Hey everybody,
I’m in the market for a low (tenor) D and need some advice. I really am leaning toward either an MK low D or one of the new Goldie low D’s and would love to hear what anyone thinks of the comparative merits of these two instruments and which one you would choose and why. Also, if there are any other whistles I should really take a look at, let me know.
Thanks,
Michael
I hope I did not violate any forum rules or insult anyone with my question. If I inadvertently did so, I apologize.
No, no violation, Michael. But I think there have been a few recent threads on this exact same topic. So you might want to scan through recent posts and search for MK and Goldie / Overton.
MTGuru,
Oops! My mistake. I should have done a bit more searching before posting. Thanks for giving me the heads up though.
Michael
So what was your final verdict? I love my Goldie to bits, but I would like an MK too. That’s Whoa for you though. 
Mick
Go for the MK everytime. Lighter, more user friendly fipple and the coolest looking whistle on the planet!
In my experience, the Goldie is more muscular, that is, you can push it harder than the Mk. I will say that the Goldie takes more practice to get used to, but the reward is worth it. My Blue Goldie is my go-to low D. If you want a Goldie, you can call Brigitte and Colin, and he will fashion one that meets your playing requirements. As far as I know, all Mk whistles are alike (all similarly great!). Having said that, either whistle is a fine instrument. And, for what it’s worth, both makers are a pleasure to deal with.
You asked the question: Mk or Goldie? The answer: Yes.
–Blake
Got both, use both, like both lots. Add a Burke low D to those two and you’ve got a low D for most occasions. Buy them all, try them all and sell what doesn’t suit for what you bought it for - bet you don’t sell any of those three. Your bank manager will understand. You can hide purchases from your partner if you’re careful.
I’m not sure about the “hiding them from your partner” thing,… it’s never worked for me. For someone who doesn’t play music, and wouldn’t know the name of any instrument other than something obvious (like a piano), my husband knows EXACTLY which item is the new one. I can’t get away with anything. It would be exceptionally nice if it worked.
You need to try swapping your porridge face for a poker face - you are obviously giving the game away if he has no interest or knowledge. With disbelief written all over you, try the phrase ‘I have had that for years - you really don’t take any interest do you!’ Works for me.
Works for me too!
I splashed out on a Casey Burns flute recently but I’ve had it for AGES! You really don’t take an iterest in my hobby do you? I’ve played this LOADS of times, haven’t you seen it? Honestly! I despair!
You should try it!
New acronyms come to mind;
PLOW (Partner Lying Over Whistles),
POOF (Partner Obfuscation Over Flutes)
SIUP (Snuck In Uilleann Pipes) - Nah, you can’t sneak them in…
Best wishes.
Steve
I’m such a happy-puppy fool, I want to show off my new toy, though all I ever get in response is an eye-roll and perhaps, “That’s nice.”
Though last week I did manage to successfully sneak in a 2nd mandolin…
Works for me too. When my wife tried it on me (over some clothes or something) and I said ‘aah! You’re trying the old I’ve-had-it-for-ages-this-oldthing trick’ she said ‘What? You know that trick as well? Do you do that?’. I denied the last question. 
I was more surprised that she thought us blokes didn’t know about it. 
Back to the original post question, and assuming you, like me, are not in the position to do the exceptionally attractive ‘Both!’ choice, I vote ‘Goldie!’. I had the same dilemma, and have not regretted my decision for one second.
I’ve had a couple of Bernard Overton Low Ds, over the years. Loved the sound, but found the hole-size and general “handling” to be too much for me. Reluctantly sold 'em.
My MK solves this dilemma, for me…and is a wonderful whistle.
Does this cure me of occasionally pining for a Goldie Low D?
Get real.
I briefly owned a Howard a couple of years ago, and never got very attached to it. As I was/am concentrating on flute, I decided a low-D wasn’t on my list of gotta-haves, and donated it to an interested learner.
But about a month ago, (just before the price increase ), I got intrigued again, and ordered an MK low-D. Anyway, I just got word this morning that it’s shipping soon. From all accounts, I made a good choice!