Low whistle grip" may be required due to the distance between the holes. They belong to the same woodwind instrument family of end-blown fipple flutes. Though the tone of this instrument varies subtly among makers, low whistles are generally characterised by a more breathy, flute-like sound than traditional tin whistles. While the precise history of the low whistle is often debated, it is known that various kinds of vertical fipple flutes have existed in antiquity. The fipple flutes developed during the 16th century were the ancestors of today's low whistle, carrying through from early transverse flutes the six-holed design tradition and conical
Tin whistle groups, especially popular during the American folk music revival. In 1973, Paddy Moloney (of The Chieftains) and Sean Potts released the album "Tin Whistles", which helped to popularise the tin whistle in particular, and Irish music in general. Mary Bergin's "Feadóga Stáin" (1979) and "Feadóga Stáin 2" (1993) were similarly influential. Other notable players include Carmel Gunning, Micho Russell, Joanie Madden, Brian Finnegan, and Seán Ryan. Many traditional pipers and flute players also play the whistle to a high standard. Festy Conlon is considered by some to be the best slow air player. Award-winning singer and musician Julie Fowlis recorded