Low Eb whistles

Whistle
1

I’m looking for a low Eb whistle, tunable, and would like your opinions.
I play an MK low d and a kerry F, also play an Abell high d, so I’m not tied to any partcular style or sound of whistle.

I haven’t played a low Eb before, I have a dixon high Eb but I’m much more of a low whistler.

I’d appreciate your thoughts and suggestions :slight_smile:

2

sclery…
I play Lows…D to F, and have several that I love. (Copeland, Burke, MK, and Overton) Each with it’s own great “flavor.”
However…after years of enjoying these whistles…if I had to choose keeping just two…they’d be the MK D, and the Bernard Overton (nontunable) Low Eb. IMHO, these two are incredibly good whistles. Great on the ears, and easy to handle.
I’m just an old guy who loves to whistle mellow Lows…what do I know?
Good luck.

3

I like the Howard low Eb. I also love my MK low D.

4

Ted…
Speaking of Howard LowEbs…I’ve been hankering for one, since I used to own a Howard Low D…(loved the sound, but the holes were a bit much, back then…especially the low E)… Just wondering if the size of the holes is a bit smaller than on the Low D…to be in proportion to the smaller whistle. I love the Low Ebs I have…Overton and Burke Composite…but like that “misty, muted” Howard sound. too! Ah, the bane of medium-small hands! If my mitts were beefier, I’d be looking for Low Cs and lower!
Cheers.

5

The Burke Eb is lovely as well. Haven’t played anything by M&K.

I’d say generally that if you like a given maker’s lo-D you’ll like his Low Eb


Doc

6

Aside; When I got my Overton Low Eb, it had a spider in it…which subsequently bit me on the arm!
Ever since that day, I’ve been playing it like a man feverish. And what tune, pray tell? A little known ditty called “Idaho Transfer.” O yah…

7

Just for the record, all flutes leaving the store are now thoroughly inspected and Orkin certified. :slight_smile:

Doc

8

If you’re really interested in an excellent low Eb at a great price, here it is!

The Low Eb Aluminum Burke:

  • About one year old
  • In perfect condition
  • Great tone and very well in tune
  • It has the extra feature of a C-note thumbhole. I love these things–you can use them to make beautifully in-tune C-naturals plus cool ornaments – but if you don’t like them, you can just ignore them (or cover them up with tape).
  • Price: $190 (US) + shipping.
9

Laurel speaks the truth. I’ve played that very tooter.

'tis lovely and doesn’t come with a spider.

Doc

10

For what it’s worth to you, SClery, I had only one Low Eb, and that was from Cillian O’Briain, and it was an amazing whistle. I only sold it because at the time I was getting into flute, and my lows were getting neglected, and I probably needed the money too. In hind sight, I should have kept it, the same with the Low D of his too. Both were excellent low whistles, and the Eb, as is usually the case, was even more responsive than the D. Like Doc said, generally if you like the Low D of someones, then you will probably like the Eb.

Now Maurice Reviol is making the same design whistles, with Cillian’s permission (he may even have made Cillian’s before when he worked with him, I don’t really know). But most likely, it would be very similar in tonal and playing qualities-very easy blowing (little back pressure-takes a little more breath), and a nice rich tone with a little chiff, and some nice overtones.

Personally I found the non-tunables to be slightly more responsive than their tunable counterparts, and they would be my choice. But, of course, some people really need the tunable aspect, which would be more versatile for playing with others, and when it’s very cold or very warm.

Good luck! And let us know how it turns out for you!

11

Thankyou everyone- sorry its taken me until now to reply, I was at the All Britain Fleadh this weekend.

I play a flute by Maurice Reviol, so I think I will send him an email.. or maybe Colin Goldie.. hard choice, I’ve only played a few Overtons, and they were by all accounts, wonderful.

As for MK whistles- the low D really works for me, and if Misha made Ebs, I’d have one in a second. Perhaps you should write him an email Doc, and see if he will send you one, he’s a nice fella. The low-D was my ‘main one’ as soon as i got it… lovely tone, powerful and very responsive.

Emrys- I’ll reply to your PM in a sec =)

Thanks all


Sean

12

Yup, Maurice was Cillian’s whistle maker. When he moved to New Zealand, Cillian told him to go ahead and take the whistle business with him because he (Cillian) was so backed up on pipe orders.

Doc