The Stradivarius of Tinwhistles
The Clarke Tinwhistle consists of a sheet of tin-plate, a piece of
wood and a small quantity of solder.
But that, of course is not the whole story. In 1843 the young farm
labourer, Robert Clarke, put the ingredients together in a very special
way that produced a small miracle. And that is how the Clarke Tinwhistle
is produced today.
The
instrument is still made of tin-plate with a wooden plug in the mouthpiece.
Delicate operations still continue to be done by hand and, most importantly,
Robert Clarke's traditional conical bore has been retained to give
the instrument its unique sound.
Tinwhistle buffs call this sound "chiff" and no other tinwhistle
has the same degree of "chiff" as a Clarke. The tone of
the instrument is clear and flute-like, but it is also described as
"crisp and responsive" by Bill Ochs; and "husky and
sensual" by Mary Bergin. All these descriptions add up to "chiff".
What Tommy Makem calls, "The great Clarke tone". This is
what makes a Clarke Tinwhistle unique.
The Tinwhistle is a simple, traditional instrument, ideal for popular
and folk music but it is also suitable for a much wider musical repertoire.
It is just as good for solo playing as in ensemble with other instruments;
and can be played by children, youth or adults alike.
Robust and easy to care for, it has a long life.
Play it... enjoy it... and join the millions of fellow musicians
who have had their start in music from the famous Clarke Tinwhistle.
