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Question about the sound of my new MK Kelpie Low D.
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2020 10:59 am
by gerardo1000
I recently purchased a brand new MK Kelpie Low D whistle. This is the first MK whistle that I ever owned.
I find its low octave sound a bit quiet and, most importantly, a bit muffled. I wonder if other forum members who own the same whistle could comment on this ? My other Low Ds are a Chieftain V5, a Dixon with aluminum
body, and a Susato Dublin. Thanks !
Re: Question about the sound of my new MK Kelpie Low D.
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2020 5:54 pm
by kkrell
I had a Kelpie, but sold it to get a tunable MK Pro. I don't notice any difference in the playing characteristics. It's very flute-like in tone. Plenty strong, but maybe not in comparison to your others?
Re: Question about the sound of my new MK Kelpie Low D.
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2020 6:27 pm
by Sedi
Mine plays very similar to the V5. Maybe a little louder.
Re: Question about the sound of my new MK Kelpie Low D.
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2020 6:29 pm
by pancelticpiper
gerardo1000 wrote:
...MK Kelpie Low D whistle...the first MK whistle that I ever owned...its low octave a bit quiet...a bit muffled...
My other Low Ds are a Chieftain V5, a Dixon with aluminum body, and a Susato…
I've owned a half-dozen different MK Low Ds, all made before the Kelpie was introduced. All my MKs had tuning slides. The best of the lot was my primary instrument for several years.
I also owned or tried Low Ds by a number of different makers including the ones you mention.
What's strange is that I don't think I've played a Low D louder than those MKs, by any maker.
It makes me wonder if there's something amiss with your MK.
On the other hand the "muffled" comment may simply refer to the MK's unique tone. I liken it to the sound of the Bulgarian kaval, gravelly, dirty, and complex, yet with a powerful core.
I love the MK's tone. Some hate it.
To give us some common tonal grounds for discussion, here's what I would call a "pure focused dark tone"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnU3IGtK1kU
Here's what I would call a "dirty gravelly Kaval-like tone"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYb1QCKDYZ8&t=13s
My MKs were more like the latter than the former.
Re: Question about the sound of my new MK Kelpie Low D.
Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2020 7:58 am
by kittynyc
I have a Kelpie and am inclined to agree somewhat. Compared to a polymer Dixon whistle the sound is more breathy and complex while the Dixon is beefier. The Kelpie's not exactly quiet but it's not as clear on the attack, especially on the low notes.