Iv’e been given the green light (sort of ) by my wife to go ahead and get a new whistle and am leaning towards a Silkstone Bb or a Howard Low D. I like a strong toned whistle with lower air requirment. Could anyone with experience with either of these whistles give me some input.
Thanks
I had an old Howard Low D and didn’t like it mainly because of the very large tone holes; it did have a really nice unique low end though. I do not know anything about the newer Howards, which some seem to like.
When you refer to a Silkstone Bflat, I take it you’re referring to the plastic one (I don’t know that he makes it in aluminum alloy). I have one and it’s not bad, but really pales in contrast to the Schultz Water Weasel Bflat, which is superb, and at about $75 is one of the best buys in whistledom. I love that whistle and IMHO there is absolutely no comparison.
First decide what key you’d prefer; but honestly I think you can do a lot better in the Bflat category. I think you can do a lot better in the Low D category as well, but that may cost you a pretty penny.
For what it’s worth,
Philo
I found the WW Bb to take too much air for my liking. I’m willing to spend a little over $100.
How about the Kerry low D?
It’s funny how we always refer to how much air a whistle takes; I’m beginning to think that that’s more a function of the interaction between whistle and player, because, for example, I don’t find the WW Bflat to have high air requirements. Just one more reason why it’s so difficult to suggest whistles to another player.
It sure would be nice for you to get to try some whistles for yourself before buying.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Philo
Thats why I like for as many people to give as many opinions as possible, you can find someone who has the same tastes, ect. as you and go with that
I have a Howard Low D and Low C…Great whistle, takes more air then I would like, but the low end sound is fantastic. I don’t own any Silkstones so I can give my opinion on those, but i don’t think you would be disappointed with the Howard.
Silkstone…the high D+ is beautifully made and a useful loud whistle if a little plain sounding. Takes a fair amount of breath. Not a solo instrument IMHO. I also have a G/A combo which I now don’t play ever, and wouldn’t buy a Bb - they lack character IMO but again are beautifully made.
I like the Howard Low D for it’s tone - haunting would describe it, but with the big holes and girth it’s not for everyone, but an easy reach. Don’t put them back in the airtight tube supplied unless thoroughly dry…they rust on the tube end 
. Upper octave in tune can be a challenge - but maybe that’s just mine.
Must sell some whistles!
Trisha
Just a thought, have you tried a Burke Bb?
Trisha
The only Bb I have is a Generation Redtop (brass). I like it, and so (I’ve read) do many others. And it’s cheap. Perhaps you could buy both, putting the bulk of your whistle money on the low D and the remainder on the Gen.Bb?
Not quite on your original topic, but hopefully food for thought?
That makes two of us 
. Too much OT rots the soul and confuses logic.
Trisha