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.

How to Order

MackBeth Whistles that are available for immediate purchase are listed on the Gallery section of this site. Click on the photograph for additional information about each whistle, including a sound clip if one has been recorded. There is typically also a link for immediate purchase via Sheepshape Crafts.

Sheepshape Crafts is currently set up for US purchases only. If you are outside the US and would like to place an order, please contact us using the email link at the bottom of this page with information about what you would like to buy (including a case and any other Sheepshape items) and what country it needs to be sent to, and we will respond with a shipping quote as soon as possible.

Telescoping models are extremely popular and at this time nearly all stock has been purchased. We are hoping to have some more whistles ready later this year. Please feel free to contact us if you'd like to be notified when whistles are ready. You can indicate what qualities you are looking for (volume, chiff level, etc) as well. Formal orders are not taken until whistles are ready to ship.

Accessories

Hard-sided zip travel cases are available for telescoping or two-piece whistles at an additional cost of $15. A case can hold up to two telescoping whistles or one two-piece whistle. Please see the About page for sample photos of cases. Style can vary; they are typically black, but sometimes grey cases are available on request, or black cases with pink or yellow zippers. Please specify if you want a case type other than black.

Standard whistles are shipped with a cloth storage bag at no extra cost, typically either blue or black, with a drawstring closure.

Pricing and Shipping

Prices are in US dollars. Whistles ship within the continental US for no additional cost. International shipping is available - you can contact us for a quote, and recent shipments to Canada, France, and the UK have been about $20-$30 for shipping.

Some models are marked as "Scratch & Dent" versions. These whistles sound lovely but have dents or other imperfections that came about during their making. They are listed with a description of the issue and a discount of $30 off the price of a standard model. Please review the description carefully and ask any questions prior to purchase so you are clear on what you will receive. All whistles - including scratch & dent models - have a worry-free return policy.

Payment

Accepted payment methods include Paypal, US personal check, US money order, or credit card. Payment in British Pounds Sterling via UK bank transfer is also an option for UK buyers. Whistles ship from Oregon, USA. International buyers are responsible for any import duties or taxes.

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.