Howard Low D

Whistle
1

Hi

Does anyone on the forum own a new model Howard low D? What are they like to play?

Thanks.

Ian

2

I have an older one that I bought from the Irish Flute Store. It was sold to me as a “recent” version. My guess is that it has similar playing characteristics as the newer one. I would be happy to tell you about it if you are interested?

Not to long ago you could buy one for under 100$, now the price has jumped up to 183.00$. Elderly has it marked at a list price of 235$ but of course there are “none available”. I wouldn’t mind trying one of the new models also but when you can buy a handmade low D for 240$ (now 300$) from Reynoldo Reyburn then the new Howard is just going to be under appreciated.

Cheers,

Nate

3

Hi Nate

Thanks for the reply.

I am surprised to see how much these cost in the USA. They are currently on sale in the UK for £80.00., from the Big Whistle Shop. As I am retired and on a limited income and have to think about how much I spend, that is why I am looking for comments on the Howard. I currently play a Dixon Low D non-tuneable which is OK but take a lot of air and is not that strong on the lower 3 notes.

I look forward to yours and anyones comments on the Howard. There was a reveiw on the C&F website concerning the Howard but I would like to hear other views.

Thanks and regards

Ian

4

Hi Ian,

I think the Howard would definitely be a step up from a dixon. I have played a few dixon low D’s and I have a Dixon non-tunable flute that I can use as a reference for hole size and spacing.

For starters, here is a good video to give you an idea of what a Howard sounds like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He3kJ7OFUZw

The Howard has larger holes than the dixon and the reach between r3 and r4 is about 7mm farther on the Howard. Still the Howard has less of a reach than let’s say a Kerry new range low d which wasn’t even playable for me.

The 3 low notes on the Howard are rich and deep as you can here on the video but you have to get the pressure just right. The low notes are easy to overblow if you are not careful.

The overall breath requirements are low and it has a little bit of back pressure as the tone pops into place. Mine plays easily into the upper register but the high b note is really tricky on mine and I hope that’s were they made the improvements on the newest model.

Hopefully this will point you in the right direction!

Nate