Low F pros and cons wanted...

Hi all,

I would like to buy a low F… but I hesitate between different models : MK, Chieftain V3, Reyburn, Dixon, Burke, others…

Since they all seem to be good whistles, I would like to learn the pros and cons from you, experienced C&F members and owners.

Of course, most of this being subjective…

Cheers,

Pascal.

My MK low F is one of my favorite whistles, sounds great and is one of the most responsive whistles I’ve ever played. You can read a review of it here: http://pipersgrip.50webs.com/MKf.html

I highly recommend it, but unfortunately the waiting list is over a year with the maker last time I checked :frowning: .

I don’t have any experience with other low F’s, but if they’re somewhat similar in characteristics to a low D from the same maker, I would recommend a V3, incredibly responsive, if a bit breathy in tone. If your looking for a very clean sounding whistle (no chiff or breathiness), you can’t go wrong with a Burke.

I had a Dixon for a while and quite liked it…though I never found much use for it except for playing along with Lunasa CDs.

Hi avanutria

I have the Dixon low F as well, it sounds (to my ears) the nicest key for playing airs on whistle. I have no idea why this is - F is not a key I sing in and B or Bb is my fave pipe key for airs.

David

Overton low F is one of the best whistles in the world IMO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7BqUjUPzd4

i have a susato low f and it sit in a corner gathering dust maby i just cant play it lol :cry:

MK Low F. Beautiful. Loud, if ye need it. Wonderfully textured sound. Easy to handle. Brilliant player. In tune. Top notch!

Humphrey Low F. Quieter. Sound has a finer texture than MK…and is, to my ear, exquisite. Easy and fast player. Wonderful. Love it!

Copeland Low F. Brass. Strong volume. Brassy-pure. Sings. Clear sailing into the third octave. Slightly harder to handle, for me, because of the conical shape. (Like straight pipe better…) Great little whistle.

OS Chieftain Low F. Nice sound. Goes a bit too flat in the higher notes.

Susato Low F. Sent it back. (Like th Low D and Eb, though…)

That’s enough justification for me!

I like Burke’s in general.

Feadoggie

Speaking of, Grinter Low Fs are quite legendary. If I recall right, Lunasa used Grinters.

Reyburn makes a very expressive low F. Very musical; fast handling and comfortable to play.

True, in part, as of last fall I saw Grinter, Overton and Susato represented on stage by the Lunasa whistle contingent. Low F’s were Grinter and Overton, I think.

Feadoggie

They were Grinters until one of the band sat on the bag with them and broke three Grinter low Fs (or that’s the story I’ve heard, anyway). They were replaced with Overtons.

If you are only ever going to get one Overton, the low F is the one to get. Followed by the Low D and the Mezzo A. And then all the rest. IMHO. YMMV.

I’m with CranberryDog as far as the Reyburn is concerned. An exquisite, full sounding whistle.

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Larry

OUCH!!!

As you see, you get the same range of recommendations as you would for any other key!
I love my Burke aluminum F. It’s simply perfect IMHO.

Shaw low F:

Trotting to Larne

I’m still getting used to playing it. It seems to take a lot of breath, but there are times when I’m able to “open up” and get a great sound without a lot of effort. But there’s also times when I’m struggling with my breath.

Michael

Michael, if you ever record a CD I’ll be the first in buying it :smiley:
Great playing.

There are two low F’s in my gig bag - a purple (really really dark blue) Overton and a Chieftain Gold. But my go-to low F is the Overton. :slight_smile:

Thanks for the comments and please keep your opinions flowing.

So many different answers… Overton seems to comme back very often in the comments though.

Cheers,

Pascal.

Selling or trading a Grinter F in cocobolo if anyone has any interest.