zips around the outside, and the whistles are secured by elastic straps and mesh pockets.
Cases demonstrating the fit of telescoping or two-piece whistles

MackBeth whistles can be either session-volume or designed for quiet practice, depending on how they are made. New plastic heads can often be retrofitted onto many models of mass-produced whistle such as Generation, Feadog, and more. Ideally, the whistle that needs a new head will be sent to MackBeth for precise fit and accurate tuning.

Comments from recent customers:

"Played the new tooter with some friends on Sunday, very nice! It's the most modest. Even my old Sweetone has more punch, but I want to be down in the mix. Thanks!"

"I really like the quietness and focused tone of the whistle I just bought from you. It's my birthday present, so after playing it for 5-10 minutes to ensure everything was in order, I let it dry out and repackaged it for its long wait until my birthday."

"It is wonderful and you are right it takes a very light breath! Thank you. I am sure to enjoy this."

"The whistle arrived today - thanks! The volume is just what I was hoping for. As you warned me, I am having trouble getting much out of the lower octave. Thanks for sending the recording. Knowing what it can sound like will give me something to work toward."

"They are lovely and I like them both very much. Pure and sweet tone. You're not kidding about quiet. Breath control a must and certainly doable."

"The whistle arrived today and I'm loving it! So quiet but it sounds beautiful. I'll finally be able to practice in our small apartment when my toddler is sleeping! That's basically the only time I have available for hobbies, so this is a HUGE deal to me. Thank you so much!"