There are times when you need a Loud High D Tin Whistles. Sometimes a standard tin whistle just cannot handle big, noisy sessions, outdoor gigs, or busking sessions. This is where these Loud High D Tin Whistles come in. We have designed them to help you cut through the noise and give you some extra power. As you go from barely being able to hear yourself to being heard from a long distance, your voice will sound clear and loud. Just remember: great volume comes with great responsibility!
The following three tin whistles are in roughly descending order of loudness.
The Chieftain Thunderbird
Summary: A strong lower octave makes this whistle possibly the loudest on the market
Best for: Busking, playing outdoors, and whenever you need maximum volume
Find out more about the Chieftain Thunderbird Loud High D Tin Whistles in my in-depth review
The Chieftain Thunderbird is a LOUD high D Tin whistle with a wide bore and big holes. I wouldn’t recommend playing this indoors frequently unless you wear hearing protection. The second octave certainly carries, but what’s remarkable is the volume in the lower octave. Despite its strength, it’s relatively difficult to accidentally blow into the second by mistake.
The Thunderbird is the perfect tin whistle for any situation where you need a loud lower octave. According to the copy on Chieftain’s website, it’s “the perfect busker’s whistle,” and it certainly fits the bill. This whistle is more complex than the other two on this list, with plenty of “chiff.”
In contrast to most Loud High D Tin Whistles, the Chieftain Thunderbird is made entirely from machined aluminum, with no plastic parts. Although it is substantial, it does not feel as heavy as the Dixon solid brass reviewed below. You can expose it to almost any environment and it will be fine, even if it gets scuffed or damaged. Seawater is the whistle’s only kryptonite; it will corrode if dropped in the ocean. As long as you keep it off the beach, it’s almost indestructible.
The all-metal construction does make the tuning fairly sensitive to temperature changes. The sound will be flat until it warms up in colder weather. There is no problem if you’re playing solo, or if you have a few minutes before a performance to warm the instrument up. It’s one of the reasons why I strongly recommend getting the version with a tuning slide instead of the fixed-pitch version.
Pros
- It’s very loud
- Aluminum construction for durability
Cons
- It takes a lot of air, especially in the second octave
- Cold weather requires warming up
Check out the price and more reviews of the Chieftain Thunderbird high D tin whistle on Amazon.com
The Susato Kildare
Summary: Whistling loudly and clearly with a pure tone
Best For: Those who like a pure sound and a lot of volume, including Ren Fair players
The Kelischek Workshop for Historical Instruments manufactures Susato Loud High D Tin Whistles. Furthermore, they make a wide variety of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque instruments, including recorders and tabor pipes. Their whistles have the same pure, recorder-like tone as some of their other products. The result is a unique sound that is loved by many players.
Thanks to their wider bore, they are also quite Loud High D Tin Whistles. Susanto Loud High D Tin Whistles are very popular among musicians who play at Renaissance fairs and other events where the brown plastic version can pass for wood. While they aren’t quite as loud as Chieftain Loud High D Tin Whistles, their pure sound really carries, especially outdoors.
Like the Chieftain, the Susato Kildare requires more air than a standard whistle. Although the upper reaches of the second octave are not as difficult as the Chieftain, it still takes some getting used to. There is a smaller version of the Kildare made by Susato, the “V-series.” It has a similar sound and requires less breath, but also produces less volume.
The Susato Loud High D Tin Whistles are made entirely of ABS plastic, which makes them lightweight and durable. Tuning them in colder weather won’t be as difficult as with the Chieftain whistle. Due to their plastic construction, heat may be a concern. Do not leave it in a hot car or similar environment; it will warp. Other than that, it is very durable and won’t corrode or tarnish like many metal Loud High D Tin Whistles.
Pros
- Tones of pure purity
- Tuning to perfection
Cons
- Warps in heat
- It may not be to everyone’s taste if the tone sounds like a recorder
Check out the price and more reviews of the Susato Kildare high D tin whistle on Amazon.com
The Dixon DX204 Brass
Summary: An easier-to-handle whistle that still produces plenty of volume
Best for: Sessions and other settings where you don’t need to wow your audience
A little extra volume is sometimes all you need. The Dixon solid brass DX204 is a great whistle when you don’t need a cannon but need a boost. Even for beginners, it is very easy to play because it is louder than average.
Another major problem with the other two Loud High D Tin Whistles on this list is their air requirements. Both musicians take a lot of breath, especially when playing in the second octave. In contrast, this Dixon DX204 whistle takes in little air. The free-blowing nature of the other two makes this a nice change. It is great for anyone without steely lungs.
The description does not lie when it says “solid brass.” The Dixon DX204 is probably the heaviest whistle I’ve ever held. Weighting about 140 grams, it feels like a self-defense weapon. Some people find playing a little awkward when they first start, and it takes a little getting used to.
Plastic heads slide very easily on tuning slides, and they can easily be replaced if they get damaged. The tuning slide allows for a good range of pitch adjustment, as well as good tuning and intonation. The holes in these Loud High D Tin Whistles aren’t as big as those in the other two, but still on the larger side. The DX204 is capable of pushing the volume above your standard Generation or Walton’s tin whistle.
You’ll be heard if you play the DX204 in a smaller or moderately sized session, but you may get drowned out if you compete with a few accordions, pipes, and concertinas. Additionally, it is well suited for outdoor use.
Pros
- Air consumption is much lower than the other two
- Constructed with sturdy materials
Cons
- Louder than the other two, especially in the lower octave
- It may feel odd to hold a heavy build