I’m looking into getting a Low F whistle. I’ve narrowed it down to an Overton or an O’Brian. Everyone has great things to say about the Overton, no one seems to know much about the O’Brian. Any of you out there have any experience with these?
What made you choose those two?
Edit: Just curious what you are looking for in a whistle.
[ This Message was edited by: JessieK on 2003-01-14 13:09 ]
I’ve heard great things about the Overton and I’ve talked to the man in Ireland who is selling the O’Brian, he thinks they are highly under-rated. What am I looking for? I want a really great sounding whistle that is well made and will accomidate my small hands, why do you have any other ideas?
If “the man who sells them in Ireland” is Steve Power, you might also want to ask people who’ve actually played the O’Briains. There are lots of other options, and I am sure people here will be happy to suggest other Low Fs.
As for the Overton: I think hand size won’t be a problem for an F, but have you ever played one of them? They do take a lot of breath pressure, and having to blow hard takes more getting used to than other whistles. They are also more worth the effort than other whistles, if you ask me. Make sure to get in touch with Colin Goldie directly.
/bloomfield
[ This Message was edited by: Bloomfield on 2003-01-14 13:34 ]
Bloom, I guess you meant a lot of breath pressure, not big lungs, right ? 
On 2003-01-14 13:29, Zubivka wrote:
Bloom, I guess you meant a lot of breath > pressure> , not big lungs, right ? >
Yes, you are right (for once). Thanks for pointing that out.
I want an Overton Low F, too (drool).
I have an Overton Low F (I think it was PhilO’s whistle first, but has changed hands a couple times) and I love it. And it’s blue!
However, just FYI, I think the folks at Whistle and Drum sell O’Briain whistles here in the States, so you needn’t go all the way through Ireland. I just ordered a Dixon 3-piece polymer flute from them, and received excellent, friendly service, so you might look up their website and check them out.
Good luck!
Yes, that anodized blue Overton was probably mine. As you can see they’re not for everyone, but are top notch instruments. I am not currently playing them, but would highly recommend them. Mine was made by Colin Goldie and the anodizing was done by his wife Briggitte. They are both a delight to deal with and Colin will probably play yours over the phone for you before you buy.
As loren has indicated, he can also make “easy blower” for you.
I have never played an O’Briain Low F or any other than the improved Feadog.
Philo
I know you might think me a bit biased since I represent Cillian’s work but my F O’Briain as I’ve commented before (instrument pictures thread) is one of my favorites! I bought it off the board second hand - which is why I decided to pursue a relationship with Mr. O’Briain… It is easy to blow but doesn’t take a bunch of air. I love the tone and playability of it. Of course, since it’s alloy you need to warm it up like you would an Overton. Doesn’t have the heavy backpressure feel of an Overton - I also like Overtons by the way! I’d represent Colin if he wasn’t allready overworked! Well…that’s all I’ll say… If you’d like more info on Cillian’s whistles please contact off board or check us out! We have a Clip of Cillian himself playing one of his low whistles…
Mike Burke’s composite Low F is quite nice, though not as loud as the others.
I have a Bernard Overton low F that I picked up at the Hobgoblin Shop in Red Wing, Minnesota last spring. It does not have the back pressure that has been described, and that I’ve experienced with a high D and a low D. Doesn’t take a lot of air either. Just a lovely whistle.
I like Mike’s other composite whistles and, while I’ve not tried one, I’m guessing that Jessie is right on when she says the composite low F would be a good one to consider. I have the low G composite and low D (among other composites) and both are first rate.
jim
[ This Message was edited by: livethe question on 2003-01-14 18:23 ]
[ This Message was edited by: livethe question on 2003-01-14 18:25 ]
Thought this would be helpful…
Blayne Chastain
Whistleanddrum.com
[ This Message was edited by: McChastain on 2003-01-14 21:34 ]
On 2003-01-14 14:48, McChastain wrote:
I also like Overtons by the way! I’d represent Colin if he wasn’t allready overworked!
Why not represent Bernard himself? There’s no difference between his and Colin’s whistles, they’re identical. I have a BO original low F and it’s the best I’ve played, and, BTW, takes no real breath pressure either.
On 2003-01-15 05:51, nickt wrote:
There’s no difference between his and Colin’s whistles, they’re identical.
They’re not identical, at least not the whistles Colin makes these days.
If Colin’s whistles are different then why are they still Overtons? I realize that he must have an agreement with Bernard to use the name. You might think he’d be well-known enough by now to brand his own name instead of still using “Overton”. I think most people refer to them as Goldie Overtons anyway. Just a thought.