[note] the Seery WAS a flute mistakenly advertised as a low “D” whistle. Please advise on a “Chiefton” low D whistle.
I’ve searched the archives for this brand name but didn’t have time to go through all the results. How does the low D Seery whistle compare to the best? I’m going to buy a low D soon but I want to get one of the better ones.
[ This Message was edited by: Lorenzo on 2003-01-08 03:01 ]
Desi Seery does not make a Low D, just a high d.
Edit: some of the best, in my opinion, are Swayne, Copeland, Reyburn standard bore and, of course, flutes. 
[ This Message was edited by: JessieK on 2003-01-07 13:12 ]
The following information is offered through a music store (with excellent reputation) on their web site under “used”:
“Pennywhistles
MAKE/MODEL DESCRIPTION COND. CASE PRICE
Desi Seery Low “D” Irish made of black Delrin with tuning slide & silver collar rings at joints & ends. Lovely, traditional look with modern ease of play! MINT YES $295.00”
Jessie, if it turns out that Seery actually makes one, how are other Seery whisltes rated generally?
I would guess this is a flute mistakenly put under whistle… certainly fits the description of a Seery flute.
Richard
Yes, the store with the very good reputation made a mistake. They are talking about a flute.
Desi’s high d whistles are very pure and very loud, perfect for a really loud session or playing in the wind.
Lorenzo, you can do better than a Chieftain.
Thanks guys, I knew I came to the right place!
I called the store and sure enough…it was a transverse flute listed under the wrong category! What do I know about plastic flutes, or low D whistles? Guess it’s obvious.
Now, on to what they do have in stock…what about a “Chiefton” lo “D” whistle? She said they were top of the line and made in Ireland. $175
$175 will buy you a genuine Overton, handmade in Germany by Colin Goldie, customized to your likeing - the true top of the line. http://www.overton.co.uk
Chris
[ This Message was edited by: ChrisLaughlin on 2003-01-07 14:19 ]
Be advised that the Seery is loud and you really have to watch your breathe control (i.e., tightly directed air stream)at the high B; failure to do so can cause death to plants and animals and some infrastructure damage within a five-mile radius.
IMHO, the Copeland is best Low D I’ve ever played and the Overton, at half the price, is very good. I’ve never played a Swayne nor do I know how easy/difficult it is to obtain one or price for that matter. Might want to check that with Jessie as she knoweth wherefrom she speaketh.
Regards,
Philo
Hi Lorenzo,
If you decide to get an Overton you should consider getting the short reach version. I think it was developed by Colin Goldie but Bernard Overton is now making the short reach as well. I tried a standard reach by Bernard Overton, it was’nt the overall distance between the lower 3 holes that I found difficult but rather the uneven distance between them, the distance from the lowest hole to the next was a real stretch. It could be that I only found it difficult as I started on a Chieftain which has a more even distance between the holes.
Cheers, Mac
PS I got your e-mail, thanks. I’ll be in touch.
Thanks Mac, and everyone. An Overton it will be…and the newer “short-reach” version (tunable). I’ve found local sources in stock for the tunable, but waiting for word on the “short-reach” version.
You guys saved me!
[ This Message was edited by: Lorenzo on 2003-01-07 16:39 ]
You won’t be sorry getting an Overton.
I got a PVC low D Cook about 2 years ago. I have been happy with it. It has a good tone, is easy to play re: you don’t have to stretch for the last hole. It is not super sensitive re: breath control in comparison to an Overtone that I tried once. It is tunable.
Price was very reasonable - around $90.
It may not be as responsive as some others, but it works well. Has a nice “flute” tone.
How do these whistles compare?
Category: Whistles-Cillian OBriain High and Low Whistles. Cillian O’Briain Tunable Alloy Whistles
Description: Cillian O’Briain Tunable Aluminum Alloy Low Whistle with Cork Tuning Slide.
Click here to have Cillian play one of his lovely low whistles for you!
Price: $229.97
Key of: Low GLow F#Low FLow ELow EbLow DLow C#LowC
Photo courtesy of Whistleanddrum.com
[ This Message was edited by: Lorenzo on 2003-01-08 11:23 ]
Lorenzo - the Overton is a very good decision (I’ve not been happy with the Chieftains I played, which BTW are made in England not Ireland. As also are Overton originals).
Cillian make fine whistles (played by Paddy Keenan and he is a serious advert for them). I played a low D 2y ago and preferred my Overton, but you won’t go wrong with either. Cillian uses a raised tuning sleeve (as in the photo), whereas Overtons are flush so aesthetically they look a tad better.
I actually bought a Cillian O’Briain whistle recently from Whistle and Drum. I used to own a Copeland low D but . . . well, I play flute, so I don’t see the need for a low whistle that tries to sound like a flute. I’m not saying Copeland low Ds aren’t nice, because they are: they’re just too flutelike for me.
I love the CoB low D. It’s great. Well-in-tune, easy finger stretch, and a nice complex tone in the lower register rich in harmonics. Can be chiffy if you play that way. I also kind of like the alloy fipple, I’m not sure why. But it is a GREAT instrument. I find myself picking it up all the time to mess around with new parts to tunes.
Cylindrical bores may have some disadvantages to conical bores in low whistles, in that they require a longer finger span, but man, I really like the nice reedy tone and harmonics.
Stuart
if your looking for a whistle withe very stable and loud bottom notes,and very good transmission across the octaves, that needs hardly any warming up, and has got a wooden sound and is very lightweight,with 30 days money back garantie, go to http://www.burkewhistles.com
but first have a listen at http://www.tinwhistletunes.com
my lowD ez composite has a bottomnote stretch about 3.3 inch or 8 cm
I have both Copeland Low D and COB Low D/C.
They are both very good. I haven’t played my Chieftain Low D since.
I belive I posted a more detailed commentary on the COB almost 2 years ago.
Stuart’s comment above is well put in comparing the two, but I often prefer the breathier Copeland sound.