About three months ago I started playing Ronaldo’s hi D (the LB version). I was taken back by its sound. I had just about convinced myself that only wooden whistles could produce the sound I was looking for. Ronaldo’s whistle proved me wrong. It is an awesome whistle. It plays like a whistle twice its cost. It rivals any Hi-D I’ve played.
I was so impressed, I ordered his Low D. I’ve been hesitate to jump into the world of Low D’s because of the needed piper grip. I had read others comments regarding Ronaldo’s and after the positive experience of his Hi-D, I thought I’d give it a go.
My, I’m so glad I did. The sound is rich and deep. It has more room for expression than any whistle I’ve played. The offset holes allow one to use their pinky to cover the bottom hole - this does take a little getting use to, but the result is quite impressive. Others have reviewed this whistle so there’s no need to repeat - but I will just add that it is a remarkable instrument.
So for now, my favorite whistles are:
1/ Hoover Low F
2/ Reyburn Low D
3/ Reyburn Hi D
4/ Hoover C
Hey Tomcat, I totally agree with you on the Reyburn whistles. Ronaldo lives in the same town as me so I have the fortunate opportunity to check in on what he’s up to and his latest endeavor is a new cpvc whistle with Delrin head. It’s not on his web site yet but it’s a real winner!!! A very pure tone with a nice round sound and fairly loud.
Ronaldo plays some pretty far out music on his whistles and he is now experimenting with some very cool scales, like natural minor, Hungarian minor, an Oriental scale called Insempe, etc. etc…
i just got the new cpvc hi D tuesday. one of my sons has a water weasel, and what i would say is this: anyone who likes water weasels will like the cpvc reyburn. it’s kinda like a weasel on steroids–but not a strong dose. it’s a little louder, a little breathier (but quite pleasantly), a little bigger sound, rounder, but it plays almost the same and reaches the third D quite easily. i’m quite satisfied.
I have a cpvc set on order,should be here next week,also have the high D/C in brass..BTW,I’m just up the freeway a bit and am looking forward to meeting the man himself..At the moment I’m bugging him about a low d in cpvc…I love the brass high d,it’s my daily gotta play it whistle…
The tone is pure and clear,with just the hint of chiff..love it.
Ah, I’m jealous of you guys who live close to Ronaldo. I would love to visit his shop. One of my joys was to visit Mack in his shop. It seems to me that actually meeting the maker just enhances the whistle that much more. As I stated earlier, I really like the work of both of these craftsmen.
Just an FYI for anyone who’s interested, I have a soprano LB D for sale. Contact me in email.
What does those LB and BR’s mean?
Also, anyone has a comparison of the High D from Ronaldo and the Overton high D? I like adjectives like “fast response”, “snapping” and “crackling”; but does the RR have adequate volume? I need a whistle loud esp. in the low end, and am considering an Overton. Anyone for a better alternative?
Also, anyone has a comparison of the High D from Ronaldo and the Overton high D? I like adjectives like “fast response”, “snapping” and “crackling”; but does the RR have adequate volume? I need a whistle loud esp. in the low end, and am considering an Overton. Anyone for a better alternative?
Sorry, I’ve never touched an Overton. However, anyone who wants good volume, top to bottom but really noticeable in the lower register in comparison to other whistles–you should look at the Sweetheart professional. It has a conical bore, which gives it outstanding power and intonation. It’s by far my favorite whistle to play with my son’s flute–it can’t be overpowered. Response is excellent for most situations. The laminate model is $135 and has the advantage of easy maintenance.
The Reyburn does have good volume and response for what it is–but we’re essentially talking apples and oranges here: cpvc v. wood laminate, cylindrical v. conical bore, etc. I like having some choices, depending on what I’m after. The Burke’s (mine is the brass NB) response is probably faster overall, but I prefer the Reyburn in general. But I’ve never played a Burke plastic whistle–from the sound bites I’ve heard I like them.
Aiaiai…it’s getting hard to make decisions when you can’t try and hear for yourself. Somebody else around this forum has claimed there’s nothing overpowering the Overton, and also that the wood laminate Professional Sweet does not respond well to fast tunes…argh.
I would really like a wooden whistle, but my top demands are power, intonation, fast response (for fast playing).
