Clean as a Whistle - where did that saying come from?

[elpea]

Hi. Does 'clean as a whistle' this relate to organ/flute reeds or something like that? As in they don't work properly when they're dirty, so they have to be kept clean...?

[Ethel]

Three explanations here:

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/33/me ssages/522.html

[elpea]

thanks Ethel.. perfect, and such a quick response! much appreciated