I have been playing a Howard low D whistle for a while which is fine but I want to go for an aluminium bodied low d. There seems to be some debate as to which maker (Overton or Goldie) is preferable. Is it just a case of finish or is ther a discernable tonal difference. I know both makers have a very good reputation and I am sure I would be happy with either but would appreciate any comments.
Thanks. Tim
I’ve heard good things about the Alba low D ( I have a few Alba whistles that are very nice to play although I haven’t quite mastered the low F so am afraid the tackle the low D just yet ).
Also I hear that MK whistles are excellent as well.
( I’m really just rooting for the Scottish contingent!!! 
)
Hi Tim,
I fact it’s the same. Colin makes Overton whistles to. They still work together at distance.
See: http://www.overton.de/
I have been to Colins workshop. Sometimes there is a little change in design (slightly bigger holes, minor adjustments ect..) The whistles are always developing to a higher standard. As every great maker should do.
I play whistles from Colins hand and am very happy with it. 
Now waiting for a Low Bass tuneable A: Thats also a really magic Overton Whistle !
Patrick
I changed from a Howard low D (fine whistle) to an Overton low D made by Colin. Overtons are excellent whistles. Bought mine from Ann at ‘‘Song of The Sea’’.
I have Overtons from both makers. They are very much alike with a couple of differences. Colin sandblasts and signs the interior of the tube on his whistles. The sandblasting is probably done for a reason but I am not sure what it is. He also offers choices in voicing if you order a whistle direct (which means used ones may vary a bit). That said, the standard version from either sound very much alike to my ear.
I too have an Overton low D I got from Anne at Song of the Sea; good folk to deal with. It is an excellent whistle. It’s an Overton made by Colin Goldie and is signed and dated by Colin. It is dated Feb 2007, so I assume it has pretty much the latest refinements. It has enough volume for sessions and has a complex somewhat reedy tone with just a little chiff on the attack if played aggressively. It is very responsive and ornaments are very crisp and clear. It has enough back pressure to allow you to lean into it a bit. I would describe the finish as a brushed satin; it feels sliky to the touch. The bore has a matte appearance and feels like it has been bead blasted.
I also have an Alba low D. Very nice whistle. It has volume nearly equal to my Overton and has less back pressure and requires a little less breath. It is very responsive and smooth. It too has a complex tone that really shines on airs and the like. Both whistles have near identical hole spacing;however, hole size is larger on my Overton. I didn’t find transitioning from a high D very difficult. The Alba is a very solid build and has very nice fit and finish.
I have a low D Overton made by Bernard Overton himself. It’s a FANTASTIC! instrument. Very smoothly made, smooth holes, perfect head and a sound you’ll never forget. I’ve been at Colin Goldie’s home and workshop as well and tried over 40 different whistles there. I also tried an Alba low D, which I loved as well. But the Overton has it for me. It’s a legendary whistle with a history of being the first low whistle, played by Finbar Furey. The stories of Colin and his craftmenship made me respect the whistle even more (even as mine is not made by Colin, but he tweaked it a little for me). I will NEVER EVER sell mine and always play it!
Thanks for the advice. I thought I was on the right lines and the replys confirm that. It seems that it will be down to coin tossing but having heard a great sound clip from P J I know the sound is what I am after.
Thanks. Tim
listen to Flook. Their whistler Brian Finnigan uses Overton