The focus is currently on whistles in the key of high D with brass bodies and either brass heads or PVC plastic heads. All models are tunable unless otherwise specified. Telescoping and two-piece models transform into a pocket size for travel.

Past and presently available whistles will be shown on the Gallery page, and you are encouraged to contact us using the link at the bottom of each page to begin a conversation about the type of whistle you're looking for. Custom order queries are welcome, but wait times are long at the moment.

Completed whistles are sometimes listed for immediate purchase on our partner site Sheepshape Crafts with detailed descriptions including volume levels, suggested cross-fingering pattern, and recommendations for whether the whistle is best suited for louder session settings or quiet playing at home. Sheepshape-listed whistles are also shown in the Gallery.

Is a MackBeth right for me?

MackBeth whistles generally have a low or very low airflow requirement. This means that careful breath control is needed to get the best tone out of your whistle. What you get in exchange is a sweet sound and a pleasing volume, even in the second octave. MackBeths are ideal for whistlers needing to be able to practice without disturbing others near by. If you live in an apartment building or have family members with different sleep schedules, consider the benefits of playing a MackBeth.

If you have not played low airflow whistles before then there will be an adjustment period. Giving a MackBeth too much air, especially in the first octave, can lead to squeaks and unanticipated octave jumps. Make sure you are gradually decreasing airflow as you move to lower notes.

Learning to play with a controlled airflow

A player who recently acquired a very quiet MackBeth whistle expressed that he was pleased with it. As some find it challenging to learn to play with a lighter airflow, he was invited to share his thoughts on playing this style of whistle. "I'd say that to enjoy playing a quiet/low-air type whistle, one must come to terms with the method of producing the air. Consider that one is able to instantly produce either warm or cool air. It's interesting that in a single exhalation of breath, one is able to rapidly change from warm to cool, back to warm, then to cool, etc. The warm air seems to come forth rather gently and somewhat slowly. In contrast, it's possible to shoot the cool air out in huge quantities and at a rapid rate. When playing a low-air whistle, one may find that it's easy to "overwhelm" the lowest notes/lower octave on the instrument. I find that I tend to use a warm-type air to play the lower octave notes and switch to the cool-air source when playing upper octave notes. The switch isn't necessarily something I'm much thinking about, it just seems to happen. With time and practice one finds just how hard one can push the whistle."

Some players find that their whistle requires so little air that they need to let a bit of air out through their nose as they play. The airflow from your nose can interfere with the airflow across the blade - this becomes most apparent on the lower notes. Playing the whistle out of the left or right side of your mouth will prevent these airstreams from crossing. With a telescoping whistle you can even rotate the mouthpiece so the window is facing down! This is a useful strategy when playing outdoors in lightly windy conditions, too.

Please note that low airflow whistles - particularly those with metal mouthpieces - are more prone to clogging than many other whistle types. There are many techniques for minimizing the impact of clogs on playing and it can also depend on ambient temperature/humidity, but you can expect to need to clear the windway of an all-brass MackBeth more often than louder or plastic whistles.

Pricing (US Dollars)

Prices include insured US shipping. International shipping is available - contact us for a quote. Cases will ship at no additional charge when purchased with one or more whistles. Cases purchased separately would have a small shipping charge added. A case can hold two telescoping whistles or one two-piece whistle. They do not fit the standard tunable whistles.

"Scratch and dent" whistles sound lovely but may look less than perfect. Their production is typically unplanned. All whistles - including scratch and dent models - have a worry-free return policy.

Payment is accepted by Paypal, by US personal check, or by US money order. Payment in British Pounds Sterling is also an option for UK buyers. Credit cards can be used via Paypal or via Sheepshape Crafts if the whistle is listed for sale there.

Returns

Hoover whistles were always welcomed back home if they weren't a fit for the player and MackBeth carries on with that tradition. If you are dissatisfied with your whistle for any reason you can return it. Please contact us if you have any issues with your purchase or questions about returns.