The Dixon ‘D’ flute/low whistle I have takes a lot of air because of the cylindrical bore: and any other low whistle with a cylindrical bore is going to take a little bit more (sometimes a lot) air than a conical bored instrument.
Bloomfield, I’m pretty sure I know the difference between a Chieftain and an Overton, Thank you.
I have owned/played seven Overtons, five low d’s, a low A and a Low C. Only the low A and one of the low D’s was a Goldie and the low D was in such bad condition (ie. someone had beat the thing to death) it was barely playable (obviously not a reflection of Colins work). Of the rest, I found the responsiveness, backpressure, and tone to vary considerably. So in my “limited experience” I will have to disagree. This is not to say that they were all bad, far from it, my Overton low C is very nice, and as I previously stated I am looking forward to ordering a low D directly from Colin.
I had forgotten what a pro Overton group this was and I apologize if I touched a nerve. 
It was not my intention to say that Overtons in general were “bad”, only that you cannot be certain of the characterics (good or bad) of any given Overton when buying it used without trying it first. Colin himself has stated that the attributes of his Overtons vary as he makes them that way. Add the possibility of damage when buying a used whistle and you end up back where I started, be “wary” when buying a used Overton. Maybe I should have used the word “careful” instead. I would certainly be careful of buying any used Overton in the price range specified by the original poster of this thread.
Sorry - didn’t mean to say you didn’t.
I had forgotten what a pro Overton group this was and I apologize if I touched a nerve. >
I guess one should always be careful buying a second-hand whistle.
I believe that any buyer should be intelligent in buying anything that is used. Why you picked Overton is rather odd. Why not all low Ds; especially those that are mass produced.
BTW, I have five Overtons and they all first rate. All made by Colin Goldie and none of which were custom ordered. I guess I just got lucky, right?
There is a reason why “we” (whoever that is) are a “pro Overton group”; Overtons are excellent whistles. If they are damaged by an owner, it certainly is not the maker’s fault and is no reflection on the quality of the instrument.
If you stick to deciding between the two whistles you mentioned in the first post.
I’d choose the first one.
But i still say go for the one you love the sound of, and which feels right for you. (and yes, you might end up buying a low d you’ll sell later for another low d)
To the other people writing in this thread. Overton isn’t a must get for everyone. 
Because the experience I was referencing was with Overtons, not with mass produced whistles.
Yes, I guess you did. As I previously mentioned, most of the Overtons I have had were made by Bernard, not Colin.
I believe I already said that as well. And I still don’t remember saying that Overtons were not excellent whistles. 
While I admire your zeal for Overtons, I believe you are putting words in my mouth. If you are reffering to my statement that Colin said he makes them different, I simply mean to point out that you may end up with a quiet whistle with lots of backpressure when you may have been looking for the opposite. Backpressure, volume and tone are all subjective and a matter of opinion and personal taste. What one person may consider to be a “bad” whistle, others may consider gods gift to whistledom. IMHO it is a GOOD thing that Colin makes whistles to fit individuals tastes for just this reason. However it can make buying a used Overton somewhat of a… well, been there said that!
medit8b1, it’s not so much “zeal” that I have for Overtons made by Colin Goldie; it’s respect for a great maker who doesn’t deserve slurs that could impact his livelihood.
Overtons are simply professional level whistles that many musicians depend on. It’s like Gibson and Fender guitars, two makes that I have gigged with for the last 30 years: dependable, professional, quality. I don’t have “zeal” for them either; but I do have zeal for making music.
Other professional quality low whistles I suggest are MKs (got to try one), and it was a far cry from your review of an MK; plus a maker that for some reason has been far below the radar, Ronaldo Reyburn. Reyburns are amazing; with beautiful intonation, voice and craftsmanship. You can feel “safe” buying one off the shelf or he will build one to your specs.
Cranberry: Honestly, I think Medit is in certain sense right (although I though his previous post was weird overreactment indeed).
No one is saying Overtons are bad. I think that Medit´s point was, that since Overtons are often made to suit personal tastes, it is sort of risky to buy one second-hand without trying it - and I think that´s very true. There are some “serial” Overtons as far as I know, but it´s just part of the line.
I think Overtons are nearly godlike whistles, but part of it is, that they can be made to suit your style…without it, they may be great, but not that much, if you know what I mean…
Yep, I know what you mean. But, someone new to whistles might not have known what medit8b1 meant and then reach the conclusion that brand X is bad. Anyway, let’s all be friends and enjoy; you know what I mean? Best, Cyril
I’m really happy with my low D O’Brien. Plus, he’s a super guy to do business with. I have played his low at a small session and it sounds great. The price is right. The breath requirement is fine too.
You can always make your own whistle.
Wow so many posts…
Thanks guys for replying so fast and so much 
Now I’m looking at some more options.
But I had a few more questions for you before I decide:
- First of all, many of you recommend Overton, any particular model?
Where would be the best place for me to order it from, and how long do you think the wait time on one might be?
Also what do you think of the Chieftain whistles?
They have a nice look and sound
I also found burke whistles too, but am unsure of their quality and playability.
Also thinking about the szbe type 1 as per suggestion.
Buying whistles was easier when I was just playing high whistles…
Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it.
P.S.
Thanks for the link, I’m considering that too.
The Burke whistles are outstanding. I own 3 of his low whistles, low D, A and G and a suprano D, and I want more!
I would order an Overton directly from Colin Goldie, www.overton.de , and I would make a point of speaking with him on the phone. My recommendation is a medium or easy blow low D, tunable if you can afford it, but non-tunable is fine.
You will get mixed views on Chieftains. I tried some, but don’t own any. I used to recommend the plastic-head Kerry low Ds as starter low Ds, but would now recommend the new Howard instead (if an Overton is out of reach).
I can’t really comment on Burkes, they’ve never done it for me, but I believe their quality is consistent and I hear about many people who swear by them. They also strike me as pricey compared to other whistles.
YMMV, of course.
[fixed typo]
Bloomfelt, you mean you NOW recommend the Howard, right?
(Now to be picky or anything )
Jef
oops, yes, of course. Thanks!
I had the chance to try one of the O’Brien low D whistles when Dave sent one out on tour. It was very nice, I thought. Comfortable and easy to play with a good tone, good intonation. (I think I may have posted a brief review somewhere in the depths of the C&F archives.) Certainly an excellent value.
I wasn’t sure then that the low D was something I wanted to pursue, but through the strange vicissitudes of instrument trading, I ended up as the happy owner of a Reyburn low D, in just intonation with offset holes. You can find photos and info at Doc’s irishflutestore.com or at Ronaldo Reyburn’s website. It’s a lovely instrument, almost too much fun to play. Without having a wide experience of low whistles, I won’t attempt a comparative analysis. I’m sure there are more extensive reviews on the forum. If you are considering spending a bit more, I think the Reyburn should be on your list.
Cordially,
Thanks everyone for your posts!
They really helped.
Looks like I’ll have a whistle by christmas.
Although not 100% sure what it will look like, I think I can figure it out soon now.
Thanks again!
For Overton see the website www.overton.de. Bernard Overton and Colin Goldie make Overtons. You can call Colin. He’s a very friendly guy who can adjust a whistle for you. He can play them for you through the phone. He makes them all by hand. I LOVE the sound of Overton (listen to Flook eg., Brian Finnigan plays Overton). To me they are the BEST!
Chieftains however are not hand-made. Not specifically worse or better, however I once had a bad one. Only the idea of having a whistle that’s hand-made appeals to me more than a fabric-made. I’ve seen Colin Goldie work on my low D Overton in his little shed and I tell you, it’s a craft, an art.
Burkes are known to be whistles that you’ll never regret buying. I only hear people being enthousiastic about them. There are samples on clips and snips and on the burke website.