Ive been thinking about ordering a few Overtons. I was wondering about the high whistles and their tone and volume. Ive had the impression that they are pretty loud, as loud as the susatos? How about playability in the 2nd octave? Also has anybody here played the D/C whistle? Is it functional enough to be used as a main whistle in the standard key(D)?
Thanks.
[ This Message was edited by: DavidSchulz on 2002-06-30 17:07 ]
They are at least as loud as a Susato (possibly), but nowhere near a shrill. I put them on-par with the volume of the O’Riordan and Thin Weasel (wood) whistles. The second octave is very accessible.
As to your specific question about the modal whistle, It is certainly functional as a D whistle, but I have found two caveats that may be of interest to you. I find that when I play it for a long time, minor fatigue develops so that my bottom finger (pinkie) will sometimes inadvertently half-hole the bottom C hole. I’m sure with enough practice, I would get my finger out of there. The tone is so lovely that I may start playing it more out of vanity.
The second thing is that I had learned to half hole the F-nat so well that the back-side F-nat hole is somewhat redundant. The F-nat hole does cause me to grip down on the whistle harder. This is an errant subconscious behavior that is not even necessary on my part.
Each of these “concerns” are strictly bad habits on my part. It is my first Colin Goldie Overton whistle; it will not be the last. The total package of dead-on tuning, timbre, volume, and craftsmanship have sold me so much that I will be having Colin fill my need for a D-flat, A-flat and G-flat (maybe I will beg for an Ab/Gb modal) whistles, whenever that comes up. I may ask Colin for a new B-nat to replace my B-natural whistle by another maker.
You may find some of the following past topics will give you some good information.
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?topic=664&forum=1
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?topic=667&forum=1
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?topic=4650&forum=1
I have a Bernhard-Overton Overton High D, with just the six usual holes. It is my favorite whistle by far.
I think it might be slightly softer than the SB Susato D, or maybe it’s just that it lakes that skill-saw-hitting-nail screetch of the Susato above the G.
It took me some getting used to. Especially coming from Waltons, Generations, Feadogs, I had to learn to really lean into the second octave. On the other hand, the sensitivity to air pressure give the whistle extra expressiveness. At first it was also a bit weird putting the angular cool metal mouthpiece to my lips.
Nowadays, I play tweaked Generations at home for pleasure and relaxation, and my Overton in sessions and whenever I can. That whistle really flies. I like it better than any whistle I’ve ever played, including an Abell.
The Overtons are grand instruments. There’s something that the relatively thick aluminum walls gives to the sound that sets them apart from any other whistle I’ve played or heard. They are a little more difficult than my other high-end favorite, the PVC Silkstone in that the second octave definitely requires more diaphragm pressure from the G on up to get a consistent tone, but it’s worth it once you learn.
As for loud, they can carry volume, but they’re not as loud as a Susato, for example.
One of the things I’ve always liked most about my Goldie-Overton high D is that it is so fast. That, with its low breath volume requirement, is a real plus playing jigs and reels. You can make it through some of the long passages without having to break them up.
Hey thanks for the responses! Hmm looks like I’ll have to acquire some more of these lovely whistles. Right now the only Overton I own is a Baritone A which is such a great whistle.It is alot easier to play then you would think! Sounds great on airs and slip jigs etc…
David - I have an unused Bernard Overton original high D (1 year old) that I’m selling. If you’re interested mail me at nickturner@hotmail.com (the whistle is superb, I just don’t play it as I always play my Rose blackwood).