Celtic Tinwhistle

The Clarke Metal Kazoo

Tinwhistles

Fun and easy to play

Clarke has been hand making Tinwhistles for over 160 years. They are still made the same way as Robert Clarke made his in the mid 19th century, using tinplate and its traditional conical bore which gives the Clarke Tinwhistle its unique sound.

The Celtic
It is impossible to hear a slow air played with depth of feeling on a Tinwhistle by a true Celt, without being drawn into, and sharing the emotions expressed by the player. Each of the Celtic nations has its own instrumental tradition and each claims their right to specific instruments. The Scots will assert that the bagpipes are their property; the Welsh the harp. The Irish claim the Uillean pipes as their own. One instrument played by all, and adopted by all is the Tinwhistle. When Robert Clarke invented the Tinwhistle in 1843, little did he know that it would become the perfect wind instrument to be played universally in all the Celtic lands. It can be heard in concert halls, broadcasts, churches and above all, especially in Ireland, in the pubs. It is easy to learn to play, inexpensive and can be conveniently carried so as to be available for performances on all occasions. Supplied in the key of D, this traditionally looking CELTIC Tinwhistle is finished in green with Celtic knot logo, comes attractively packaged in a box with tune sheet and fingering chart.
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A Kazoo produces a pleasant buzzing sound when you hum, sing or speak into it. If you can sing or hum in tune then you can play the Kazoo. It is a member of the membranophone musical classification which is in the percussion instruments, as the sound is created through a stretched membrane. This is broken down again into a sub category known as Merlitons, the sound being created by a vibrating membrane. We manufacture our Kazoo in Tinplate finished in either Silver or Gold. Its design provides a threaded cap and neck for easy tuning and membrane replacement. Each Kazoo is attractively gift packaged in a tube with a history and information sheet.

The Clarke Tinwhistle Cleaning Brush The Clarke Tinwhistle Pouch

This attractive custom made pouch is individually hand sewn and crafted from a good quality, dark brown, leather look PU material. With a gold finished press button closure and embossed with the Clarke logo they are available to fit either C or D. This custom made cleaning brush with tapered nylon bristles helps to keep your tinwhistle clean and free from any build up of unwanted mould or debris that can cause decay and affect the sound.

The Clarke Story on DVD

James Galway introduces the dramatised rags-to-riches story of Suffolk born musician and farm labourer Robert Clarke, who in 1843 walked to Manchester, built a successful Tinwhistle factory, and eventually returned in triumph to his village, buying the house of the squire who sacked him. The DVD features renowned international Tinwhistle players including Bill Ochs (USA), Robert Sithole (South Africa) and Mary Bergin (Ireland). It includes more than 45 minutes of audio extras and slide shows.

The Clarke Tinwhistle Company

ESTABLISHED 1843

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Tel: +44 (0)1892 837433

Email: john@clarketinwhistle.com

MADE IN ENGLAND SINCE 1843

www.clarketinwhistle.com

www.clarketinwhistle.com

The Original Tinwhistle

The Sweetone Tinwhistle

The Meg Tinwhistle

The Original
The favourite instrument of distinguished Tinwhistle players ever since 1843, this Clarke Tinwhistle can be considered the Stradivarius of Tinwhistles. The instrument is still made of tin-plate with a wooden mouthpiece. Delicate operations still continue to be done by hand and, most importantly, Robert Clarkes traditional conical bore has been retained to give the instrument its unique sound, called chiff. No other Tinwhistle has the same degree of chiff as a Clarke. The tone of the Clarke Tinwhistle 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 Sweetone
After 170 years of continuous production of the famous Original Tinwhistle, in 1996 the company produced a brand new type of Tinwhistle, the SWEETONE. This was the first conical bore Tinwhistle to be made with a plastic mouthpiece, handmade in the UK using quality raw materials; the mouthpiece is moulded using ABS PC blend. This combined with modern technology and our traditional workmanship gives it a clear and accurate tone. The Tinwhistle is a simple, traditional musical 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 musical instruments, and can be played by children, youth or adults alike. Avaiable in the keys of C and D.

The Meg
In 1843 Robert Clarke invented the Tinwhistle. The first ones he manufactured were called Megs. Meg is the Victorian word for a halfpenny and that is precisely what Roberts Tinwhistle cost to buy. In making such an inexpensive real musical instrument, Robert brought affordable music to the masses and, in no time, his instruments were becoming available worldwide. The introduction of the MEG is a result of combining the design of our popular Sweetone range with budget raw materials and modified production process. The tonal characteristics, although slightly different from those of the Sweetone, still achieve the feel and quality of the famous Clarke sound. Avaiable in the key of D.

Tutorial Gift Set

Teach yourself the Tinwhistle with this comprehensive book, CD and Original 'D' Tinwhistle. For players of all levels. 80 pages packed with tunes, tips and Tinwhistle lore. 74 minutes of Jigs, Reels, Fife Tunes, Highland Flings and lots more.

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Tutorials
Clarke History Book
The second edition of Norman Dannatts story of the Clarke Tinwhistle. When Robert Clarke invented his Tinwhistle in 1843, little did he know that his humble little instrument was destined to become just about the most popular player of tunes in the whole Folk Music World.

Clarke Tutor Book with CD

The best whistle tutorial on the planet, writes Dale Wisely of the Chiff and Fipple website. The age-old sounds of Ireland, England, Scotland and early America come to life with this remarkable book and CD for tin whistlers of all levels. No previous musical training is necessary. The lessons are so clear and easy to follow that a complete beginner can learn to play a simple tune at first sitting. Then, through a specially selected series of folk tunes, beginners are carefully guided through all the basics of playing one step at a time.

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Tutor Book with CD for the Beginner

This Tinwhistle Tutor Course gives beginners full progressive tuition in playing the Tinwhistle and includes a demonstration CD. This method makes it possible to learn this instrument quickly and easily. The course is especially suitable for group and individual music students as well as for self instruction. Well known songs from all over the world with clear notation and helpful hints ensure fun while learning to play.

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