Greetings all. I haven’t posted in awhile, but it’s good to know you’re all here, alive and well in cyberwhistleland. I’d like to ask for advice from the Overton aficionados out there. I’m about to decide on a low D whistle from Colin Goldie, but am undecided about the “easy-blower” vs. the standard design. I’ve talked with Colin about the differences, and will probably have another conversation with him. In the meantime, I’d like to hear your opinions and recommendations about the different designs. I’ve been playing Chieftains for about 2 years now, and really like the responsiveness and tone of the older-design Chieftain I have, less so with the newer-design Chieftain I also have (as you probably know, Phil Hardy is now making his whistles with a new/different design). I played NorCal’s Bernard Overton-made Overton a few months ago, and found it more labor-intensive than I expected, at least as compared to the older Chieftain I’ve been playing. I realize that it will take time to get accustomed to a new instrument, and that each one plays differently. So, what I’m wondering is this: would I would find the “easy-blower” more compatible to what I’m used to with the older Chieftain (that I like well enough, but I’m just not satisfied with some of its qualities) – good responsiveness and the full, “open” tone that I like? (I’m also basing this on comparing the older Chieftain with the newer design Chieftain, which as I already mentioned, I like the older model more) I’m not particularly concerned about the breath requirements, so that’s not really an issue. What I’m looking for is a whistle that doesn’t require alot of labor for playing with a clear, rich tone and plays smoothly and with ease. I’d appreciate any input and suggestions.
It sounds to me as though what you need is an easy blower. Now, I started out with BO-original Overtons shortly after I bought my first whistle and I continue to love them, whatever else I acquire. You do get used to the breath requirements. I’ve never played a Chieftain of any description nor have I played an easy blower since I’m happy with standard issue Overtons.
Here’s an issue to take up with Colin when you talk to him. There are two kinds of high breath requirement. One—the standard Overton worry—is heavy backpressure requiring you to lean into the whistle. The other is the need to take frequent breaths to ensure constant air supply—this is a feature of Copelands. I think, although perhaps a maker could confirm this, that there is a trade off between these two features. So I’d be inclined to ask myself if I wanted ease of blowing at the cost of more breaths and to ask Colin if he could make me an easy blower without a trade-off in this department.
I have come to appreciate that “lean into it” quality of my Overton. It allows me to play with different levels of intensity. As many of you know I have a pretty decent collection of Low D’s (not as many as Wombat though!) and have been slowly developing a like or dislike for each. I have found that I do not particularly like the free blowers (gasp gasp). The Overton blows just about perfect for me.
Being a flute player most of the time, when I do pick up a whistle I definately perfer the Overtons you really have to lean into. It took me a couple of weeks to get accustomed to the additional effort required to hit the second octave but now it is easily my favorite whistle. I’m even contemplating selling my other “good” whistle, one of these John Sindt things, simply because I just don’t enjoy playing it as much as my Overton.
I never realized there was an “easy blower” model, that would be interesting to try but I’m pretty comfortable with the good old standard issue Overton.
thanks to all for your advice and opinions – I’m still mulling it over about which whistle type to have Colin make for me, and will have another chat with him before I decide on one or the other. it’s unfortunate there aren’t more shops that carry Overtons in the US, and even moreso, nearby where I could try them out myself. thanks again