Maybe I just really like this key, but so far have not met one I didn’t like. I cut loose on three - O’Briain, Copeland and Grinter (lancewood); only the O’Briain is nontuneable. The family review was: “Wow, those are all really good whistles.” I played, recorded and listened to air, jig, reel, slide, march and fling on each. I know there’s a lot of talk at times about people in search of good Low F whistles (a nice sounding key and perhaps as low as some of us can go comfortably at a decent clip). These are three fine whistles. I’ll be brief and keep it to non-technical overview re playability and sound.
O’Briain - Very forgiving and easy to play with effortless transitions. Low air requirements, easy reach and tone hole coverage. Can play it soft or lean into it. A little thinner in tone than the others and a bit edgier. Moderate volume.
Copeland - Definitely the finest Low F I’ve ever played. Very full sound at both ends, perfect balance. Deep rich sound. Although not as forgiving as the O’Briain, very easy to play as to transitions, reach and hole coverage. Moderate air requirements. This is somehow a “hot” whistle.
Grinter - Also very easy to play with nice transitions. A little quiet in the low end, but still a lovely mellow and full sound. Moderate air; superb high end that can really be pushed and bent without sounding piercing or shrill. The sound is “warm.”
All three are great looking in totally different ways.
Surprises: The Copeland sounded even better than the Grinter in the high end. This particular one is exceptional at both ends.
Disclaimer: I know that the Overton is a great Low F also; I just don’t have one at this time.
Regards,
Philo