Low Whistles

The Low Whistle, so popular today as a result of the success of Riverdance, was first made in the early 1970s by Bernard Overton, from aluminium tube. The instrument is usually tuned to D, an octave below the usual small D penny whistle, and twice as long (more or less the same size as a flute). We normally refer to whistles as low whistles if there is one available an octave higher. The G is the highest pitch commonly sold, so from G downwards we call the big ones Low whistles.

Some instruments are made with a sliding head joint, which allows the instrument to be fine tuned. Not all players prefer this, and the most popular models are not tuneable.

Overton, Chieftain, Kerry, Alba: Alloy Whistle Makers

Chieftain, Overton, Kerry and Alba instruments are all alloy whistles of a similar good quality. They are all hand made, with a straight bore. There are differences in tone between the makes, but it is generally a matter of personal preference.

Howard, Susato, Dixon, Moore: Brass & Plastic Whistle Makers

Howard instruments have a nickel plated brass tube with a black plastic mouthpiece. There are also good plastic instruments made by Tony Dixon, Susato and Graham Moore.

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