The Questions People Ask a Whistlemaker
Misha Somerville answers questions often asked about an unusual and incredible profession.
Amusical instrument is an object of magic. It has another dimension which you can access, transcending time and place. Of course a great musical instrument must sound incredible first and foremost, but it must also feel right and be a trusty friend for many years. When everything comes together, then the instrument disappears! And when it becomes transparent, the soulful spirit comes to life - like magic!
This is the spirit of the mk Pro: it's not about the instrument. It's about where it takes you, what we learn, the friends we make, and the good things in life away from pressures the modern world sometimes imposes on us.
Countless studies show the health benefits of playing a musical instrument regularly - with improving focus, discipline, cognitive function and brain plasticity, as well as reducing anxiety and social development. A musical instrument is an investment in health and happiness, and a great musical instrument allows us to improve knowing there's nothing holding us back.
We live in an age of plastic, but we can still often find beautifully made goods in fine materials like wood and metal. We've gone the extra distance to avoid plastic altogether in the construction of mk whistles. It may be more difficult and time consuming to shape each mk low whistle from metal, but we believe the advantages in durability, resonance/timbre and appearance speak for themselves.
Like many of the best things life they can be difficult to describe. Like a good whisky or an incredible piece of music, they seem so deep as there always more to discover. The tone of a great musical instrument is no different: bottomless and ever changing with sometimes contradictory characteristics jostling, taking you from the dark depths of the oceans to the soaring peaks of the great mountain ranges - all in your kitchen.
"It`s ancient, it`s modern, so it`s timeless.
Daniel K. Germany
"So easy to play, and they sound incredible.
Anon. USA
"It's a beautiful instrument and plays like a dream. Good strong clear tone, handles well with all the ornaments, and plays beautifully on slow airs and yet handles the sharp curves of a smoking fast reel
Steve A. USA
"Très beau Whistle!!!!
Laurent, France
"I've played and owned mid-range and lower-range low D whistles, but on fast passages and smoothness of transition between octaves, and the MK is a dream.
MD
"I've had samples of almost every Low D whistle come through here and I'm hard-pressed to name one with this same combination of great sound, fabulous appearance and meticulous craftsmanship. This is a killer instrument.
Dale Wisley, USA
Misha Somerville answers questions often asked about an unusual and incredible profession.
Old oily machines and state-of-the-art technology join forces in the mk workshops.
Long term MK-er Liam Hickson asks the questions he wants to ask after 5 years of anticipation, waiting for the mk Midgie High D Whistle.