iVolga - Affordable Wooden D Whistles Review | From BigWhistle.co.uk

[@phildent8447]

Very nice and thanks for leaving a link to the lovely tune you’re playing. Wooden whistles have such a beautiful sound. I find that the holes are easier to feel and cover on the wood whistles than on those slippery metal ones.

[@OG_KushCat]

Ngl this is exactly what I needed! All 4 ivolga in d reviewed!!

[@JuliaZheglova]

Nice review, thanks! I'm the happy owner of such whistle in the key of C, and it's a real pleasure to play it.

[@JUANRAMOS-hk7he]

Have you tried playing Scarborough Fair on it and greensleeves? That's a pretty song with a sweetwarm tone.

[@ericjam6346]

In a straight up sound test I cant tell the difference between wood, aluminum, or brass. These whistles sound great. Perfect for someone who wants to try wood. I agree with the high maintenance critique. I've had issues with clogging with wood whistles too.

[@josequins9099]

I love the sound of these whistles. Thanks for the demo.

[@sergey.i.platonov]

Thank you so much Stephanie for a nice review! Perhaps you will be interested to know about the name of this wooden whistle. The logo depicts a songbird: it is an oriole, in Russian "ivolga" ['ee-vol-ga]. But what is even more interesting: the Russian word "ivolga" is related to the English word "whitwall" (or "whetile"), that is, "green woodpecker". :>

[@AlStargazer]

"Иволга" refers to a golden oriole, not a green woodpecker though.

[@sergey.i.platonov]

Thanks for the comment. For everyone who is interested in ornithology and philology, I’ll repeat in a little more detail: “...it is an oriole, in Russian "ivolga" (Oriolus oriolus). But what is even more interesting: the Russian word "иволга", the Ukrainian words "волга" and "іволга", the Serbian word "вуга" (Remiz pendulinus), the Slovenian word "vółga", the Czech word "vlha", the Polish words "wilga" and "wywilga", the Lithuanian word "volungė" (Sitta europaea), the Middle High German word "witewal" (XIII century), the South German word "Wiedewalch" (XV century) are related to the English word "whitwall" (or "whetile"), that is, "green woodpecker" (Picus viridis). :>” But let us hear the whistle of the "iVolga".

[@valentinthesnokov867]

Благодарю за обзор свирелей. Зелёные дятлы схожи оперением с самками иволги, самцы иволги имеют ярко жёлтый окрас. Волга (Volga) это имя реки.

[@whatabouttheearth]

Interesting, Vogel in German means bird

[@whatabouttheearth]

Interesting, Vogel in German means bird

[@ElijahG98]

These sound really good, I was expecting a cheapo wooden whistle to have bad tuning or something. By cheapo I mean for wooden whistle standards, which are usually at least like $200. bonus info to anyone reading, the strong push these take is why they get a strong low end. Both usually go hand in hand. So if you want a low end that doesnt overblow too easy, you get to accept having to push harder for the high end. Which you get used to. I'm just saying this because many new players seem to definitely gravitate towards easy blowing whistles.

[@ganainm124]

That's really true. Beginners tend to choose light pressure whistles with easy second octave. But it usually means the bottom note will be weak and quiet. Example is the well known Dixon Trad.

[@cattail70]

Always enjoy your fun and informative videos! Thanks for sharing your time and talents! 🥂

[@gmbagpipes3103]

Love that you were playing Lochaber Badger!

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

It's a great tune!

[@lauriejoyce4395]

I'm a bit late to this party, but in researching which whistle to buy a few weeks ago, I came across this video. I loved the idea of a wooden whistle and love the tone wood gives. I bought the ivolga VDC-01 and am enjoying learning to play it. My biggest problem as a newbie is keeping the low D in the lower octave, and not being too screechy on the high notes. I just watched this video again. Thanks for this review. Any words of wisdom are appreciated!😊

[@verenamaschke9413]

Great! There are wooden Irish whistles out there❤️👍 I need to get one of these, the sound is a little bit warmer than that cheep ones I got made of metal or plastic. I always prefer wooden whistles, even you have to take extra care it( that "drying an cleaning" thing or even oiling them..) . I think if you have fun on playing this instrument you will not come around an wooden whistle. I startet practicing tin whistle tree months ago (not that long, but I see I'm getting better and better every day:)) and I'm having a lot of fun with this instrument. I think it's time for a whistle like this 😬 thank you so much for your videos, you rock :) ❤️

[@RedZeshinX]

Reminds me of the fine whistles Alex DeWilde handcrafts over at Hermit Hill Folk Instruments, I love his Celtic knotworks on the tuning slide. The bird engraving on the iVolga brass fipple is really charming, might pick one of these up someday too. 👍

[@AntonNidhoggr]

I’ve got one in Bb. It’s probably my favourite home practice whistle since it’s not too loud and has a soft and warm timbre. I think it’s a good choice for beginners (as myself) actually. These and Killarneys are my favourites - completely different timbre, feel and look, but both really fun to play.

[@КириллУсманов-в3э]

Nice reciew! It's very popular whistles in Russia, actually 1st one is not quite tin whistle. This is a Russian woodwind instrument - "svirel", the difference is that it is made entirely of wood and has 2 additional holes on the bottom.

[@allonwne]

Are these additional holes for F and C natural?

[@bilbowaggins3036]

Is it true that some svirels have ten holes and are completely chromatic?

[@fourstringstrummer]

Hey Stephanie - Christmas Carol suggestion - "The Huron Carol" also known as "Twas in the Moon of WInterTime". It's a Canadian folk/Christmas song that would song great on the (Low) whistle. There are many versions online - Tom Jackson sings a nice version! Thanks for another great review! Kelly

[@chrixthegreat]

Nice. I prefer natural materials over synthetic ones. I will look into these.

[@JohnRamos-ml9mo]

I agree

[@fatheroblivion45]

Nice review. Thank you. I like the sound from all those whistles. Now I know what I'll be buying myself for Xmas.... :)

[@lad_and_dad]

Thanks for the review. I've been looking at these just lately.

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

They're really lovely! Haven't decided which one is my favourite yet!

[@JohnRamos-v3t]

Great video Stephanie. Quick question I have the wooden C whistle and I really love it. I have been playing the unquiet grave and to cut on the e note I can cut with the G or the f#. I have been trying the back hole to experiment cutting with the f# but have been having a tough time. I suppose that I could use the top holes to cut with. The top back hole for the c natural is nice with the cross fingering. Any tips on cutting with the f# sharp would be great. I hope that I explained myself well enough. Thank you in advance Stephanie. I am very happy with the flute,and I want to get the same whistle but in the key of D. Has a nice warm tone. I also just learned the The bear dance song and it plays nice on the warm wooden whistle in c.I like the holes in the back just have to get used to the bottom back one to cut with. Ok well you have a good evening,John...

[@stewbail1]

Regarding the maintenance of these compared to other wooden whistles, if theyre stabilised, it should be a lot less. To stabilise wood it goes through a process of being impregnated with a resin in a vacuum chamber and makes them somewhat waterproof all the way through and prevents expansion and shrinkage of wood from moisture. Its a lengthy and not inexpensive process that makes these whistles even more ridiculously cheap.

[@mheermance]

So tempted to buy another whistle. Must resist my whistle addiction. But that wooden one with the two thumb holes looks neat and sounds great too.

[@soslothful]

Giving in is the best way to rid one's self of temptation.

[@JohnRamos-ml9mo]

​@@soslothfulvery true

[@quanhoang6250]

Thank you so much for this review… and so many other reviews that you have done. I honestly do not buy any without searching on your page first. Quick question, how does the volume of these as compared to the DX005? I’m looking to replace my daily practice whistle that matches the breath requirements of a Chieftain, which is what I use for playing once I know a song well. Chieftains are quite loud, so it’s not great for my marriage. Dixon is perfect for practice, but not great for transitioning breath control.

[@EmilsonLim-fu2yn]

It's similar to early medieval flute played by piper's all over Europe but what they have is more basic and rougher and easily broken

[@psychedelicwriter5051]

Wonderful!

[@pifloyd123]

Lovley tune! Can you tell me the name, and is there already a tutorial? Unfortunatly most of these whistles are sold out...😞

[@giorgiolamborghini813]

If there are any Russians, could you tell me the name of a Russian straight flute in C similar to the first model in the video, it is made of wood but unlike that one, it has 10 holes (2 back holes for the thumbs and 8 front holes, 2 of which are for the little fingers). It looks perhaps more like a recorder than a whistle and is in 2 pieces and tunable. By sealing the thumb and pinky holes with wax I can use it with the whistle fingering. I've done a lot of research but haven't found anything. I thank and apologise to Cutiepie for using this space.

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

Someone mentioned 'Svirel' earlier in the comments. That might be worth a look. x

[@giorgiolamborghini813]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle Thanks!

[@ladapapirna9550]

In Ukraine we call it "Sopilka")

[@giorgiolamborghini813]

@@ladapapirna9550 Thank you so much, discovered the mystery, it is the SOPILKA! I found that the traditional sopilka has a six hole fingering like a whistle. The ten hole full chromatic fingering (like the one I own) was invented by Dmitry Deminchuk in 1970. Thank you, this Ukrainian flute has a really beautiful and very distinctive voice.❤❤

[@tylerdelgregg9398]

Wonderful review, how is the OXX OOO?

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

Pretty strong!

[@JohnRamos-ml9mo]

Which kind of oil would you recommend for oiling these whistles please. What are your thoughts on using walnut oil? Thank you and your a wonderful musician!!!

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

I don't have much experience in this unfortunately. Linseed is often recommended though. There's some info here on oiling wooden recorders which might be useful. Walnut should work I think. www.moeck.com/en/recorders/practical-and-worthwhile-tips-for-recorder-players/care-instructions/oiling-wooden-recorders/

[@JohnRamos-ml9mo]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle thank you for help. I bought the key of D. In maple wood and the key of C. Whistle as well. I used a wooden dowel rod and coated the inside and out side with walnut oil. I suppose if walnuts go good with pancakes and maple syrup,than I should be good. I will give it a few days to dry. Thanks again and I just love your tutorial videos. You are a breath of fresh air. Take care and blessings to you from Houston,Texas,John...

[@NotExpatJoe]

Since stabilized wood theoretically can't absorb any oil, it shouldn't be necessary. Either way I wouldn't use walnut oil. It can be a problem for people with nut allergies, and will eventually go rancid. If you really want to oil the whistle then I suggest using a light coating of Tung oil. Let it cure for a week or two and give it a good buffing by hand.

[@bilbowaggins3036]

I've seen ten holes versions of these out there. They're fully chromatic. I'd love to purchase them, but they seem to be hard to find in the US.

[@kauvehrusta9326]

ya I had the tunable one for 95€+ les import taxes to Belgium. but it sounds very nice

[@belhazardiman8575]

Great review. How many types of keys are available?

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

Just the D from Big Whistle at the moment, not sure about direct from the maker, but I haven't seen a website yet!

[@belhazardiman8575]

Aww😭😭 that's too bad. C, Eb and the low D are technically my favourite keys.

[@TWINS_BEBOP]

Hi Killaney tinwhistle or I-volga vdc-01whistle, which do you like your choice?

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

You can't really compare/choose between a wooden and metal whistle. They're two very different instruments. Just go for whichever you like the look and sound of 👍

[@AntonNidhoggr]

I have both brands and in fact these two are my favourite, so… can’t really tell 😂

[@gelflingmusic9428]

Thanks for helping me decide. Better than the month piece being plastic. Odd that its so cheap. What do you think about McManus whistles in Belfast? His are about 200 but a plastic fipple.

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

I didn't think McManus had any plastic? I've not tried one though unfortunately, but the reviews online for them are all great! I can recommend the iVolga whistles though, I also have a review for another Weston whistles, which are another wooden made whistle. I think Erik The Flutemaker has some too.

[@gelflingmusic9428]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle thank you. Have Erik's but all mouths piece is plastic. I think all wood and some brass is better. McManus said his fipple is Delrin. Had to look it up.

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

@@gelflingmusic9428 oh interesting! I guess that's to stop it warping and changing shape with use...

[@Playingwith3D]

I can pick up the proper fingering fairly quicky, but I have so much trouble covering the holes properly and consistantly so every second note is screeching and noise, with 4 perfect notes mixed in. So frustrating.

[@JohnRamos-ml9mo]

Look into what's called octave jumping. This exercise will help train your ear.going up and down the scale.Will help you and you will learn to hear the tones and know instinctively how much air to breathe. You will develop a musician's intuition, and yes it's very real. Music is very much spiritual...

[@michaelrs8010]

Hey Stephanie. Greetings again from Orange County, California. Sorry, a bit off subject, but have you done a Lir whistle review? If so I can't find it. Cheers.

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

I have, though I've removed them at the moment because Lir haven't been sending out whistles when people have ordered. This has left people struggling to get their money back, as they haven't been responding to messages either. They're wonderful whistles, but it seems they're not currently available. I wouldn't recommend ordering from their website until we hear more about whether they're back in action.

[@michaelrs8010]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle Oh! Well I guess that helps with my decision between one of theirs or a Killarney. 😄 Cheers.

[@dr.vardhaan1278]

please do a tutorial on "he is a pirate" from pirates of caribbean on high d tin whistle.

[@-RONNIE]

Nice 👍🏻

[@JohnRamos-ml9mo]

Hey cutie pie,I got the key of d. Tuneable one. It is a little loose I dont know if that is normal or not. Was wondering if you had any advice on how to remedie it? Perhaps next time I will get the none tuneable one with the brass fittings. I also do like the first one with the holes in the back. Ok well any advice would be great, thank you in advance, John...

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

Plumbers tape is often used to help loose fittings on whistles, though it depends how loose the fitting is I suppose...Sometimes a chunkier/firmer lubricant can help too - like larger amounts of Vaseline - something that actually makes things stickier instead of slippery 😊 If it's problematic and you think the whistle has not been made correctly, I'd contact the seller for advice 😊

[@JohnRamos-ml9mo]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle thank you Stephanie. You're always a big help. I used some Vaseline and it actually did help a bunch seal the draft. I appreciate your help and I hope that you have a great day. I look forward to watching more of your tutorial videos. Blessings to you, John...

[@JohnRamos-ml9mo]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle Cutie pie thank you so much,I took your advice and used plumber's tape and Vaseline and it's working like a charm. I really appreciate you,well you have a good evening,John.

[@dominiclapinta8537]

You've expressed in the past how you dont have alot of time. But if you did, you could make alot of money recording yourself reading audio books, because you have a very lovely voice... If they made a rosewood version, you wouldn't have to worry about moisture weakening it. My pipe Chanter is made from rosewood and it hasn't been weakened from me playing it.

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

I am a voice over artist, so I do a bit of that :) audio books are a nightmare to record though!

[@dominiclapinta8537]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle I see. I would imagine having to record yourself possibly making dying sounds alot would hurt your vocal chords.

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

@@dominiclapinta8537 indeed 😂

[@dominiclapinta8537]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle I guess we'll all never get to her that audio encyclopedia or dictionary of you reading every word in the english language.

[@cwaltzmusic]

So I'm not clear on the purpose of the back two holes. Can you play f natural or something?

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

I made a little video update on that 😁 kzbin.infoDseu2xlxhys?feature=share

[@depapa701]

Hi, I really would like to play the whistle. But I am not the biggest fan of high notes. I am not sure if I can start with a low d. Or should I start with a normal d?

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

Watch my video about choosing your first low whistle. All you need to find out, is whether you can cover the holes on a low D. If you can, then there's no reason not to start there 😊

[@karenzilverberg4699]

Perhaps you could give a more detailed explanation of lower thrid and lower seventh and the holes on the back.

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

I honestly don't know what they do! That was the only info on the Big Whistle website, but I intend to find out and do that 👍

[@soslothful]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle That would make a good follow up video. I'm rather interested in the extended range.

[@yosemite-sam]

Those 2 additional holes at the back of the whistle allow it to be played in the mode of D Dorian, as it gives you an F natural and C natural. I saw these on Big Whistle yesterday and kicking myself for not buying one as they've now sold out. They all sounded lovely 😍

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

@@yosemite-sam when do you open the holes to get those notes?

[@soslothful]

@@yosemite-sam Ah! Thanks. A Cnat can be had with oxxo ooo on a standard whistle. How would the Fnat be fingered on the iVolga?

[@tim6151]

Is there a Big Whistle Company in the USA?

[@rossdubois7668]

Nope. There's the 'Irish Flute Store', which is as close as you can get, followed by several independent whistle makers, and some stores like 'Lark In The Morning' and 'House of Musical Traditions', but no Big Whistle.

[@annetterum]

You are like the sun

[@AlexeyKulentsov]

oh, two thumb holes. It remains to separate a couple of holes, and it will be a Ukrainian ten-hole chromatic sopilka.

[@Aerophoneschool]

👏⚘

[@soslothful]

It was rather disappointing to not hear the two thumb holes used. It would have been quite interesting as a unique feature.

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

That'll come in another video 👍

[@soslothful]

@@CutiepieTinWhistle Tomorrow?

[@CutiepieTinWhistle]

@@soslothful it might not be for a few weeks, as I'll have to try and work out what they actually do 🙈🤣

[@mariasmits9563]

These are Russian made.