Hello everyone. I’m going for my first Low D whistle and am looking at a (Goldie) Overton and a Cillian O’Briain. Being an Irishman, I naturally tend towards Cillian but I would appreciate your advice and guidance on this. Many thanks.(By the way, what is the difference between a Colin Goldie ‘Overton’ and a Bernard Overton ‘Overton’)
[ This Message was edited by: mccormackjohn on 2001-12-17 23:15 ]
Unless you know of a supplier that I don’t, you’d have to wait a while to get an Overton.
On the other hand, you could probably get an O’Briain delivered immediately.
I’ve never played an O’Briain, so I can’t make any comments regarding them.
I do have an Overton though, and I wouldn’t trade it for any other low D in the world… it’s that good.
If one is willing to search around, one can usually find an on-line shop that has an Overton Low D in stock. Check Celtic Fire, Song Of the Sea, Hobgoblin, and so on.
I can highly recommend the Overton Low D, it’s my favorite (of the 8 or 10 different Low D’s I’ve played) by far. However I haven’t played a C.O. Low D, so I can’t compare the two.
Loren
P.S. I forgot to mention that if you buy an Overton from Hobgoblin you’ll be getting one of Bernard’s whistles rather than Colin’s. I’m fairly sure about this.
[ This Message was edited by: Loren on 2001-12-17 23:12 ]
I have played both an Overton and an O’Briain low D. At a distance they look very similar, but up-close you can tell that the O’Briain is not as polished and professional-looking in appearance. The O’Briain has a nice tone, and the one I played was well in tune. The biggest difference, however, is that the O’Briain has a larger windway and thus requires much more air and also sounds breathier. It is not as powerful as the Overton.
Terry
Thanks to you all for your help and food for thought.
Best wishes for the season.
John
Also played both and much preferred the Overton; the CO’B was too breathy for me and it needed very delicate breath control.
I hear the Overton and Goldie Overtons are on a par - mine’s a Bernard original and a beauty. Mail me direct on nickturner@hotmail.com and I can give you Bernard’s number - he may have a short waiting list and sometimes has whistles already made up.
Heya,
I have played both, and have also had a few personal meetings with Colin himself. The O’Brians have a slight defecit in volume and tone body, but they’re an absolute breeze to control. From my experience, Overtons vary greatly with regard to control and tone, depending on the whistle, or what you asked Colin to make for you. Overall, I would say stick with the original when in doubt.
As for Colin Vs. Bernard Overtons, it’s extremely difficult for anyone who hasn’t played loads of both. Colin said he can tell his apart, as well as Phil’s.