Bernard ask me to let people know that he is doing fine and still making whistles. Apparently quite a few people just recently were told that he retired. I think this may be because he stopped selling whistles to a wholesaler in England who sold on to shops. It seems there now is a bit of confusion. He has stopped making soprano whistles for a while now but still makes all the other keys.
Good health to Bernard!
I got his telephone number from the Overton (Colin and Brigitte) website,a couple of years ago,and contacted Bernard direct,about making me a low G whistle.
Because I missed out ‘the middle man’,I saved about £25,and Bernard was a great fellow to speak to- he told me that his Jazz band was still going strong (he plays jazz on a low F whistle,among other instruments).
It was a real pleasure to work with the originator of the ‘modern’ low whistle.
Lovely guy!
Whistles or simple whistle-like instruments have been around for thousands of years. As much as I like Overtons, I don’t think Bernard invented the whistle.
Well of course. What I’m saying is that some form of simple fipple flute or other simple wind instrument, very closesly resembling a whistle if not called “whistle” has been around since at least Biblical times. I don’t think Bernard is that old.
Oh I think both of you are right. Just a little change of context there.
I received an Overton by Colin Goldie and a Burke from Song of the Sea
today. Both fine low d whistles. Been trying them out for several hours now and belive I will keep the Overton.
