I want to get a Low D sometime soon, but I would like advice first. What do people who already have them think is a good first one for a beginner on low whistles? Money is an issue here, as well. I need a fairly inexpensive one. The Susato Low D is the cheapest I’ve seen, but I don’t know what it sounds like. I am a little scared off by reports of their whistles sounding like recorders. I saw a Howard Low D for around $80. Does anyone have any tips or insights for me? I have medium-sized hands.
Thanks!
In my opinion, a Dixon is the best inexpensive low D.
You can get a non-tunable one for around $50, or a tunable one for around $70.
The hole size and finger stretch is probably the most comfortable of any low D on the market too, which makes it a great choice for a first low D.
Thanks for the advice! How does the Dixon sound?
I just wanted to second the Dixon as a good beginner low-D. I personally had a lot of problems with the Susato Low-D I found it a lot harder to play.
You might want to check around for a used Low-D, like a Dixon or even an Overton. I picked up my Overton used for much less than retail.
Glad to hear all the positive noises about the Dixon Low D. Guess what Santa has in his sack for me this Christmas 
[Thanks, bruv!]
I have both a Susato low D (plastic) and a Burke Composite Low D. My hands are medium in size. The Burke certainly cost more than the Susato. I find that the Burke is much easier to play in the high register, while the Susato is much easier in the low register. The Susato certainly does not sound like a recorder! I have a Copeland brass low D waiting for me under the tree - much more expensive, but I hope worth it!
I have both a Susato low D (plastic) and a Burke Composite Low D. My hands are medium in size. The Burke certainly cost more than the Susato. I find that the Burke is much easier to play in the high register, while the Susato is much easier in the low register. The Susato certainly does not sound like a recorder! I have a Copeland brass low D waiting for me under the tree - much more expensive, but I hope worth it!
Between a Burke Al Pro lw D, a Chieftain, and a tunable Dixon low D…the Dixon is the easiest for me to play. I didn’t learn it over night and was beginning to wonder if I would ever play a low D. So whatever you choose…don’t get discouraged. Gm
I only have one low D, a Howard. I love the sound. I would say I have large hands, though, and I still have to work at covering the holes. (You are probably already aware that the grip for a low whistle is different than a high whistle). However, if I played it more, it would probably not feel like so much of a stretch. My mouthpiece got loose after awhile, but I was able to use teflon tape for a snug fit. It still moves for tuning purposes, but stays where I put it. I don’t think the loose mouthpiece is an unusual problem, and easily remedied. I think I paid $100 for my Howard several years ago, so $80 is a good price.
Dixon.
It’s cheap, it has an easy reach and smallish holes, and doesn’t require very much air. In addition it has a lovely sound.
What more do you want?
Jens
I also have the Dixon, and love it, although I must admit that I have not had experience playing any other model.
I read I think on the board that Mack Hoover is also making a Low D. As I am absolutely in love with my narrow-bore D, I was wondering if anyone (or even the man himself!) could tell me more about it, how it sounds, how it handles, hole spacing, cost, what you're having for dinner, etc. etc. Not that I'm thinking of purchasing another whistle, oh no...
~Firefly
I would have to recommend Mack Hoover. For a handmade quality whistle, it’s got to be hard to beat a Hoover for the dollar.
My Low D is great. Wonderful sound and response. The tone holes are small and easy for a beginner.
If your on a budget, the only reason for not considering a Hoover would be volume. It’s a quiet whistle, but has so much beyond that. Plus he’s great to deal with.
Enjoy.
I just want to add for the previous post, that Mack made me an aluminum low D, which he does not advertise. I won’t say the price, but I will say it’s well worth contacting the man.
[ This Message was edited by: jackorion on 2001-12-18 04:04 ]
If the selling price is your only criteria, Susato isn’t a bad choice for a first Low D whistle. It does require some finger stretch though.
Hoover hasn’t (yet) established himself as a seasoned maker of Low D’s. As an owner of a Hoover Low D prototype I would not recommend it’s design.
Dixon consistantly gets good reviews. If you plan to play whistles for a while…
It would then seem worth the additional money to buy a Dixon over the others.
Tony, I’m curious as to what you do not like about the Hoover low D? What proto type do you have?
Jack “If it ain’t an Overton it’s **&&” Orion
There is a warbling or oscillating sound to the instrument I own. The notes are not pure and it is out of tune.
I believe this to be a ‘one of a kind’ not for production test prototype. I don’t know what design you have or what other Low D’s Mack sells so I can’t comment on them.
He does get his share of good reviews on his other whistles. I would recommend what many of the more experienced players on this board do: If at all possible, test play the whistle you intend on buying.
Echo all the positive comments re:Dixon Low D. Also being polymer, it doesn’t need the extensive warming-up that metal whistles do, especially when playing Christmas Carols outdoors in near freezing conditions or in a drafty church.
I also love the High D, which in the UK for £15.00 for a tuneable still a great deal, much cheaper then “high-end” whistles, but it glows with individual care in production and finishing. A very forgiving whistle, I like the breathy tone, while requiring less air than some other “breathies”.
If you do order a low D, get a high one at the same time, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
No-one’s mentioned the Kerry - it’s got an aluminium tube with a large black plastic fipple, about £40/$60. Definitely worth considering.
Thanks for the advice, everyone! I’m open to what anyone has to suggest or advise. What does the Kerry sound like?
Cees,
Where in SLC are you? I’m here too, and I’ve got both a Chieftain and Kerry whistle you’d be welcome to try.
Drop me a line and I’ll be happy to fill you in.
Bri~
P.S.
If you’re interested, we have several sessions/ceilidhs each month and there are a bunch of us whistle players who are ore than happy to talk your ear off ad nauseum about all things whistle!!!
Also, I will whole-heartedly suggest ack Hoover’s work. I’ve had the pleasure of spending some time with he and his wife Joan in their workshop in Colorado. All his low D’s I played were very soft in tone, with an easy breath needed to sound them.
None seemed out of tone to my ear, and in all y experience, if you do have any troubles with one of his whistles, he’ll bend over backwards to fix it for you.
Anyway, drop me a line…
Bri~