Well, I hate to take away from the superbowl, but I am in search of a low F to complete my set, and my mind has drawn a blank on who makes what I’m after.
I’d like one with Pure Tone and Medium to Low backpressure, I’d also like one with a good level of volume, but not peticularly loud (like, session volume or a little less). I’d rather avoid burkes (dont ask why, they just dont grab me) and makers with waiting lists in the years (I’d love a grinter, but thats kinda out). Soo, that said, hopefully this whistle exsists, and hopefully those who are older and wiser will tear themselves away from their flutes to bestow this humble whistler with their devine wisdom?
Cranberry
how does it paly? I read in the newsletter that Dale found his cane low A playable (currently for $14! whoa!! lol). I’m looking to get a A soon but don’t want to (actually can’t) invest more than $50 on that key.
Switchfoot
Though I’ve never played one, kerry pro low F comes to my mind, but since you want a pure and med-low resistance, it seems like you’d find yourself getting a Susato…or is it out of the question? How about a Dixon?
Wait…not a whistle, but many would agree that you can’t go wrong with an Olwell bamboo F.
Generally speaking, a “session volume” whistle is loud. At least it is if the sessions are anything like those I’ve been to.
I’ve got two low-F whistles. An Alba, which does not have a high back-pressure, and is a little “breathy” in it’s tone, but not overly chiffy. I’ve also got a Chieftain, which is pure in tone, but has a pretty good back-pressure. (Personally, I like a bit of back-pressure, so I can lean into it a bit.)
What might work for you is a Water Weasel. I’ve got one in G that’s very pure in tone, and does not have much back-pressure. It’s no shrinking violet in the volume department though, it’s a great session whistle.
I said $10? Apparently upon reading the other post, I meant $8.
I’ve heard of people getting cane whistles and flutes from there that were less-than good, so it’s a gamble. you might get a good one, or you might not.
Mack can make it to your specifications. One of his low F whistles (now sadly lost) is still one of the very best whistles of any key I’ve ever played. Wish I could find it again!
Can’t see how one could go wrong with a Cocobolo Grinter. If I was to own only one whistle (and not one per tone…), it would be first in my list.
Well, after the Stratoflute of course (but I understand that’s double-cross fippling : it plays also G, A, B, C… and probably all intermediate tones when I’ll have more practice)
My favorite is the Goldie Overton Low F, however even though you could get Colin to make you an easy blower (with relatively low back pressure), Overtons in general don’t really qualify as “Pure” sounding whistles, which is actually one of the things I love about them - they tend to be rather reedy sounding.
So…I’d agree with Zoob on the Grinter Low F: Relatively pure sound, and low back pressure. Not cheap though…
I also think Copeland low whistles sound fairly pure, and they have low back pressure as well.
Can’t think of any inexpensive Low F’s that I’ve played which would meet your requirements.
My suggestion also, in a whitecap. They are what I would call a reasonable volume and play like a dream. They are also tunable to some degree. I currently have a Bb and a G with a Low D coming next month.
I just got a low F from Ronaldo Reyburn (also a low D), on Saturday. It’s pretty fantastic. Easy player, great, complex tone. I received it about 5 weeks after placing the order. I’m adjusting to using my pinkie on the right hand surprisingly well. I’d recommmend the Reyburns. Enjoy your search!
i agree with the other hoover-ites. i have a low pvc f from mack that is just awesome. if you want a pure sound, it is hard to beat. if i can work it out, i’ll send you an email with a clip. happy shopping!
I have a Grinter and an Overton and love both. The Grinter is one of the finest whitles I own and the Overton is very good. I agree with the remarks by Loren and Zubivka about these instruments except that I don’t think of the Grinter as being very pure. IMO, if you like the sound of Grinters, you ought to like an Overton.
Another option: except for volume, you could be describing a Serpent Low F - mine’s louder than my Dixon Low D, but hardly a session weapon.
I’ll chime in with the rest and say that for louder, an Overton F would be just the ticket - I didn’t find the backpressure much of a problem at all when I tried one at last November’s get-together, and it has a lovely bark.
I just placed my name on the list for a Goldie Overton Low F. Colin should have a few of these ready soon. I’m not sure if the list is full but you could check.
This will be my first whistle lower than an A, and I hope I can manage the stretch. I’ve been working on flute too so that should be stretching my fingers out a bit.
I have a Grinter low F…wonderful beast. Not so pure IMO. But for value, tone, flexibility, build, speed of warm up…I’m with Glauber. The Burke AlPro low F is a great whistle for all-round playing. The only thing I don’t like is the smooth finish - I prefer my Alu matt! But hey looks ain’t everything.
I have a G Overton not an F, but warming these whistles and keeping them that way is a nightmare and as sessio/band tunes needing an F are far between, speed of warming is an issue for me at any rate.
As much as I adore my Overton low F, if it really is pure tone with a lower backpressure you might want to go with another whistle. Out of ones I have tried, I would say Hoover comes close to what you are describing and like Bri said, Mack could make it to suit.
I’m gonna have to agree with Cara. I recently tried one of Ronaldo’s Low Fs and it is superb. A very easy blower, fairly loud with a rich complex tone. The tuning and intonation is right on. Go with the Reyburn and you won’t be dissappointed.
How about a Dixon?
Sara