I got a fife at Mount Vernon (george washington's house) this summer. recently I've been playing around with it alot, and i'm having issues getting the lowest couple notes out. any tips?
(or fife tips in general?) thanks!

Slow the air down, and blow down into the fife more. That should help you get the lowest notes. Short of that, be sure you are using the correct fingerings, and when you are, be sure you completely cover all the holes.

I checked out the Mount Vernon site to see the fife. I'd question if it is actually capable of producing the lower notes. As with any make or model of instrument, some are inherently easier to play and with a wider range than others.

I own this fife too, and yes, the lowest notes do not play easily, but they do play if you direct the air stream properly. I don't know of any fife music that uses the lowest octave, anyways. Just play in the second and third octaves and you should be fine.

Remember, the fife was meant as a military signal instrument. The low notes would not have been able to be heard on the battlefield.