Low D Advice

Whistle
1

Alright.

I must admit that I have a distaste for the low whistle. I’ve owned two low whistles (both Susato, go fig I didn’t like them), neither a low D, and neither of them have been played in a very long time. I don’t even like listening to low whistles most days. Yes, I’m in small company around here, I know.

Nonetheless, I feel inadequately prepared not owning a low D. I don’t really plan to buy more than one, and I don’t plan to buy any other low keys, but I think I could sleep a little better at night knowing that I had a low D I could play should the occassion arise that I needed one. That being said, what should I buy? Allow me to supply you with some information:

–My favorite whistle to play is my Abell high D. It feels wonderful, responds exactly as I’d have it respond.
–My second favorite whistle to play is my Burke DAN. I’m not enamored with the sound of this one, but it’s a good low-backpressure whistle. I’m at a stage where I’m not sure if I like backpressure, right now. But in a fight, I’d choose the Abell.
–The whistle that I enjoy listening to the most is my Rose D. The sound is perfect.
–I also love the sound of my Bleazey Bb, especially the ornaments. They fall off of that whistle in exactly the right way.
–I have a Cheiftain high E that a boardmember sold me that is probably my least favorite whistle to play. The backpressure is absolutely outrageous. I feel like I’m going to pop a vein in my forehead when I play it. Everyone for whom I’ve played it says the sound is… odd.
–Also, the low end of the whistle has to be strong. I mean strong.

The original plan was to call Mr. Goldie about an Overton whistle. I understand that he will make it to whatever specifications I’d like, and everyone speaks so glowingly of them. This is probably my most viable–and most safe–option.

Another idea was the MK low D, but I’m afraid of what some people are saying about the backpressure on this one.

What does everyone think of Reyburns? How about Burkes? Burkes are cheaper than most, which is always a plus (not that price is really a factor).

I think a Copeland would be too airy for my tastes. Is that accurate, you think?

Any advice? I’ll continue searching the forums in the mean time, but I thought I’d ask for suggestions based on the whistles I enjoy playing.

Thanks!

2

Well, I have only owned one Low D. It was an uncommon brand, Merlin-Music, but out of all the Whistles I have owned I owned this one the longest (almost 2 full years). The price is not bad and I thought it was similar to and Overton. It had a really smooth sound with quite a bit of Chiff. The price is also low and IMO it is really under priced. It was PVC so it did not have the disadvantages of the all aluminum

You might also try the Bleazey Low D, I have owned a High D which I used in partial trade for one of his Flutes, I thought the High D was very high back pressure but I have heard from others that the other keys are not the same way. I absolutley love the Flute I have only had it for a couple days but it is a really really good Flute. So his craftmanship is great, and that is why I would recommend his instruments.

3

Considering all that you have mentioned, I would suggest either a Kerry or Howard low D. I think the Howard had more on an Overton sound and the Kerry a lot like the Copeland but without the breathyness.

WhY these? They have a decent sound for the price, which is usually under $100. Sure, you could get one of the more expensive low d’s, but for the amount of time you apparently will NOT be playing it, well, you get my point I hope.

They have plastic mouthpieces and so will be a lot quicker to warm up and not clog so much.

Now, if you are looking for something to definately convert you to low d’s then get the Bleazey low d: smooth and buttery, moderate back pressure, geeeorgeeeous to look at and the finger spread is the best. The conical bore does give it slightly smallish holes though, so half holing can be a chore for some notes. It is a bit expensive though, so you really must want to be converted to get this one though.

If you want an Overton it will not disappoint you. My low d is the most flute sounding whistle I own. It does have a bit of back pressure, but not to the point of blowing your cheeks or sinuses out though. It does take a bit of warming, but a couple of minutes under the pits or soft blowing usually does it.

4

You won’t go wrong with the Reyburn. Your requirements seem perfect for this whistle, low back pressure, strong bell note, very well in tune, etc… It has the benefit of a wooden head (a rich woody tone) and the low maintenance of a metal instrument with the brass body, a great combinaiton!

constance

5

Yeah, I’ve been reading old posts, and it’s looking like the Reyburn is the way to go. Any comments on whether I should get the standard- or wide-bore model would be appreciated.

6

I would contact Doc Jones on this. Heck, he may even have one in his virtural store!!!

www.irishflutestore.com

7

If you’re not crazy about the low-D whistle, why not get a flute? It will (eventually) have all the characteristics you’re looking for. It will be as loud or quiet as you want, will take as much or as little air as you want, and will have a wide range of voices.

I’ve owned a half-dozen low-D’s, and the one I’ve kept is a Burke. Moderate backpressure, medium to high breath requirements, parfect intonation, purish sound, and the low end is the loudest of any low whistle I’ve played. Plus it doesn’t clog.

8

I have played both the wide bore and standard bore models and I prefer the standard bore. It is a tad quieter in the bottom end but is so much easier and sweeter to play in the upper register and goes all the way to the top. This model is also much more responsive if you’re wanting to play jigs and reels. The wide bore is very rich and requires a bit more air volume to play but I wouldn’t count on it hitting the third octave d without a lot of practice.

Ronaldo is not calling it the standard bore for nothing and I feel it is best suited for Celtic repertoire. So if you plan to play some other kind of music on it or want a fairly loud low D consider the wide bore.

constance