While waiting for my Overton (sigh, it was shipped twelve days ago and still not delivered) I received
my Merlin low D directly from Merlin, in Scotland. I bought this low D on an impulse, attracted by its affordable price (with the current exchange between the Dollar and the GBP, a Merlin
low D bought from Merlin Music costs only $ 75.00 including shipping in the United States, this is less than a Susato or a Dixon Low D).
I read controversial reviews about this low D whistle, and I did not know what to expect.
I am also now a bit “picky” about what I personally like in a low D after having had experiences with different brands, both expensive and less expensive, as Chieftain, Burke, Alba, Syn, Susato and Dixon.
Some of these whistles are still with me, some I have sold. Any way, I don’t know if I have been so lucky to receive a particularly good one, or if all Merlin low Ds are like mine, but I think that this whistle is EXCELLENT. First of all, it is beautiful and tasteful in its mix of polymer and aluminum and in its simplicity of design. Second, I find the finish very good. Not a flaw as far as I can judge. Third, the playability is one of the best. I can push the low octave without breaking the notes, and at the same time I can go to the second octave with no special effort. It is fast, responsive, and evenly balanced between the two octaves.
Fourth, this whistle has VOLUME.
Last, but not least, I LOVE the sound: breathy, but not too breathy. Pure and clear, but not too “reedy”. It doesn’t sound as a recorder, it doesn’t sound as an Irish flute, it sounds as a LOW D whistle. This whistle has many qualities at at a very competitive price. Negatives ? Not many. Perhaps, to my ears, the high E is a bit flat. But with all respect for Susato and Dixon, I think that the Merlin is a level above. And to deal with Jenny, from Merlin, is a pleasure.
I just wanted to share this positive experience with other forum members. Thanks.
So do any of the whitlesmiths have a fix for a flat high E? I know I could probably sit down and figure this out for myself, but why choose personal growth when you could opt for the easy way? Huh?