I’ve had an Overton low D for ages - but don’t play it coz I can’t seem to get a decent sound out of it. In any range it’s REALLY breathy, but most imp. is that I can’t play the higher octave without the notes splitting and fracturing. It sounds AWFUL. I have tried other low whistles and the guy in the shop says they all have this problem. Surely this can’t be right - can it?
David
No that is not right. Many people have trouble playing Overtons for similar reasons. Other Low D’s are easier to play and sound different.
Jessie
Can I buy the whistle from you then?
nico
I have a little experience with Overtons so here are my thougts:
Are you sure it’s an Overton? Sounds silly but…
Are you sure your holding it properly? (completely sealing the holes with your fingers using the piper grip)
Are you certain you’re blowing hard enough to get the notes properly? Overtons take a strong blow to play correctly
Perhaps the whistle is damaged, have you had someone who can play low whistle well try to play this Low D?
I see you’re in England, my suggestion would be that rule out 1-3 above as the cause of the problems and then Contact Bernard Overton. You could send him the whistle, he can easily determine if it’s been damaged, and could most likely fix it if there is something wrong.
I agree with Jessie, many other Low D’s are easier for the beginner to play. However nothing sounds quite like an Overton. If you determine the whistle is in good shape, you might want to get something easier to play (like a Dixon Low D) and come back to the Overton once you get the hang of playing.
Good Luck,
loren
I agree with Jessie. I tried an Overton on a bad Karma day. The moon and stars weren’t in alignment, my Biorhythm was out of kilter and my shirt had a stain from lunch !!
I’ve been fine with a Susato ever since…
Man alive! I can’t believe I’ve received all these replies within the space of 5 MINUTES!
OK - some thoughts…
I bought the whistle probably 6 or 7 years ago - I didn’t get a certificate, etc. but gather this might be a recent development. I also bought it from ADAPTATRAP percussion in Brighton (anyone know it?) which is a long established, and as far as I know, reputable shop. So I think it’s genuine
The mouthpiec doesn’t line up exactly with the main body of the whistle (I mean the chunky piece in the bottom of the mouthpiece) - do you think this is a problem?
Blowing hard - yeah, I know what you mean, but I’ve tried again and again to adjust the strength of my blow (no tittering, please) and the high notes split one way or the other. There’s no clean notes.
The fingering I haven’t tried (but will)
I’ve emailed Mr Overton (do you think he’ll reply?)
Now, about other brands - I tried some in Macaris music in London (well known emporium) and the guy seemed to be able to play a whistle - and I wasn’t impressed by the other brands either (can’t remember what they were) - what’s a good bet then for a cheap(ish) low whistle to renew my faith?
Lastly, yeah, you may be able to buy it if I can’t sort this out!!
Cheers ears,
David
That must be a good feeling telling someone “It sounds AWFUL” and getting offers from people wanting to buy it from you.
Perhaps I should use that technique on my 2 bedroom one bath house with a leaky roof !
The reason I asked was because I figured if it was a bad whistle, it would be cheap, and if it is cheap, then I can fiddle around with it to see how it is constructed! (or not, if I can play it!)
Nico
nico
no problem - it’s yours for a song, but you have to collect!
;^)
Hi Plankd,if you send me the whistle I’d be happy to sort it out for you,I’m in London so if you phone me on 01923-801421 we can talk whistles.
I’m sure it only needs a tweak and it’
ll be as good as new.
Oh,by the way,there’s no charge,I used to make Overtons for five years and if its one of mine I still stand by the 'ol rule ( LIFETIME WARRENTY)Look forward to hearing from you,if I’m not in please leave your No on the answerfone.
Chears mate.
Phil.
I’ll be in touch - nice one!
Classy response, Phil. Hat’s off.
Bruce
Wait, does this mean I can still buy it??
Or is it going to Phil??
Nico
Doesn’t sound like an Overton to me (will have his name stamped on the reverse low down). I have three Overtons (D, F, low D), and they’re all dream machines, especially the low ones - I’ve tried all the others and nothing gets quite close enough.
It sounds like a fipple fault.
By the way Phil, love the response - great to know you’re around with that kind of attitude! And around Watford too by the look of your access code - me too!
Nick