tin whistle

musical instrument

Also known as: penny whistle

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The tin whistle, also known as a penny whistle, is a small fipple flute. It is a simple musical instrument that has been in use since around the 1730s or 1740s. The term "penny whistle" can also refer to a toy whistle.12

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kwela
…of street bands featuring the pennywhistle, who also performed at township dances. Subsequently one or two acoustic guitars and a string bass (and sometimes other instruments) were added. The kwela repertoire came to include North American swing music, standard from the 1950s on. In the 1950s “Spokes” Mashiyane and Lemmy…
Read More
…of street bands featuring the pennywhistle, who also performed at township dances. Subsequently one or two acoustic guitars and a string bass (and sometimes other instruments) were added. The kwela repertoire came to include North American swing music, standard from the 1950s on. In the 1950s “Spokes” Mashiyane and Lemmy…
Read More