are there players out there who play wooden low whistles? - i did a search and found that ralph sweet offers one for $395, quite steep but for wood i suppose there’s a premium - does anyone favour a wooden low whistle over a good alumninium whistle, say an overton or o’briain? apologies if this has been dealt with before - i’m not really a whstle person although i love listening to good playing and whilst i’m on the subject i’d like to mention a player who was from galway who died in 1983 but who recorded a couple of reels for a show that was featured on come west along the road a few years ago, the same episode that featured a young conan o grada (i’ve got his name wrong haven’t i?) his playing was lovely, i’d give a lot to play like that - i’m sure someone out there will know his name, i think his surname may have been cahill
I’m starting to become a big fan of wooden whistles… I haven’t had the pleasure of playing a low wooden whistle, though I hope to sometime in the future, but Sweetheart is the only one that comes to mind, though I’m sure there are others.
$400 is a bit steep, but I think it goes to the fact that that a bit more craftsmanship is required in terms of turning the wood, boring it out, etc (not saying that metal whistles are any less work, of course ;P).
Noah Herbison (Laughing Whistles) now makes a cedar low whistle. Pics and sound clip on his website. http://www.members.shaw.ca/noahherbison/music/
Anyone try one of these?
Mike Grinter makes soo-perb low whistles in various kinds of wood. I have a Low D in Cocobolo that I plan to have buried with me. Not so good for sessions for 2 reasons, though. Very thin wood, so kinda fragile. I don’t tend to take mine anywhere “rough”. Also, beautiful tone but quiet. Great for recording and gigging with, but not really a session animal. I believe Ciaran Tourish plays 'em, and Mike Katz certainly does. If you want to go to www.malinky.com you can listen to clips of tracks I’ve done with mine. “My Ain Counterie” from Unseen Hours, and “The False Lover Won Back” and “Follow the Heron” from 3 Ravens. Mike puts the same workmanship into his low whistles as he does his flutes. Just magnificent beasts. m.d.
I believe Dale commented on the Sweetheart Dymondwood low D a while back but I couldn’t find the thread. I believe he said it was the best low D he had ever played.
Ron
Why not pass it on after you die so that others can enjoy it?
Don’t know if Dale reviewed the Sweetheart Low D, but Redwolf did, and really loved it.
Phil Bleazey also makes wooden low whistles http://www.bleazey.co.uk/
A Burke Composite may be worth considering. The Sweethearts are super Whistles I have on of the Pros in High D and the Flute that is like the Low Whistle only it has a Flute head.
There is a Swayne wood Low D for sale on UK Ebay at the moment - very rare
seanny…
I’ve been playing all types of low whistles for seven years.
Some quick subjective comparisons, from my experience, might help.
Sweet Blackwood Low D. (Same design as the Dymondwood, I believe.)
Beautifully crafted. Nice voice. Great whistle. The small tone-holes didn’t suit my penchant for half-holing, so I didn’t keep it. Taking it apart, to dry, each time it’s played…didn’t appeal, either.
Bernard Overton non-tunable Low Eb. For me, better in every way. Voice. Ease of play. Upkeep(?) A simple “magical” whistle.
Burke Composite Low D. (DLCP) A “woody” flavor to the sound. Incredibly easy to handle and play. Comfortable. Well in tune. Almost zip upkeep. Always ready to go…no warmup needed. Pick it up and play. (and just over half the price of the Dymondwood) IMHO, a great design by Mike Burke. (For what it’s worth, I’ve had people say they thought they were listening to a Native American Flute.)
Good luck. Hope these ruminations help…
James
Now…I must get back to A-Musing.
Phil Hardy has a video clip of one of those on his website. I’m not a low whistle fan but it sounded pretty good.
And it is the best wooden low whistle I have ever played. Had a Grinter Low F: sold it. Tried a Sweet Low D: passed on it.
I call the Bleazey Low D my swooning whistle because my wife can’t resist it. Well, I did sell my Mopani one only because I expect my Olive one any day now!!! 
If my new Olive High D is any indication this one will be way better. Time will tell. The only other Low D I have had and kept is my Goldie made Overton.