But mostly just because I couldn’t figure out how to order the Overton Low F on the internet and Colin hasn’t responded to any of my emails. I grew impatient and frustrated. Typical America. Burke’s website knows how to help you get things done!!!
Regardless, thanks to Bloomfield for the good advice that I should start with Low F and work my way up, (or down - as he put it) to the Low D. When I became rational, and thought about it, it makes so much sense! What, may I ask, is all the almost cult like fascination with the Low D whistle? I admit, I was quite caught up in it myself for a while there.
MUST HAVE LOW D / GOTTA HAVE LOW D…
Well, no, - I should have something I can expect to be able to play relatively decently.
Very happy! Feel good about the decision. Hope it gets here soon…
I’ve had a Hoover low F and absolutely LOVED it! I’ve also played tons of low D’s from O’Riordan, Copeland, Overton, Burke, Chieftain, Kerry, Howard, Etc. etc. and while some were certainly better than others, but my favorite key still has to be the F.
Either way, I think you’ll L-O-V-E your new beauty. Mr. Burke is one of the nicest whistlemakers and gentlemen you’ll every have the pleasure to meet.
thanks Brian. I’ve heard others say that low F is an almost uniquely great key. I don’t know why,… yet, but I’ll soon find out. This, coupled with others remarking that a low D can be hard, I got the impression that it is not an intrument for beginners or novices. I was proud of my rational decision, from a person, not known for making them Maybe I’ll get there, (down to low d that is, )_ maybe not. I think I’ll do better where I’m starting at however.
D’s do require a greater stretch than F’s do but it’s not impossible by any reasoning. D has just been the most traditional key. I also love A and G for obvious D scale reasons.
On the bright side, you can play along with a good deal of Lúnasa’s stuff in F and Bb too!
I need to correct my topic. I messed something up in my attempt to contact Overton, Mr. Oldie. They did not receive my note, and they have checked. Therefore, I have changed my plans, fortunately, and now have an Overton Low F on order and, correspongingly, will have to change my order to something else with M. Burke,… probably, a low D… hehe, what comes around, goes around.
And no, I do not take responsibility for my actions. I like it better that way.
I have a soprano (actually two) alto and tenor recorder, and I think I like the tone of the alto the best. This is of course the closest to an F whistle (that and G) so it must be something to do with the tonal qualities of that range of frequencies.
I could of course conduct experiments, if some whistle maker would be so kind as to send a full range of whistles to me.
As Brian said, D is the traditional key by which he means that most Irish tunes are either in D or in keys that are easily playable on a D whistle: G, Am, Em, Bm. If you play at a session you’ll want a D whistle but if you intend to play a low D, it had better be a very quiet session.
Different makes of whistle have espcially good reputations in certain keys, and this is true even of whistles like Burke and Overton that are consistently good in every key. This might sometimes be a matter of hearsay and fashion but it is probably also due to design quirks. Copeland make wonderful low Ds (and some swear by their Low As and Gs), Michael Grinter makes a sensational low F and Chris Abell a sensational high F. Sindt high Ebs have a great reputation. I especially like Burke AlPro high C and low G. Lots of other people would add to this list and it wouldn’t be long before disputes break out.
Good morning wombat, I believe what you said its true among a wide group of cilentele, very subjective to a few others and yes, vunerable to great dissention. I’ve gleaned the highlights from this and other posts. This is exactly why I strived for the Overton low F. I don’t know Loren’s background, but he’s obviously professional. His remark that the Ov. lowF was the best whistle he’s ever played… Those kinds of gems of information are priceless. I hope I get one.
Maybe Colin Goldie didnt get back to you 'cos he’s touchy about his age!
I have an Overton low F which I think is a GREAT whistle!.Needs a bit of focused breath control though.
I have a Goldie Overton Low D and LOVE IT!!! 
