Looking for a low D...

Whistle
1

I’m sure you’ve heard this question once a week for the last 10 years, but I guess now it’s my turn to ask. But hopefully I can give enough information to help keep this question somewhat answerable.

I’m (obviously by the title) looking for a low D whistle. More specifically, here’s what I’m looking for:

First off, I have small hands and stubby fingers. My handspan is about 8” from thumb tip to pinkie tip, widespread. I’ve got good flexibility in the fingers, so piper’s grip should work for me most of the time, but obviously the “reach” of the whistle is a big factor.

I’m on a limited budget…$200 is top end for what I can manage in the near future.

I play with my son and a friend, so any whistle I get should be tunable.

Finally, I prefer whistles that aren’t “breathy”. As a reference, my favorite whistle is my Sweetheart Pro D…nice clear, clean sound to it.

Backpressure isn’t a huge issue, as long as the whistle doesn’t take tons of air to get through to a good breathing point. Volume isn’t overly worrisome either…in fact, a quieter whistle would work just fine.

So, given all of this, I’m not asking what the “best” whistle is…but am looking for any suggestions on whistles that might meet what I’m hoping to find in a whistle. From what I’ve read, I would think that the Sweetheart Resonance would be wonderful, but out of my range at the moment. Any suggestions here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

2

an extra $20 and you could get the burke Viper Low D, it’s a very good low whistle, and that last note is adjustable (position wise/rotates) so it can accomadate pretty small hands. I really like the way it sounds, and it’s tunable. Here’s the site: http://www.burkewhistles.com/product.php?productid=16173&cat=258&page=2
it’s got a sound clip on there, but they used a bit of modifications to the recording to get it to sound that way, but the second octave is really sweet and pure in tone, also i feel that it’s a very easy player. Hope this helps a bit. :slight_smile:

3

hey PM doc Jones if you want more info, or check out this post:
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=44199
he talks about his Burke Low D.

4

consider a Reyburn

5

What he said. This is right in your price range and it’s a great whistle.

Here’s a link to the website where you can hear sound clips: http://www.reyburnlowwhistles.com/

6

I agree with Whistling Fool. Acoording to your description you want a Burke. Look at the Burke website.

7

Thanks all for the suggestions…will definitely look into all of these!

8

Well, I followed everyone’s advice, and I’ve ordered and received a Viper Low D. I thoroughly enjoy the low sound and playing this whistle, and greatly appreciate all the feedback. Great whistle!

Just wanted to say thank you!