I’ve recently purchased a second hand Overton Low D and I do love it for many reasons. However, I notice on the low D and E, if I really push it, there is a strong wheez/whistle/buzzzzz type sound. Not pushing it and it isn’t there. It does not happen on E2 and D2, however. Almost makes me think there is a burr somewhere that I’ve missed but I’ve checked out the fingerholes with a magnifying glass and can’t see any. Also found some old gunk just below the fipple and cleaned that up. I don’t think these are overtones from the strong breath strokes here.
Is this a normal thing for an Overton Low D or am I missing something?
Bill, I have noticed that in all of my low whistles. It is especially noticable when playing e. I believe the smaller hole size plays a part in this phenomenom. It is also a well documented fact that the lowest d and e are natorious for not being very strong.
I will have to check out my overton carefully when I get home this evening to see if I notice anything substantial.
An exception that proves Steven’s rule: I agree that the lowest notes on whistles are normally not strong. My O’Riordan low D is a fine instrument, with this described characteristic. I have learned to live with it, and I enjoy the low range’s beautiful, airy quality…
However, I own two low D instruments, and my Burke Viper is the exact opposite. The airy quality is certainly there, but with power. The low d note is throaty, full, and just booms…The e is a bit less solid, but still has plenty of muscle.
I notice this to be true also on the two Burke Low Ds I play. One as an ALPRO and the other a composite. Both are equally strong on D, a little weaker on E. They both require somewhat more air - more breaths - than the Overton.
BillG: Not to hijack this thread…Simply a question: My Low D AlPro is slippery…Usually not a problem, but when my hands are cold, and I am standing in front of an audience, the slippery quality can be a bit disconcerting. Haven’t dropped it yet, and don’t want to…Do you have a solution?
Best.
Byll
My wife noticed I was having a similar problem with my flute one day during a really dry spell. It was also hard to make a good seal on the holes. She gave me some hand cream to rub in and, in a short while, the problem went away - my fingers were more gripable(?). Perhaps the same thing just before going on would help. I now use BADGER BALM unscented - a news article recommended non scented as there is little chance of irritation from the scent stuff. Its also great on dry lips.
Bill, I doubt very much that this is a problem with the instrument. I think the sound you describe is indicative of not getting a proper seal on the holes. When I pick up a low whistle I haven’t been playing for a while it happens to me but goes away after a few minutes readjusting. You’ll overcome this with practice. It’s less of a problem on a Copeland low D since the conical bore seems to make sealing easier, but even with that I wheeze a bit if I haven’t played mine for a month or so.
i second billg,
rough or/and old hands is the problem here, when it’s hard to seal holes
colin goldie has the same problem on dry and cold days, his hands are fairly rough after all the years making whistles.
he uses hand cream aswell, and it works for him too!
