Hi all,
I want to buy my first low whistle,
probably an Alba, or Chieftain, or maybe an Overton.
I'd like to have a whistle with a good backpressure and that goes easily to the high notes ( A and B ).
Any suggestion?
I would definately go for an Alba. I may self have just had a cheitan low D sent over which I did not really enjoy (some funny noises!!!) and have had a small toot an Overton which I did not really take to either. Nope, I'd definately go 4 the Alba. Good price, no waiting list, lovely big notes and tones: Bliss
My favorite is a Low "A" by SHAW. It is easy to play , has a great tone and gives me the option od playing the key of "D" with a different voice than my tenor whistle. Extremely tapered bore yields accuracy in the second octave. WB
If you want something with significant backpressure (as your list tends to lean towards) then do not go with the Shaw. Any of the ones you have mentioned would probably be good low whistles.
Gian Marco, you'll also want to get a sense of how much chiff you get with each whistle. Your choice will also depend in part on whether you prefer a round, "flutey" tone, or a chiffier, "whistley" tone. The only way I know of figuring this out is to play the actual whistles.
I would go with overton for a low whistle. Had very bad experiences with a reputable "brand" before which I won't mention who it was, as I don't really think that does any good. But my advice is get in contact with Colin Goldie, tell him what you're after, and you'll get what you ask for in my experince, which is "quality"... I have 3 low Overton whistles at present, D, Eb & F. His website is http://www.overton.co.uk and if like you can say I recommended them, if you choose Overton.
I'm not sure if this is of any help, but have a good look through the chiff and fipple site, they talk and breathe whistle playing in there, really good whistle/flute/uilleann pipes community, see: http://www.chiffandfipple.com/whatamess.html and good luck with your choice!
I have heard that the overtons need to be warmed up. (sorry for my english)
With my band I play mainly the flute and I have no time on a stage to warm up a whistle...
I play the flute too, and it's not really a problem for me to "warm them up". Just cover the hole at the top of the mouthpiece (or fipple) with your finger, and blow into a couple of times. Due to the nature of aluminium and the heat transfer co-efficient, condensation will occur (which is just basic physics), but you will find many posts in the chiffandfipple forums to tell you how to deal with this if you have any concerns, for example, see this post: http://www.chiffandfipple.com/moist.htm (Be sure to read the disclaimer at the bottom: "THIS METHOD IS NOT EFFECTIVE AS A BIRTH CONTROL MEASURE")!
Have I been asleep or is this one of the first Zina posts in a long time. Did I miss others??
Welcome back Zina - missed you here. Hope all is well with you.
marco, i have a chieftain and have trouble reaching the bottom hole, much more of a stretch than my pratten style flute. it has a great sounding second octave though.
I have a Chieftain. I don't have a problem with the spacings - one of the reasons I did not pick the Overton as I found the stretch too much. Overtons are certainly favoured by many however and are the 'original' low whistle. I would not go for the Alba personally. I find the sound just does not have enough depth to it. MK Whistles (Misha Somerville from Croft no 5) is the newest kid on the block and his whistles are very good (www.mkwhistles.com). They are priced the same as the Overton non-tuneable whistles but come with a brass tuning slide.
Gian-Marco,
If your able to play the flute it's no problem to finger the low whistle. I would recommend Colin Goldie
mail to: goldie@rp-plus.de
He is a nice guy, and he will make a whistle to your wishes. He makes the original Overton design and his own with slightly different holes better tp grip. He can adjust the whistles to some amount regarding pressure, air consumption, sound, volume...
And he is not so far away from you!
Visiting the Chiff and Fipple as mentioned earlier will give you some valuable guidance. As someone said, if you have some idea of the sort of tone you'd like, that would help others to direct you. I've heard more than half a dozen makes and each one had its own voice. The other quirk is how some people are better able to play one over another, and that can be individual too. Some just love their Overtons. Some prefer metal, others like plastics. You're sadly probably not in a place where you can sample different makes. If you can, holiday somewhere where there's some choice. The ideal would be for the whistle and you to find each other, rather than having to settle with whatever single low whistle you opt for via post. I did once get my hands on half a dozen low D Shaws, and even there they each had their own voice.
I know this only adds to the aggravation. I wish you luck in finding your new friend, and with hopes that it is a friendly relationship rather than a battle of wills, which some whistles can be. See if the seller allows a grace period. I know it is a 'blown' instrument, but with the cash one costs it would be good to give it a go first before commitment. Maybe you could then get and agreement and try say three, maybe from the same source, and then decide amongst them. There are some whistle specialist and maybe they'd agree to that. I have done something similar with other instruments before. Give it a try...
Don't write off the Howard, as some folks quite like that tone, much improved with the reworking of the head as he finally did. The first batch were shight...
I swear by my tuneable Cillian O'Brien low D for its rich tone with a wider range of dynamic contrast than any low whistle I've played (I have played Chieftans, Overtons, Albas, O'Riordains, etc...). I'm not sure why these whistles haven't gotten more notice... If you've the chance you should definitely give one a shot...
My first and only low whistle is a Cillian non-tunable that is wonderful. The low D is a big stretch, but not hard to adjust to. The high notes are lovely.
Bestcraic, you know he's not making them anymore. I had to have mine ordered from the States.
I know they are 'an arm and a leg', but way back before the man really became famous I had the fortune to plays some of his instruments, flutes and whistles, and he is damned talented and well informed on the subject. Someday before I die I might get my hands on one of his silvers, or if I win the lottery. I suppose you have to play to win that don't you, buy tickets or some such thing?
RE: Copeland whistles and flutes...Michael Copeland is my dear friend and instructor/trainer. He is on sabbatical from flute and whistle production, having just got married and moving (including his workshop). I believe Copeland Woodwinds wore him out since the business became just that, a business, and less of an art. When he gets back to making instruments, it will probably a hobby/art. Stay tuned.
First Low whistle
First Low whistle
Hi all,
I want to buy my first low whistle,
probably an Alba, or Chieftain, or maybe an Overton.
I'd like to have a whistle with a good backpressure and that goes easily to the high notes ( A and B ).
Any suggestion?
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by gian marco
Re: First Low whistle
I would definately go for an Alba. I may self have just had a cheitan low D sent over which I did not really enjoy (some funny noises!!!) and have had a small toot an Overton which I did not really take to either. Nope, I'd definately go 4 the Alba. Good price, no waiting list, lovely big notes and tones: Bliss
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by fiddlinzombie
Re: First Low whistle
My favorite is a Low "A" by SHAW. It is easy to play , has a great tone and gives me the option od playing the key of "D" with a different voice than my tenor whistle. Extremely tapered bore yields accuracy in the second octave. WB
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by wvwhistler
Re: First Low whistle
I forgot to say that my question is about a whistle in D.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by gian marco
Re: First Low whistle
Go with the Chieftan! They are the best.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by nfiddle
Re: First Low whistle
If you want something with significant backpressure (as your list tends to lean towards) then do not go with the Shaw. Any of the ones you have mentioned would probably be good low whistles.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by michael_coleman
Re: First Low whistle
Gian Marco, you'll also want to get a sense of how much chiff you get with each whistle. Your choice will also depend in part on whether you prefer a round, "flutey" tone, or a chiffier, "whistley" tone. The only way I know of figuring this out is to play the actual whistles.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by Will Harmon
Re: First Low whistle
I would go with overton for a low whistle. Had very bad experiences with a reputable "brand" before which I won't mention who it was, as I don't really think that does any good. But my advice is get in contact with Colin Goldie, tell him what you're after, and you'll get what you ask for in my experince, which is "quality"... I have 3 low Overton whistles at present, D, Eb & F. His website is http://www.overton.co.uk and if like you can say I recommended them, if you choose Overton.
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by Murrough
Re: First Low whistle
I just checked that link, and here is a backdoor into it: http://www.overton.de/texte/overtonuk.html
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by Murrough
Re: First Low whistle
I'm not sure if this is of any help, but have a good look through the chiff and fipple site, they talk and breathe whistle playing in there, really good whistle/flute/uilleann pipes community, see:
http://www.chiffandfipple.com/whatamess.html and good luck with your choice!
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by Murrough
Re: First Low whistle
I have heard that the overtons need to be warmed up. (sorry for my english)
With my band I play mainly the flute and I have no time on a stage to warm up a whistle...
# Posted on November 1st 2004 by gian marco
Re: First Low whistle
I play the flute too, and it's not really a problem for me to "warm them up". Just cover the hole at the top of the mouthpiece (or fipple) with your finger, and blow into a couple of times. Due to the nature of aluminium and the heat transfer co-efficient, condensation will occur (which is just basic physics), but you will find many posts in the chiffandfipple forums to tell you how to deal with this if you have any concerns, for example, see this post: http://www.chiffandfipple.com/moist.htm (Be sure to read the disclaimer at the bottom: "THIS METHOD IS NOT EFFECTIVE AS A BIRTH CONTROL MEASURE")!
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by Murrough
Re: First Low whistle
Being known as a frequent contributer to chaffing nipples might be, though. *smirk* Kidding. I'm kidding.
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: First Low whistle
Have I been asleep or is this one of the first Zina posts in a long time. Did I miss others??
Welcome back Zina - missed you here. Hope all is well with you.
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by Donough
Re: First Low whistle
marco, i have a chieftain and have trouble reaching the bottom hole, much more of a stretch than my pratten style flute. it has a great sounding second octave though.
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by Dont
Re: First Low whistle
overton, no contest
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by llig leahcim
Re: First Low whistle
I have a Chieftain. I don't have a problem with the spacings - one of the reasons I did not pick the Overton as I found the stretch too much. Overtons are certainly favoured by many however and are the 'original' low whistle. I would not go for the Alba personally. I find the sound just does not have enough depth to it. MK Whistles (Misha Somerville from Croft no 5) is the newest kid on the block and his whistles are very good (www.mkwhistles.com). They are priced the same as the Overton non-tuneable whistles but come with a brass tuning slide.
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: First Low whistle
Try making your own. I did.
It's easy.
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: First Low whistle
I've seen 12 year old girls will doll hands and pencil fingers play Overton low Ds. So less whining about the spacing
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by llig leahcim
Re: First Low whistle
Gian-Marco,
If your able to play the flute it's no problem to finger the low whistle. I would recommend Colin Goldie
mail to: goldie@rp-plus.de
He is a nice guy, and he will make a whistle to your wishes. He makes the original Overton design and his own with slightly different holes better tp grip. He can adjust the whistles to some amount regarding pressure, air consumption, sound, volume...
And he is not so far away from you!
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by swisspiper
Re: First Low whistle
....who knows the MK whistles?
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by gian marco
Another source some swear by for low whistles:
http://www.burkewhistles.com/
Visiting the Chiff and Fipple as mentioned earlier will give you some valuable guidance. As someone said, if you have some idea of the sort of tone you'd like, that would help others to direct you. I've heard more than half a dozen makes and each one had its own voice. The other quirk is how some people are better able to play one over another, and that can be individual too. Some just love their Overtons. Some prefer metal, others like plastics. You're sadly probably not in a place where you can sample different makes. If you can, holiday somewhere where there's some choice. The ideal would be for the whistle and you to find each other, rather than having to settle with whatever single low whistle you opt for via post. I did once get my hands on half a dozen low D Shaws, and even there they each had their own voice.
I know this only adds to the aggravation. I wish you luck in finding your new friend, and with hopes that it is a friendly relationship rather than a battle of wills, which some whistles can be. See if the seller allows a grace period. I know it is a 'blown' instrument, but with the cash one costs it would be good to give it a go first before commitment. Maybe you could then get and agreement and try say three, maybe from the same source, and then decide amongst them. There are some whistle specialist and maybe they'd agree to that. I have done something similar with other instruments before. Give it a try...
http://www.bigwhistle.co.uk/
Don't write off the Howard, as some folks quite like that tone, much improved with the reworking of the head as he finally did. The first batch were shight...
My hopes and best wishes are with you...
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by ceolachan
Re: First Low whistle
I swear by my tuneable Cillian O'Brien low D for its rich tone with a wider range of dynamic contrast than any low whistle I've played (I have played Chieftans, Overtons, Albas, O'Riordains, etc...). I'm not sure why these whistles haven't gotten more notice... If you've the chance you should definitely give one a shot...
# Posted on November 2nd 2004 by bestcraic
Re: First Low whistle
My first and only low whistle is a Cillian non-tunable that is wonderful. The low D is a big stretch, but not hard to adjust to. The high notes are lovely.
Bestcraic, you know he's not making them anymore. I had to have mine ordered from the States.
Athena
# Posted on November 3rd 2004 by act
Re: First Low whistle
Wow Athena, I didn't know! and I've been fantasizing about getting a whole set of lows from him... Bummer!
BC
# Posted on November 4th 2004 by bestcraic
Cillian O'Brien whistles:
http://www.shannaquay.com/
http://www.shannaquay.com/item.jhtml?UCIDs=963379%7C1005858&PRID=872458
# Posted on November 4th 2004 by ceolachan
Copeland Whistles:
I know they are 'an arm and a leg', but way back before the man really became famous I had the fortune to plays some of his instruments, flutes and whistles, and he is damned talented and well informed on the subject. Someday before I die I might get my hands on one of his silvers, or if I win the lottery. I suppose you have to play to win that don't you, buy tickets or some such thing?
http://www.copelandwoodwinds.com/
Sadly, for all those nefarious reasons life can put in ones way, some great whistle makers have ceased production.
# Posted on November 4th 2004 by ceolachan
Re: First Low whistle
RE: Copeland whistles and flutes...Michael Copeland is my dear friend and instructor/trainer. He is on sabbatical from flute and whistle production, having just got married and moving (including his workshop). I believe Copeland Woodwinds wore him out since the business became just that, a business, and less of an art. When he gets back to making instruments, it will probably a hobby/art. Stay tuned.
C.Smitty
# Posted on May 14th 2008 by c.smitty