I have a Dixon low D and am contemplating ordering an Overton low D. is there much variation in finger spacing on low D’s? I think the Shaw may be the closest. In particular could some kind soul get out the tape measure so I can compare. Maybe we could go further and get a database going.
So for my Dixon measuring from top of top hole (nearest to windway end) to top of next hole etc in order down the tube I have to nearest millimetre:
If you like the Overton sound, order one from Colin Goldie, and you can get it with smaller spacing or regular spacing. And, you can ask for tone and breath requirements as you like them! If you’re not sure, call, or email him and they will be happy to help you.
So, if you want an Overton, get an Overton. There’s nothing quite like them! Colin and Brigitte are great people too!
I don’t know if Bernard makes them to order, or not. He’s a good guy, too though!
This issue has come up a number of times. You might want to do a search of the database to get all the measurements. Loren did some excellent research on the finger spread subject. The Goldie Overton was consistently the easiest (closest). I have in the past owned a number of Low-D’s and tried a numbers of additional whistles. I can confirm that my Overton is the easiest which is part of why its the only Low-D I still own or play. The classic Overton tone and back pressure are also my favored characteristics in a low whistle.
I worried about spacing and hole size obsessively when I got my first low D (a Dixon). And my attempts to play other’s Low D whistles (Chieftain, Overton, and Copeland) bore this out - they were really, really hard to handle. I was able to use my fingertips on the Dixon, and I had real problems with piper’s grip, so I pretty much ruled out getting another low D.
Then I borrowed a Howard Low D - large holes, fairly long spacing. Piper’s grip was a necessity. I had a very, very, nasty week or two, then adapted (and ended up buying the whistle). To my surprise, I discovered that piper’s grip was much easier on my hands, even on the Dixon. These days, I find my Howard very easy and relaxing to play (and have really enjoyed trying the others again - I hated to give Tony Higgins’ Copeland Low D back after trying it).
I have moderately broad palms, but fairly short and skinny fingers (for a man, at least). Unless you’ve got truly tiny hands, I’d think that almost any make of whistle will work for you if you don’t insist on playing with your fingertips.
Just back from visiting Bernard Overton. He made me a pair of low D’s to choose one from. I chose the close fingering one - slightly less volume but otherwise very much the same as far as I could tell. On the standard model I could only reach the bottom hole with the tip of my little finger. Playable, but a strain.
The finger spacing on the one I bought is very similar to the Dixon.
The only low D that I have tried that has a better (read closer) finger spread than the Overton is my Bleazey. The finger holes on the Bleazey are also quiet easy to manage (smaller) due to a conical bore and thick walls.
