My mind is pretty much set on buying overton low D tunable, but I guess it doesn’t hurt to learn about more kinds. I’ve seen a video with Alba and I gotta admit it sounds really nice.
What do you think?
From much experience, I’ve discovered that even if I hear alot of praise for a whistle, and like the sound of it, I really don’t know if I like it till I have it in my hands and give it a go. (Or MANY goes…)
Among others over the years, I’ve tried an Alba (Low F) and found that it just didn’t “fit” me.
Your mileage WILL vary, because you’re YOU. The proof is in the pudding.
Good luck. This is always an adventure!
well, i wish i could try any of the whistle before buying (i dont have any stores here that carry more than just few major instrument types) so i buy online. which sucks
The nice thing about nicely made whistle is that if you keep your eyes open you can pick most up used and if it doesn’t fit they hold their resale pretty well.
Don’t forget about Burkes!
(Yes people, I confess… I’ve been crazy about Burke whistles lately)
I own both an Goldie Overton low-D and an older-version Alba low-D. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong here. Both are lovely, well-made whistles. My Alba is slightly more pure sounding, with fewer overtones. What sound you might like better, though, is of course impossible to predict. I can say that I feel fortunate to not have to choose.
One difference that may be of interest to you is that for me the Overton took a little more time to get the hang of. I have found that some low whistles (e.g., my Alba and the Burke) are a little more forgiving of sloppy technique, and I found it was easier to play those whistles right “out of the box.” But once I got the hang of the Overton, I was rewarded with a sound that is really unique and hauntingly beautiful.
I must stress that these remarks are purely subjective. It may be that the Overton was just harder for ME to get the hang of. And again, you cannot go wrong here. I found that Colin and Brigitte were a joy to work with, and I can’t imagine ever getting rid of my Overton. I have no doubt that you won’t be disappointed if you go ahead with the original plan.
I own three Alba whistles. The D soprano, D Q1 and fairly recently I bought the Alba low D Vibe. These are truly lovely whistles. I like the sound I get out of them. The low D Vibe is the only low whistle I have tried and so I don’t have anything to compare it to. It is easy to play, but naturally it takes me more effort to play than my soprano models. I find the notes to be true and responsive. It is beautifully handcrafted. I generally like the sound, but it does have a slight breathy sound accompanying the lower notes, (mostly the d and e notes). I have been trying to determine if that is normal? I believe it is. From reading this forum it seems some whistles are that way on purpose. Perhaps it is a characteristic of most, if not all low whistles, since they take more air to play and the air itself carries some noise with it as it moves through the tube. I am still getting the hang of this whistle but so far so good. I doubt you would be disappointed. Apparently the low D Vibe is a very popular model.
Howie
A-musing has it right. You really can’t tell which whistle you personally would prefer until you try them. I think each maker has a fair return policy if you don’t like the whistle. You could also look for a used one listed here or on ebay or at The Irish Flute Store.
I’m a fan of most Alba whistles and own several, although no low D. Albas are generally easy to play “right out of the box” and seem to get better the more you play them. That applies to any whistle. Practice really does help … no matter how much I don’t like it. 
I have a low D alba standard and well, the first time I played it it was like wow. Sounds like something you could wake the dead with, just a very deep, strong full tone. I wouldn’t use it for every song i play but especially like a slow air, this thing is epic.
Alba have a special place in my whistle collection
I could see some liking it less but I know i am one loikes it alot.