Doh! Why buy a Kerry Pro when you can have Overton?
Chris
I NEED something to do in between the 8 months that I’m waiting for one!
So, got an Overton Low D you wanna sell? PM me. Anyone. Be warned though. I’m in Malaysia.
I need a timewarp.
On 2002-10-24 12:29, wizzy wrote:
Loren
As you always seem to have a dig,and as I’m sure you must have tryed a rare duff one. I will send you a FREE no charge Sample
Low D just send me an E mail.
After all why should Dale get all the free stuff!And then we will see whats what.
Wizzy
Fair enough, Wizzy.
I understand that you may not believe this, but I’m honestly not taking a “Dig” at your whistles, any more than I’m doing the opposite when I say that Abell whistles (for example) are some of the best I’ve ever played (See Jenny, I didn’t use the “O” word) - I’m simply giving a relative comparison based on my experiences.
I’m more than willing to accept the possibility that any given whistle that I’ve played may have been an unusually good, or bad, example of a given maker’s work, and since I’ve only tried one Alba whistle, unlike Chieftains, Overtons, Burkes, Abells, Copelands, Weasels, Howards, Roses, O’Riordans, and others, which I’ve had the opportunity to own and play mulitplies of, I’d be happy to have a go at another Alba. I really don’t have any axe to grind with you wizzy, so let’s do this thing and as you say, see what’s what - sounds like fun!
Loren
Loren - I think you’re right about the nickel plated Howard.
Caimmon - I’m not sure how the measurements will help you, but if I can dig the whistle out again, I’ll try to remember to do that for you.
The Kerry I would not describe as “haunting,” just airy. I evaluate it overall as just ok, certainly not as poorly as others rate it, and it is worth the money. That said, however, I really can’t argue with logic espoused by others - just go get an Overton (I think about twice the price of a Kerry)and you’ll be happy. However, that said, why not get the all-time beastly best of Low D whistles (I’m excluding O’Riordan’s 2 year plus wait)a Copeland (more than twice the cost of an Overton)and be ecstatic.
See how this goes? What do you want to spend? If you’re really into this, love the haunting low sound, and want a wise investment in quality and time, you can’t go wrong with an Overton or a Copeland depending on your spending limits. Both waits are probably about the same, although some shops sometimes have an Overton around (although I’d suggest working directly with Colin, which is a pleasure and assures you of what you want).
Having gone through a bunch of Low Ds over the years (including Ralph Cook), there are only three that IMHO are worthy of the fullfillment that we usually seek - Copeland, O’Riordan, and Overton. in that order of preference. Factor in waiting times and what you can afford and go for it.
Regards,
Philo
Phil,
Did you ever get a Grinter Low D?
Loren
P.S. Of course I’m right about the Howard 
Loren - No; for some reason, instinctively I go metal for low D.
Regards,
Philo
On 2002-10-24 17:13, PhilO wrote:
Loren - No; for some reason, instinctively I go metal for low D.Regards,
Philo
Huh???
Other than an Overton, what can I get to stave off this hunger? (no riordan, copeland)???
(please, something with a minimal wait!)
[ This Message was edited by: Caoimhin on 2002-10-24 18:40 ]
Loren, I take it by “huh?” you mean that you don’t understand my answer. Well you’re right again; no real explainable reason, just some instinctive preference. Anyway, my low D lust has been satiated!
Did you ever try an Abell blackwood Low D?
Philo
No, unfortunately I could never spare the $9800. that Chris charges for his Low D’s.
Heck, I still need to raise $550 to liberate my Abell A/Bb set he’s holding for me. Madagascar Rosewood, Mmmmm… (Drooling like Homer Simpson) come to papa…
Loren
Hi, you could try a Shaw low d. It isn’t real expensive and sounds pretty good.It would be good for practicing for flute because it takes a huge amount of air so you could get used to oxygen starvation. One thing though, I bought a Shaw A a while ago and the holes weren’t lined up with the fipple. This made it very hard for me to get a good seal on the holes, it kind of ticked me off also, I’d expect that from a mass produced whistle but not something hand made. The worst part of it is I bought it in person without looking at it closely because I wasn’t expecting a problem like that. If I had made it, I wouldn’t have let it leave my shop. The main reason I mention all of this is because I have heard of other people having the same problem, so if you buy one you may too.
You could also get a Cheiftan. I like mine alot but I don’t have much to compare it to.If I were you I’d just get the Overton.I don’t know how old you are, but you’ve gotten this far without one, so another 8 months will seem like nothing.
Take care, Johnz
Unfortunately, that 8 months is gonna be long as I will have, literally, have nothing to do. Finishing high school next month, so…
I’ll be bored…
Caoimhim,
As for your original question; I find Howards to be nice whistles with a unique sound among low whistles: The lower octave is round and (for lack of a better word) “haunting”, while the upper octave can get quite reedy if you blow it hard. Howards also have big holes, and I have found them among the most difficult low Ds on which to play fast tunes. The tuning is so-so - OK for most purposes, but not perfect.
I also have a Kerry, and I find it’s one of the worst low Ds I’ve tried. Not that it’s unplayable or anything, it’s just that the sound and playing characteristics in general leave a lot to be desired, compared to other low Ds. Imagine a low D equivalent of a bad Generation. 
About your other choices: Both Overtons and Kerry Pros are very nice whistles. I currently own KPs in low F and low D, and both are good (the F is actually the best low whistle I have ever tried). I find KPs to be a fine alternative to Overtons. In one way KPs are far ahead of Overtons: KPs can be made with a cork-lined tuning slide, which I find far superior to the dental floss/plumber’s tape lined variety you find in tunable Overtons.
I will tell you what I think of Copeland low Ds once I receive mine.
Cheers,
Jens
About your other choices: Both Overtons and Kerry Pros are very nice whistles. I currently own KPs in low F and low D, and both are good (the F is actually the best low whistle I have ever tried). I find KPs to be a fine alternative to Overtons. In one way KPs are far ahead of Overtons: KPs can be made with a cork-lined tuning slide, which I find far superior to the dental floss/plumber’s tape lined variety you find in tunable Overtons.
The only way I could prevent my KLP F from leaking was to utilise plumbers tape.The Overton method seems like a good idea to me.Whatever you decide to get,tunability is a very useful feature.Non-tunable Overtons are not always perfectly in tune..go for a tuneable. Mike
I just found a nice deal - if it happens through, I’ll be joining the ranks of the many who have the --------