Requesting Low D Review

Whistle
1

I am considering purchasing a low D, but can’t find real feedback, only ads, with respect to ones I’m interested in. Could anone be so kind as to share experience (you too Dale) or feedback re:

  1. Kerry Pro
  2. Chieftain Gold
  3. O’Briain
  4. Burke Al-pro

Thanks so much. (:Loren, Jessie…:slight_smile:

PhilO

2

PhilO

I’ve played Kerry Pro and Chieftain Gold. Don’t like them much - well, the Pro was nice but an Overton copy and I prefer the Overton. Haven’t played the other two.

You don’t mention Overton - really, this is the original low D and still the best in my book. Unless you’re talking wooden low D’s, in which case someone else advise 'coz I want to buy one!

3

Whoops! I have tweaked an O’Briain. Still prefer the Overton, and easier to play too.

4

So, why are you interested in those whistles? I think there are other Low D’s that are far more special. Of the ones you mentioned, I think the Burke Al-Pro is the best choice.

Jessie

5

Thanks Jessie, Nick. I do have an Overton, which I like, and an old Howard that has surprisingly good sound but some fingerholes a bit too large for me.
Jessie - Could you name the ones you find interesting? Thanks.

Phil

6

I just replied to Steve Power (posted under his “Free Whistles” thread) about my experience with the O’Briain Low D/C purchased through him.

7

Phil,

If you want to e-mail me off list I’ll give you my thoughts.

Cheers,

Loren

8

Nick

Can you tell us how you tweaked the O’Briain and if it made a difference - and in what way? I know Cillian would be interested, from a technical perspective.

Thanks,

Steve Power

9

I own a chieftain low D, and have played a chieftain gold low D, and I really can’t tell any difference at all in the sound.
Of course, the gold has a lot more heft to it, but other than that, really sound identical to me. Of course, I could be a tone-deaf mutant, but that’s my observation :wink:

Greg

10

Sure…interesing Low D whistles, in no particular order:

Jon Swayne,
Michael Copeland,
Ronaldo Reyburn (one particular model of his),
Michael Grinter,
Pat O’Riordan

:slight_smile: Jessie

11

I’m a fan of the Burke Al-Pro or, as I like to call it, the whistle with the name that sounds like dog food. The whistle, however, does NOT sound like dog food. It sounds GOOD.

I thought the CHieftain Gold played as well as other Chieftains (I liked it fine), but the extra weight doesn’t really bring you anything else positive, IMHO.

Dale

12

oh..and…also…

I have to say that I often feel like a lone voice in the wilderness when I say this, but I really have liked every Howard I’ve played in the last five years. I think they have a really interesting timbre and I have not found the hole-size to be a problem, even with my little sissy hands.

13

I have two low D’s, a Copeland and a Burke Al-Pro. I love the Copeland, sounds like a flute, but requires a lot of attention and air to play, not one I’d recommend as a first low instrument. The Burke has perfect intonation, is easy to play and has a lovely abeit quiet tone, although I’ve had other players comment that it really doesn’t sound like a whistle at all, more like a tenor recorder, Based on the recording I’ve done that pretty much rings true. So unless you’re doing a soundtrack album and need that “genuine Irish whistle” sound, I’d highly recommend the Burke.

Cheers,

Michael