Frequently asked Questions

// General questions before ordering 

// What are the main differences between the Kelpies and mk Pros? 
// I'm concerned I might not be able to make my fingers stretch to play the Low D whistle. Is there any way to tell for sure that it'll be ok?

// Playing & Sound

// I can’t reach the bottom hole on my Low D. What should I do?
// What kind of back pressure do mk whistles have?
// How do I look after my mk whistle?
// Why do mk whistles have brass tuning slides?

// Ordering and Delivery

// I'm not sure if my order has been placed, how can I check?
// I can't track my parcel, what else can I do?
// My parcel hasn't arrived yet - what should I do?
// Do I get a guarantee with mk whistles?
// Is delivery insured?
// If I don’t like my mk whistle can I return it?

// Design


// Why are mk whistles made out of aluminium?
// Why are mk whistles anodised?
// Can I get any colours apart from red, green and black?

 

// General questions before ordering

 

What are the main differences between the Kelpies and mk Pros ?

The most obvious difference is the tuning slide, which for those that are performing is often a necessity. The tone holes on the Kelpie are also optimised for ergonomics - whereas the Pros are optimised for tuning. Both are, however, great instruments and if you look at the price of other musical instruments you get a lot for your money. For this reason people often just decide to treat themselves to a Pro, though there is also a lot to be said for starting on a Kelpie to see how you get on. Then if are using it a lot, you can treat yourself to a Pro or another key knowing that it's going to get some good use.

I'm concerned I might not be able to make my fingers stretch to play the Low D whistle.  Is there any way to tell for sure that it'll be ok?  

Everyone's hands are different so it's impossible to say for sure. It is a very rare case where it is a problem though. We suggest the best way is to try one - you can always return it on our satisfaction guarantee if it doesn't work out. Since we started making whistles we've probably had about two instruments back for this reason - this perhaps gives you an idea of your chances of success! In any case some practise is required to get used to the stretch.

 

// Playing & Sound

 

I can’t reach the bottom hole on my Low D. What should I do?

Try not to play with your pinky. There is usually a wee trick which helps: if you use the middle part of the first and second fingers on each hand to cover their respective holes then it becomes far easier to reach the bottom hole with the pad on your third finger. In other words you straighten your fingers (more like a piper would play) and slightly rotate both your hands moving your wrists towards the top of the whistle. Confused? You'll find more information here.

What kind of back pressure do mk whistles have?

It's a question that's asked a lot and with good reason. Of course it's very difficult to answer this from a distance - there's a lot that contributes to the way a whistle plays and it's always best to try one. This is one reason we offer a satisfaction guarantee so you have the opportunity to try one in the comfort of your own home or wherever you are used to playing. We've certainly spent a long time working on it however, and have not yet had an instrument returned because of the backpressure.   

How do I look after my mk whistle?

See the owners info page.

Why do bigger mk whistles have brass tuning slides?

Some players blow harder than others and this affects the pitch of the notes. Whistles are also affected by the air temperature around them – even after warming them up by playing. mk whistles have tuning slides so you can fine tune your instrument to your playing style and keep your instrument in tune, even when you're playing in a snowstorm. Brass is used for the tuning slide on mk whistles because it's hard and inert. In other words it doesn't corrode giving off particles which then cause it to jam.

 

// Ordering & Delivery

 

I'm not sure if my order has been placed - how can I check?

The first thing to do is to check your email inboxes (including spam mail). You should have got a confirmation email when you placed the order, and also a confirmation of dispatch email. Bear in mind it may take several days for us to process the order, and so the dispatch confirmation email may not arrive immediately.
 
- If you have both of these emails then you can be sure you're parcel is on it's way to you. 
 
- If the order confirmation email is missing then please check if the payment transaction has taken place. If it hasn't then there's a very good chance the order hasn't been placed, in which case you can either replace the order, or contact us to double check that the order hasn't been placed. Please use the order name in any correspondence.    

- If after a week you don't have a dispatch confirmation email, but you did receive an order confirmation email, then please simply forward the order confirmation email to us and we'll look into it.

 

I can't track my parcel - what else can I do?

Obviously it's nice if you can track your parcel, but it's not always possible - it's completely dependent on which part of the world you are in. Please bear in mind whether the parcel can be tracked or not doesn't speed up delivery, and the postal services are extremely reliable in any case. If you have an email confirming dispatch, consult our shipping time guidelines and try as be as patient as possible - in almost all cases shipping methods are both fast and reliable, particularly given the distances involved. Please also keep in mind that we don't have access to any additional tracking information - we simply pass it on directly to you. Postage is always insured and it is our responsibility to make sure you get the package.  
    

My parcel hasn't arrived yet - what should I do?

If you have received both confirmation emails then please consult our shipping time guidelines, count from the dispatch email date, and try and be as patient as possible. There are a small number of cases where shipping is delayed beyond standard shipping times - this is generally due to your local delivery network which, even in cases of delays, do get parcels to their destination. In any case we do insure all deliveries, and so we guarantee you will get what you ordered, but we also have to work within the limitations of local postage networks. In the small number of cases where there is a delay beyond standard shipping times, then we are obliged to wait a little longer, as in virtually every package shows up at their destination soon after. Sending out replacements adds extra return postage costs, and actually replacements almost always arrive a good while after the original parcel. While the Royal Mail generally asks us to wait 28 days we will normally address the issue before then. In any case, postage is insured - it is our responsibility to make sure you get the package.   


Do I get a guarantee with mk whistles?

Yes, mk whistles are guaranteed against faults in craftsmanship for 5 years from the purchase date. If something goes wrong with your instrument as a result of the workmanship or materials we chose, we will repair or replace the instrument subject to our inspection. Accidental damage will be fixed (where possible) for reasonable rates.


Is delivery insured?

Yes. If your instrument gets lost in the post we will send you another as soon as it is possible.


If I don’t like my mk whistle can I return it?

Yes. You have 21 days to return it in its original condition. Please contact us if you'd like to do this and we will refund the cost of the instrument. In other words you can try the instrument out for the cost of the postage to and from you.

 

// Design

 

Why are mk whistles made out of aluminium?

A whistle's tone is primarily affected by the shape of the instrument. Aluminium is one of the easiest materials to shape accurately – it's relatively rigid and soft and it cuts well.

Why are mk whistles anodised?

Anodising toughens the surface of aluminium. It basically means your instrument is going to last much longer. Aluminium which has not been anodised will oxidise (particularly if it is going from wet to dry as with the inside bore of a whistle) and will corrode away until eventually there's none of it left (a bit like a vampire that gets exposed to sunlight).

Can I get any colours apart from red, green and black?

We do occasionally do other colours by special order. If there is a colour you are particularly interested in get in touch and we'll see what we can do. We will also be adding to our standard colours in the future.