Hi all,
I own a Chieftain low whistle in d, untunably and rather flatly tuned though. Now I have the opertunity to buy an Overton low whistle in d, does that make any sence, or shouldn’t I buy it and stay with my chieftain. All suggestions, remarks, experiences very welcome.
If you want to play with other people or recordings, getting a whistle that plays in tune with the music really increases your enjoyment. I have never owned or played a Chieftain Low D, so I can’t comment one way or the other about them. I do own an Overton Low D I would never part with. The tuning is DEAD ON.
There is tons of positive feedback on Overton Low D whistles here on this message board and in the archives of the last message board. If you have the money to get another whistle, go for it. You could also sell the Chieftan on E-bay. Chieftains are offered for sale used on E-bay fairly continuously; you should be able to sell it without much problem there.
Cheers.
I have a tuneable Overton Low D that I’m very happy with, but I have no experience with Chieftan whistles and therefore cannot compare them with it. Perhaps if you contact the manufacturer of your Chieftan you may be able to have it fixed.
If you do decide in favor of the Overton, be sure to review a recent thread on handling clogging with these whistles – which is easily managed, I hasten to add. Remember also that you have to “lean” on these whistles in the upper part of the second register. That means you have to use higher breath pressure than most other whistles require. The plus side is solid tone, and a bell note that gives it the nickname of “the cosmic drainpipe” because it sounds like the entire cosmos is flowing through your instrument.
I have two Overton Low D’s, and “several” more in other keys. All are of the non-tuneable variety, however each whistle is very well in-tune and they all sound fabulous. Needless to say I’m quite happy with my Overtons 
Loren
I own a Chieftain and an Overton. I got the Chieftain several months before I got the Overton. The Chieftain is a nice whistle, but it is surpassed by the quality, sound, and ease of play of the Overton. I find that my Chieftain seems a little flat on a few notes, but the Overton sounds dead on. If you can, get a “Cosmic Drainpipe”!! I don’t think that you’ll ever regret it.
I agree with the comments by Skywatcher:
“The Chieftain is a nice whistle, but it is surpassed by the quality, sound, and ease of play of the Overton”
I own an Overton, and had the opportunity to play a chieftan at a session.
As always,I would just like to add that the Chieftain low D is made flat so that when it warms up is will play in tune.
May people buy them and play them very gently as if they are playing a generation.
This will always produce a flat tuneing.
Please remember that these low whistles are designed to be played with a good bit of puff to get the note clear and strong which can take some practice.
If you want a soft blow low D ,go for a Shaw or Sausato.
We have sold over 10,000 low D Chieftain in the last 5 years and they continue to our No 1 best seller.
Concidering that they are a lot cheaper than other alloy whistles of the same type,we have worked to keep them at the cutting edge of low whistling.
I have made some deign changes to the range so you should see the new models appearing in the stores soon.
The Low D will be the first out next month.
All the best
Phil.
Yes, my Cheiftain is a nice whistle, and I intend on keeping it: but there is something about a handmade whistle that a machine made whistle can never posess. A handmade whistle is made with care and love. Most whistlesmiths are passionate about the instrument and that shows in it’s construction. When Colin Goldie signed his name on my whistle, he imprinted it with his heart at the same time. When he played it for me when I called him in Germany, I felt his love for this instrument. Whistle making is more than a job for him. I believe this reflects in the sound and quality of the instrument. Call it a “whistle with a soul”. I know that a player can play a machine made instrument with all his or her heart and soul, but I prefer an instrument with a little “soul” already embedded into it. Just my opinion—
Sorry, I don’t buy that whole “soul” thing.
I will agree that Overtons in general sound nicer than Chieftans (having a more “complex” tone, if you will), but I have no doubt it is because they are made to a different design. I also think Kerry Pros sound nicer than Chieftans (and in fact I find KPs every bit as nice as Overtons). Anyway, these comparisons merely reflect my preferences in how a whistle should sound; a sound which I believe comes exclusively from the whistle’s physical properties (and not from any mental properties of the instrument ).
Having heard several professionals use Chieftans, and hearing them make those whistles sing, I have no doubt that it is the player who imbeds whatever “soul” a whistle has. In the hands of a bad player, any whistle is just a piece of metal (/plastic/wood/whatever).
All IMHO, of course.
Jens
My sentiments exactly Jens.
Phil.
Okay, here’s MY spin on things. I had a Chietain low E and noe have a Overton low D. Chieftain whistles seem to be better than most of the people that try and play them. You gotta play them hot and hard. I believe that’s what they’re designed for. The Overton is less demanding of it’s player. Both have a wonderful, complex tone, however, you really have to “work” a Chieftain. The reward for the extra effort is in the eye of the beholder.
The bottom line is that they are different. Viva la difference!!! (or we’d all be playing Sweetones)
For what it’s worth,
Eric
ok thanks for all comment
but let me ask this one :
i’m a professional. on which of both whistles will i play most easily this very high solo of riverdance? i can tell, the highest notes can be played on my chieftain, but not in tune and quite agressively sounding.
Hi Sweetone,send me your address and I’ll send a new Chieftain Low D for your appraisal.
Phil.
Hi! I own one Phil Hardys new and improved Chieftian Alto F.This whistle is INCREDIBLE… there is no other words to describe this whistle, but if your heading for the best low D whistle out there than you should stick with the Chieftian.
I prefer the sound of the Chieftain low D to the
Overton, personally and subjectively. I
reckon the finishing on
the overton is better, about which
I care not so much.
Hey Phil! I’m a professional too! … er … webmaster. Shucks. Nevermind. 
Little John