Hey, I play the tin whistle and I believe I am ready, to go on to the low d whistles. I have been looking, and listening to: Chieftains, Albas, and Kerry's. But I am still deciding. I am wondering if I should buy a tunable or not....? And also, where can you get a low d whistle for a really good price, but still plays well?
There's a couple of Low Whistles for sale over at the Chiff&Fipple website....a Howard and an Overton....
I've bought stuff from members there and they seem to be a genuine lot of people...good luck
I recommend the Goldie/Overton Low D - I have a tunable version and have needed to tune it in sessions, I think particularly while you're learning to control the low whistle you'll find yourself going flat or sharp, and when somebody points it out at a sesh, it's good to have that tuning slide!
Again, I think the Overtons are the royalty of low whistles.
Yes, Overtons are the royalty of low whistles. Bernard Overton invented the thing and it hasn't yet been surpassed.
However, they are not easy to play in tune. They have no dynamic range. (Or rather, you can play it quieter or louder, but you'd be playing it out of tune. And the last thing you want to be doing with such an instrument is messing with tuning it. So I really disagree with the above post. Get a fixed pitched one and learn to play it.)
The whistle player in our session (who is really really good) doesn't have tunable whistles. Instead he has a pit of cardstock paper around the bottom end of the whistle, attached with a rubber band. He slides the paper down to extend about a quarter inch once the whistle has warmed up. He always sounds in tune to me.
G'day there Knightonirish girl....get on to the Chiff&Fipple site www.chiffandfipple.com and go to the Forum Index and then go to the Whistle section...they're in there..
Fair enough Mr Gill - I'm pretty new but have found that the Overtons (low and soprano) do perform better and more consistently when leaned into with intent! However - until you reach that point you might want to give your tunes an outing at a session and be more in tune. It's not much extra for the tuning slide, and makes the thing slightly easier to clean as well.
As I've been having a go on the whistle lately, and find it a bit addictive (won't be attempting to play it in public for a long time yet, if ever) I thought I'd buy something lower, and got a tuneable Dixon Alto in A. I've only had it a few days but I really like it (I got it from here: http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/dixon.htm ) It has quite a flutey, breathy, sound, and seems good (and loud enough) for playing session tunes in D. For the price it seems a good impulse buy, whereas low whistles come a bit more expensive (but they're so nice, aren't they?): http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/cartloww.htm
I am no serious whistle player, but do take them out now and then.
When I wanted a low whistle, i went for the Dixon tunables. I have received nothing but positive feedback when playing it.
And note once more, I am NO whistle player really, so it is likely not the "brilliance" of my playing that has impressed the listeners. We all simply like the sound of this particular whistle.
No. Especially if you are new to low whistle. I have tuneable and non tunable Overtons. The fixed Overton is perfectly in tune, if it isn't then it's being blown out of tune. You can blow a tuneable out of tune as well and then you may alter it to a position that plays in tune when you blow incorrectly but that does nobody any good.
I have a tuneable as sometimes I tune to out of tune accordions or pipes or when at a multiple string session where they all tune UP slighly through the evening. But I usually just casually tell them they are sharp and pass them a tuner. Arsey maybe, but better than suffering all night.
Overtons, like most whistle may be slightly flat when cold but cover the hole with your finger and blow warm air hard through the whistle and it'll be perfect. If you tune it then it will only be sharp after a few bars. I have hardly ever altered the tuninig on Overtons.
Before you buy any low whistle, try it out first. Especially if you are a woman with small hands. Some low whistles have an easy stretch between holes, but others have either a huge stretch on the bottom holes or holes so huge your pinky finger finger won't cover it all. If you're stretching your hand to reach holes, you lose a lot of mobility and things like rolls become really hard to play.
Remember that temperature affects the pitch a whistle plays. So, a nontunable whistle only plays at A=440 AT ONE TEMPERATURE. So, a nontunable is fine IF you're always going to play with people who are tuned to A=440, IF you happen to always be playing in a room that's the temperature at which your whistle plays at A=440.
That's too many if's for me.
In the real world, you'll encounter accordions, pipes, and even entire sessions which are tuned higher or lower than A=440. And you'll encounter environments colder or warmer than the one single environment your whistle plays at A=440 in.
I just played at a wedding last weekend where it was cold and the harp, guitar, and fiddle I was playing with all went very sharp, while at the same time all my whistles were going very flat. (Temperature effects stringed instruments and wind instruments in an opposite way.)
Now, they could have stopped the wedding so the harpist, guitarist, and fiddler re-tuned to my now-very-flat whistles (they between them having over fifty strings to tune), or they could have heard a horridly out-of-tune group play at their wedding, or I could have just stopped playing altogether.
But lucky me- I had TUNABLE WHISTLES. So I shoved them in and played IN TUNE. (We were probably up to A=450 or so.)
About low whistle makers, I've now tried four Overtons ranging in age from around 1980 to a new one. The new one is the only one I liked at all.
I've tried a new Copeland, a new MK, a Kerry, a couple Susatos. None make me want to give up my Burke low D.
i play a chieftan A(tunable) F(tunable) and G(non)...theyre great...not far of a stretch for my fingers and the holes arent too big to cover with my pinky....nice tone too...
NOTE that you should really find someone at your local session who plays low whistles and ask them for a try...
oh and i am able to stretch my fingers quite a long way apart comfortably because i play the piano so what might be comfortable for me might not suit you....
Kerry whistles are also nice...ive played a few and have no complaints...to hear there tone just search "michael mcgoldrick" on youtube...he plays kerry low whistles and definitely shows them off to their best advantage!!
any problems feel free to email me
come on the whislte players!!!!!
I like my Copeland Low D quite a bit, but it wouldn't hold up will in a session (it's a quiet bugger). Now, my Burke Pro Viper...mmmmm. It's quickly become my favorite low whistle. I've got one in F also and my next whistle will be a Low C. Personally, I think Mike's making a heck of a product.
Thank you all for your input! It has helped me figure out which whistles are the best. Though, what does anyone have to say more about Chieftains? I think I have decided to go with a tunable. But, should I go with metal or....?
TheSilverSpear: Thank you for advice. I DO need to try it out. But, unfortunately I live no where near a place that would sell Whistles...:(
Craicagusceol: I wish I DID live near a session. Yes, I do play the piano (Occasionally, b/c I love the whistle to much). So, I should take that into account...Hm...
Thank you all again for your advice. It has helped a bunch! Now, I need to listen, and eliminate some...which will be very hard....
I suggest you get a low G or A , perhaps as a half way step to the low D. also plan to get a few over time, its the only real way I preferred the Howard to the overton low D, its personal taste a lot.
Susato make good whistles.... but plastic. All Metal ones will have a longer lifespan.
Mairtin Lom I believe you do need to play the Overton with intent.
The small airway gets too moist if you don't. But it is not the simple matter of blowing harder. You can control the stream of air & eliminate the problem of clogging. On the low notes be sure to keep the airflow directly through the windway. If that makes sense. On the higher notes do the same & make the aperture of your lips smaller. It works for me ~ I just hope someone can give a better description.
KnightonIrishGirl I thought Low D's were every where. As far as the Chieftain goes I wouldn't want to get one without playing it 1st. The Overton's (made by Bernard & Colin) "tend to be" better.
If you just wanted to try a Low D email me. I have a bag of them & would gladly let you try one. One of the things to consider going from high whistle to Low D is the lower hand finger stretch ~ between your middle & ring finger. It takes a bit of time before the Vulcan stretch is comfortable.
Live long & prosper.
yeah, there is a special technique for low whistles[ for those of us with normal hands] that uses the 2nd pad of the fingers, not the tip. straight fingers. after a while its normal enough.
TheMuse: I know what you mean about the "Vulcan stretch.... LOL! And I would love to try out one of your low d whistles... Thank you...
You all are right about needing to try the fingering. Thanks for the advice. I think I have decided to go with a metal, tunable whistle...still have to find what type though...
Last night I pulled out the old whistles.
KnightonIrishGirl it is true I have too many.
Please email me if you think one of these will help you learn Low D. But 1st you might want to call Colin about making a whistle. If nothing else it would be worth talking to him. Short of that you could get a low whistle from Michael Burke. I have several of his ~ including a nice Mezzo-G.
Another maker who has sound sampes is Ken Matsusaka's (S.Z.B.E). He makes a Low D. I also like the 1 Ian Lambe I played. But I digress ~ call Colin.
So you know here is what is in the bag ~
1-pc Susato Low D
2-pc Susato Low Eb
- (or is it 3-pc?)
1-pc brass Low D made in India
- probably not for sessions (I think another player would have to tune to you) Great for solos. Very cheap but I like it.
Now from goggling it looks like you are an Irish girl in Wales 'Knighton' near England?
Someone on this site must know where you can try a Low D near Knighton. You really should try one.
I am in northern California & will help you if you need .
My Low whistles include a few more which I might consider selling ~
1-pc T & G, Black anodized Howard, & D/C combo Cillian O'Briain.
Cheers!
>>TheMuse - thanks for your comments about directing the airflow through my Overton. Very useful for me, and adds some control that I think i was missing. To be practiced!
About the stretch - I'd guess that the piper's grip will be the only way for any woman with normal sized hands. I have big fat ditch-digger's hands and definitely couldn't play with the tips.
I have Burke tunable low D that I just love! The very end of the whistle can rotate so you move the position of the last hole making it easier to play.
TheMuse: Oh, thank you! And, no, I do not live in England or Ireland, unfortunately. :o( Though, some of my ancestors do come from there. But I suppose that doesn't count...LOL! I live in TX.
Thank you for offering to let me try your whistles!! Who is Colin?
Thank you ALL for your comments. They are really helping...
I know many fine people in Texas.
Unfortunately I could not say who might have a Low whistle. If you in the southern parts ~ Austin ~ I could call a few people. Maybe even 200 miles north of there.
Coin Goldie Overton whistles. I have called him up before. You just have to figure out the time difference. http://www.overton.co.uk/texte/csghomeuk.html
I still have the bag 'o whistles. Just let me know.
Cheers!
Hey all I am soon to get a low whistle and I can't wait. However, a thought came to my mind the other day. I was wondering if it was HARD to tune the tunable low whistles? It was just a thought.
Tunable low whistle or not?
Tunable low whistle or not?
Hey, I play the tin whistle and I believe I am ready, to go on to the low d whistles. I have been looking, and listening to: Chieftains, Albas, and Kerry's. But I am still deciding.
I am wondering if I should buy a tunable or not....? And also, where can you get a low d whistle for a really good price, but still plays well?
Thanks...
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by KnightonIrishGirl
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
There's a couple of Low Whistles for sale over at the Chiff&Fipple website....a Howard and an Overton....
I've bought stuff from members there and they seem to be a genuine lot of people...good luck
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by zoukboy
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
It depends if you intend to play with people who are out of tune?
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by ...
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
I recommend the Goldie/Overton Low D - I have a tunable version and have needed to tune it in sessions, I think particularly while you're learning to control the low whistle you'll find yourself going flat or sharp, and when somebody points it out at a sesh, it's good to have that tuning slide!
Again, I think the Overtons are the royalty of low whistles.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Martin_BC
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
Yes, Overtons are the royalty of low whistles. Bernard Overton invented the thing and it hasn't yet been surpassed.
However, they are not easy to play in tune. They have no dynamic range. (Or rather, you can play it quieter or louder, but you'd be playing it out of tune. And the last thing you want to be doing with such an instrument is messing with tuning it. So I really disagree with the above post. Get a fixed pitched one and learn to play it.)
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by ...
Whistle or not?
What a humble fellow ;)
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
I have a terrific Overton whistle. I can't play it
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by ...
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
Thank you for your comments. I was listening to the Overton's and they sound beautiful! You all are right about the tunable.
Zoukboy: Where did you go in "Chiff & Fipple" to buy your Low whistle?
Thanks again!
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by KnightonIrishGirl
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
What do you have Llig leahcim?
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by KnightonIrishGirl
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
Sorry, I got a bit confused there with my triple posting
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by ...
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
I have a terrific Overton. I can't play it
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by ...
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
The whistle player in our session (who is really really good) doesn't have tunable whistles. Instead he has a pit of cardstock paper around the bottom end of the whistle, attached with a rubber band. He slides the paper down to extend about a quarter inch once the whistle has warmed up. He always sounds in tune to me.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by sbhikes
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
G'day there Knightonirish girl....get on to the Chiff&Fipple site www.chiffandfipple.com and go to the Forum Index and then go to the Whistle section...they're in there..
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by zoukboy
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
If you're having trouble finding the Forum section on C&F(as I did) here's the link.....
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/index.php?sid=6bc68922b90b59cfc9bfde432857e463
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by zoukboy
Tunable Goldie
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=55293
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
Fair enough Mr Gill - I'm pretty new but have found that the Overtons (low and soprano) do perform better and more consistently when leaned into with intent! However - until you reach that point you might want to give your tunes an outing at a session and be more in tune. It's not much extra for the tuning slide, and makes the thing slightly easier to clean as well.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Martin_BC
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
As I've been having a go on the whistle lately, and find it a bit addictive (won't be attempting to play it in public for a long time yet, if ever) I thought I'd buy something lower, and got a tuneable Dixon Alto in A. I've only had it a few days but I really like it (I got it from here: http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/dixon.htm ) It has quite a flutey, breathy, sound, and seems good (and loud enough) for playing session tunes in D. For the price it seems a good impulse buy, whereas low whistles come a bit more expensive (but they're so nice, aren't they?): http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/cartloww.htm
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by RichardB
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
I am no serious whistle player, but do take them out now and then.
When I wanted a low whistle, i went for the Dixon tunables. I have received nothing but positive feedback when playing it.
And note once more, I am NO whistle player really, so it is likely not the "brilliance" of my playing that has impressed the listeners. We all simply like the sound of this particular whistle.
My two cents.
Good luck.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Piece
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
No. Especially if you are new to low whistle. I have tuneable and non tunable Overtons. The fixed Overton is perfectly in tune, if it isn't then it's being blown out of tune. You can blow a tuneable out of tune as well and then you may alter it to a position that plays in tune when you blow incorrectly but that does nobody any good.
I have a tuneable as sometimes I tune to out of tune accordions or pipes or when at a multiple string session where they all tune UP slighly through the evening. But I usually just casually tell them they are sharp and pass them a tuner. Arsey maybe, but better than suffering all night.
Overtons, like most whistle may be slightly flat when cold but cover the hole with your finger and blow warm air hard through the whistle and it'll be perfect. If you tune it then it will only be sharp after a few bars. I have hardly ever altered the tuninig on Overtons.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by bogman
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
Before you buy any low whistle, try it out first. Especially if you are a woman with small hands. Some low whistles have an easy stretch between holes, but others have either a huge stretch on the bottom holes or holes so huge your pinky finger finger won't cover it all. If you're stretching your hand to reach holes, you lose a lot of mobility and things like rolls become really hard to play.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
Remember that temperature affects the pitch a whistle plays. So, a nontunable whistle only plays at A=440 AT ONE TEMPERATURE. So, a nontunable is fine IF you're always going to play with people who are tuned to A=440, IF you happen to always be playing in a room that's the temperature at which your whistle plays at A=440.
That's too many if's for me.
In the real world, you'll encounter accordions, pipes, and even entire sessions which are tuned higher or lower than A=440. And you'll encounter environments colder or warmer than the one single environment your whistle plays at A=440 in.
I just played at a wedding last weekend where it was cold and the harp, guitar, and fiddle I was playing with all went very sharp, while at the same time all my whistles were going very flat. (Temperature effects stringed instruments and wind instruments in an opposite way.)
Now, they could have stopped the wedding so the harpist, guitarist, and fiddler re-tuned to my now-very-flat whistles (they between them having over fifty strings to tune), or they could have heard a horridly out-of-tune group play at their wedding, or I could have just stopped playing altogether.
But lucky me- I had TUNABLE WHISTLES. So I shoved them in and played IN TUNE. (We were probably up to A=450 or so.)
About low whistle makers, I've now tried four Overtons ranging in age from around 1980 to a new one. The new one is the only one I liked at all.
I've tried a new Copeland, a new MK, a Kerry, a couple Susatos. None make me want to give up my Burke low D.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Richard D Cook
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
i play a chieftan A(tunable) F(tunable) and G(non)...theyre great...not far of a stretch for my fingers and the holes arent too big to cover with my pinky....nice tone too...
NOTE
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Mrs.Lonal Dunny
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
NOTE that you should really find someone at your local session who plays low whistles and ask them for a try...
oh and i am able to stretch my fingers quite a long way apart comfortably because i play the piano so what might be comfortable for me might not suit you....
Kerry whistles are also nice...ive played a few and have no complaints...to hear there tone just search "michael mcgoldrick" on youtube...he plays kerry low whistles and definitely shows them off to their best advantage!!
any problems feel free to email me
come on the whislte players!!!!!
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Mrs.Lonal Dunny
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
I like my Copeland Low D quite a bit, but it wouldn't hold up will in a session (it's a quiet bugger). Now, my Burke Pro Viper...mmmmm. It's quickly become my favorite low whistle. I've got one in F also and my next whistle will be a Low C. Personally, I think Mike's making a heck of a product.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Ashkettle
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
Thank you all for your input! It has helped me figure out which whistles are the best. Though, what does anyone have to say more about Chieftains? I think I have decided to go with a tunable. But, should I go with metal or....?
I DO need to try it out. But, unfortunately I live no where near a place that would sell Whistles...:( 
TheSilverSpear: Thank you for advice.
Craicagusceol: I wish I DID live near a session. Yes, I do play the piano (Occasionally, b/c I love the whistle to much). So, I should take that into account...Hm...
Thank you all again for your advice. It has helped a bunch! Now, I need to listen, and eliminate some...which will be very hard....
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by KnightonIrishGirl
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
I suggest you get a low G or A , perhaps as a half way step to the low D. also plan to get a few over time, its the only real way I preferred the Howard to the overton low D, its personal taste a lot.
Susato make good whistles.... but plastic. All Metal ones will have a longer lifespan.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by piobagusfidil
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
Mairtin Lom I believe you do need to play the Overton with intent.
The small airway gets too moist if you don't. But it is not the simple matter of blowing harder. You can control the stream of air & eliminate the problem of clogging. On the low notes be sure to keep the airflow directly through the windway. If that makes sense. On the higher notes do the same & make the aperture of your lips smaller. It works for me ~ I just hope someone can give a better description.
KnightonIrishGirl I thought Low D's were every where. As far as the Chieftain goes I wouldn't want to get one without playing it 1st. The Overton's (made by Bernard & Colin) "tend to be" better.
If you just wanted to try a Low D email me. I have a bag of them & would gladly let you try one. One of the things to consider going from high whistle to Low D is the lower hand finger stretch ~ between your middle & ring finger. It takes a bit of time before the Vulcan stretch is comfortable.
Live long & prosper.
# Posted on January 25th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
yeah, there is a special technique for low whistles[ for those of us with normal hands] that uses the 2nd pad of the fingers, not the tip. straight fingers. after a while its normal enough.
# Posted on January 26th 2008 by piobagusfidil
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
My Susato is a nice player, but if I had the cash, I'd go for Michael Burke for a low D.
# Posted on January 26th 2008 by whistler gan ainm
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
You all are right about needing to try the fingering. Thanks for the advice. I think I have decided to go with a metal, tunable whistle...still have to find what type though...
# Posted on January 26th 2008 by KnightonIrishGirl
Bag 'O Whistles
Last night I pulled out the old whistles.
KnightonIrishGirl it is true I have too many.
Please email me if you think one of these will help you learn Low D. But 1st you might want to call Colin about making a whistle. If nothing else it would be worth talking to him. Short of that you could get a low whistle from Michael Burke. I have several of his ~ including a nice Mezzo-G.
Another maker who has sound sampes is Ken Matsusaka's (S.Z.B.E). He makes a Low D. I also like the 1 Ian Lambe I played. But I digress ~ call Colin.
So you know here is what is in the bag ~
1-pc Susato Low D
2-pc Susato Low Eb
- (or is it 3-pc?)
1-pc brass Low D made in India
- probably not for sessions (I think another player would have to tune to you) Great for solos. Very cheap but I like it.
Now from goggling it looks like you are an Irish girl in Wales 'Knighton' near England?
Someone on this site must know where you can try a Low D near Knighton. You really should try one.
I am in northern California & will help you if you need .
My Low whistles include a few more which I might consider selling ~
1-pc T & G, Black anodized Howard, & D/C combo Cillian O'Briain.
Cheers!
# Posted on January 26th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
>>TheMuse - thanks for your comments about directing the airflow through my Overton. Very useful for me, and adds some control that I think i was missing. To be practiced!
About the stretch - I'd guess that the piper's grip will be the only way for any woman with normal sized hands. I have big fat ditch-digger's hands and definitely couldn't play with the tips.
# Posted on January 27th 2008 by Martin_BC
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
I have Burke tunable low D that I just love! The very end of the whistle can rotate so you move the position of the last hole making it easier to play.
# Posted on January 27th 2008 by tbradfish
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
TheMuse: Oh, thank you! And, no, I do not live in England or Ireland, unfortunately. :o( Though, some of my ancestors do come from there. But I suppose that doesn't count...LOL! I live in TX.
Thank you for offering to let me try your whistles!! Who is Colin?
Thank you ALL for your comments. They are really helping...
# Posted on January 28th 2008 by KnightonIrishGirl
Tunable low whistle
I know many fine people in Texas.
Unfortunately I could not say who might have a Low whistle. If you in the southern parts ~ Austin ~ I could call a few people. Maybe even 200 miles north of there.
Coin Goldie Overton whistles. I have called him up before. You just have to figure out the time difference. http://www.overton.co.uk/texte/csghomeuk.html
I still have the bag 'o whistles. Just let me know.
Cheers!
# Posted on January 29th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Tunable low whistle or not?
Hey all I am soon to get a low whistle and I can't wait. However, a thought came to my mind the other day. I was wondering if it was HARD to tune the tunable low whistles? It was just a thought.
KG(KnightonIrishGirl)
# Posted on May 17th 2008 by KnightonIrishGirl