Hi All - I would really appreciate it if some folks would give me measurements of their low D whistle. Specifically - the measurement from 1st finger hole (left hand) to last hole (right hand) and the spacing in between. For ex, I have measured an Overton “short reach.”
The overall spacing from the beginning of the 1st hole(left hand) to the end of the last hole (right hand) is 8"
The space between middle of holes on left hand: 1st to 2nd = 1.5," 2nd to 3rd = 1.5. On the right hand, middle of 1st hole to middle of 2nd = 1-1/8. Middle of 2nd to middle of 3rd = 1.75"
Some of you are lucky enough to live where there is a shop that sells lots of whistles…not here, in Philadelphia. So, its impossible to ever try one out without buying it and then incurring shipping costs if it doesn’t work. So, anyone willing to get out the old measuring tape will be forever in my debt. Thanks!
Good idea, Judith. I suspect that the list would help folks out in deciding which whistles are within their grasp, so to speak.
HOWARD LOW D
finger span required is 3.2 inches for top hand and 3.3 in. for bottom hand*****
Whistle tube diameter is 1" total length is 21.4 inches top of fipple to bottom of bottom hole is about 18.2 inches tip of fipple to top of first hole is 10 inches and that hole is 0.4 inches in diameter to second hole top is 11.3 in. and hole is 0.45 in. diameter to third hole top is 12.8 in. and hole is 0.4 in. diameter to fourth hole top is 14.75 in. and hole is 0.4 in. diameter to fifth hole top is 15.9 in.and hole is 0.45 in. diameter to sixth hole top is 17.8 in. and hole is 0.4 in. diameter
*NOTE - the finger span is for index, middle and ring fingers, and must include pads in a straight line so that the holes are fully covered. Be aware that, although you may have fine stretch for the span in one position, it may not work as well when you have your arm stretched out to reach the distance on a low whistle. (I use the “Piper’s grip”, which utilizes the second section of the fingers, behind the first joint from the tip, rather than the tip pads.)
Although it did take some getting used to, I really don’t have much trouble with it… but I don’t have particularly small hands.
Left to right: short reach Overton, Goldie Overton ('06), Chieftain NR, MK
They are all nice. I play the short reach Overton the most but I am new to the low whistle so that may change when I have had more experience.
Thanks to all who responded, both privately and on the Board. Someone tactfully reminded me to check out the “search” feature because this topic has been covered before. I did that and got info on the Burke Low D EZ, Alba, Serpent, Dixon and Jubilee. And of course, there’s the posted info on the Low Tech and the Howard. So, no need for anyone to heave a big sigh and get out their ruler. I think I can figure this out! Judith
