Can anyone tell me what it means when someone refers to a Howard low d having a reedy sound? I am new at this, but would like to buy one. Can anyone give me any advice on the Howard low D?
Thanks…Scottie
“Reedy” is rather hard to describe if you’ve not heard it.
I’d say it’s fairly complex (has a number of the higher-order harmonics in the tone), and reasonably loud (for a low whistle - most flutes can be far louder than a low whistle if the player wants).
I have a Howard, and like it - well worth the money.
It has a fairly long stretch for the right hand, and large finger holes - don’t even try to play it with your fingertips. With piper’s grip, it’s quite managable. A tip: don’t try to squeeze to hard - it causes more air leaks than it prevents, and tires your hands. Don’t get discouraged if you have problems at first - keep on trying, and you’ll get the knack; after a bit of practice, the Howard is very easy to play.
I’d actualy say the two Howards I played to be on the quiet side. Overtons or Chieftains will be noticeably stronger in tone. I’ve owned a Howard for a couple years now, and like it - but there are others I think I like more…
Yes, Overtons and Chieftains can be louder; I was comparing it to my Serpent F and Dixon Low D, both of which are on the quiet side.
Not to say it’s the be-all and end-all of low whistles, but I’m glad I own it, and it’s hard to beat the bang-for-the-buck. I certainly wouldn’t mind owning an Overton, NR Chieftain, or Copeland Low D, too - but I’m currently thinking about putting the money towards an Irish flute instead.
I find my Howard Low D very easy to play with the pipers grip. It has a large bore giving it a very low mellow sound. The volume can be controled some with breath control without changing octaves like some whistles. The tone stays steady along with changing volume. It goes from note to note responsively whether tounging or sluring. It will pop notes quickly or by raising or lowering fingers lightly will slide up and down. For me it is a keeper.
I also have a low G Susato that is a keeper and a shorter finger reach.
If you buy one good whistle some day you will want another. It is very enjoyable to play differant songs that you find suitable for each.
It can be frustrating with a first low whistle trying to make the finger stretch but keep at it and the worth will come. Don’t look at your fingers to pratice use a mirror and soon the fingers will find the tone holes just like typing.
I have an Howard Low D that I bought used. It was quite an old one and had the origional mouthpiece which is very reedy in sound.It has a clarinet like quality. The breath requirements are very exacting and require control and a fairly low amount of air. It is a fairly quiet whistle.
I purchased a replacement mouthpiece which comes on the latest Howards. It is a whole new whistle now. It still is reedy but nowhere near as reedy as the origional mouthpiece.It is more Hooty than reedy . It is less exacting and easier to play while being more responsive and the volume can be varied from soft to quite loud.In comparison to an old style Cheiftain Low D I have it is a good bit louder ( although it can be played softly ).When compared to the Cheiftain Gold Low D I have it is not quite as loud.
The fingering using piper grip is more manageable than the stretch on the os cheiftain using piper grip. The large toneholes are not difficult to cover and my fingers are on the short side though I have wide hands
The Howard is responsive and expressive. It has a sound and character unique among all the Low D’s. I think its a great whistle and enjoy it very much.