Thank you for this comparison, I find the face to face presentation of different whistle products to be the most beneficial of all the videos that are available. Most people do not have the ability to find or try each of these and even a basic comparison is a treat. As for price in the complex matrix of decision-making I will add that although I own several very expensive models of whistle my all time favorite is a Generation b-flat that I bought for 14 dollars.
@@LowDWhistle The generation is a year old but I made several small modifications to it. But honestly, out of the box it was superior to most whistles up to fifty dollars.
Thank you for asking. It’s possible you’re looking at a different whistle, or someone is charging too much for it. I found it on the Kerry whistle website. Here is a link to the page: www.kerrywhistles.com/product-page/kerry-tenor-d
No worries. It's easy to do. The Optima fixed head is $102 (ish). Listen also to some of Phil's videos on the Kerry Whistle website where he plays them each. Both the Kerry D and Optima play easily bottom to top. Yes. Listen to my comparison. It is hard to beat the Kerry D for the money. The Optima is a little more quiet with a slight buzziness. Both great options. I think it'd be down to the tone.
I don’t know if this counts as a video, but when you talked about the condensation you mentioned a little undertone. It reminded me that I don’t really know what an overtone or undertone is for these whistles…
Oooh - that is definitely worth including. I have started a document I’ve been working on to define different terms. So many terms mean so much to different people. I want to help bring some clarity, at least among our group. I’ll add these to the list I’m working on. Thanks
Thanks for the comparison! I might be a bit crazy since I already have the MK but I'm considering the Kerry since sometimes I want a less airy sound for my home "studio" recordings. Although, I do have Goldfinch low D which has an ultra clean tone, but the very low backpressure makes it a little tricky to play. Also, since the Kerry isn't sold within EU, it's gonna be around 100 euros after shipping and VAT (basically sales tax)
I’m waiting for a Goldfinch to arrive. Looking forward to it. It’s funny how a free blowing whistle can play so easily, but with no back pressure you can’t be very expressive.
@@LowDWhistle Curious to hear what you think of the Goldfinch. My only comparison in that price range is my Dixon and I liked both at first but MK is just on a whole other level when it comes to playability. Dixon squeaks and Goldfinch isn't the most responsive one. By the way I noticed that when playing the MK, you have the tuning slide pushed all the way in and your 2nd octave is a bit sharp (or 1st octave is flat?). My MK is the same and the solution is to tune it down a bit but push harder on the first octave. That way the tuning is spot on and also, the volume balance between the octaves is improved.
I am also curious about the Goldfinch. I agree on the Dixon. Thank you for the comment on the MK. I knew that, but have not been in the habit of playing that way. I need to play it more to become accustomed to playing it in tune. Thanks again.
The first thing I noticed is the Kerry's unstable in attack. That's a function of thickness and hole shape. It is, however, more responsive in transitional fingering, the partial opening used in turns.
I started on the first generation of Dixons, and had the immense pleasure of experimenting in an impromptu masterclass with Paddy Moloney, back in 86, iirc. He spotted them in my pack, asked if I played, I was appropriately modest, knowing I'd learned to Jimmy Galway's recordings and could match him in Tambourin, so we started off on basics, then follow-the-leader, I was consistently adding graces and compliments, so off we went with him on top, me on second. This is where glissing to semitone and to the next open note, by slowly opening the hole comes in useful.
I’m enjoying your journey as I start mine. Have you tried one of Nick Metcalfe’s Low D whistles? Around $US100. I found the offset holes help with playability.
Hi, Neil, and thanks for the comment. I’ve been thinking about his whistles for a while, but I’ve never played one. Great idea. I’ll stick that on my list of a whistle to pick up soon. Thanks.
How about back pressure? Air requirement? The Kerry seems to have quite a wide bore. Do you run out of breath more quickly? Your comparison made me take out my Kerry Optima, which I think was on special offer a couple of years ago, at 50 Euro. Excellent for the price, very good regardless of cost. But my go-to is definitely MK Pro. Btw, "Return from Fingal" is a lovely march. Wish you'd done the B part as well.
I know (on the B part) I didn’t want the video to be too long, but I should have done the B part. Such a lovely march. I just played all three. The MK Pro, Kerry, and Optima are very similar from a breath requirement. The Optima may have the most back pressure, MK Pro very close, and Kerry just a smidge less. The body of the Optima and Kerry are virtually the same. The bore is definitely the same. Hope that helps
I don’t feel like this comparison is crazy at all. Personally, I don’t hear $150-$200 worth of difference between these two whistles. And since I don’t like the feeling of a mouthful of metal, I’d pick the Kerry over the MK Pro every time. Pricing is often less about value and more about (perceived) prestige, and that seems to be the case with a number of the so-called “professional” whistles. (Yeah, I’m looking at you, Carbony.) Even setting aside my anti-metal mouthpiece personal preference, is the MK Pro 50% “better” in any way than the Howard? I don’t think so. Of course, people should buy what pleases them, for whatever reasons matter to them. Just saying that I think these head-to-head comparisons across the pricing spectrum are VERY valuable!
Lynne, thanks for saying. The Kerry is a phenomenal value, but this also means that the honest difference between pro and into is shrinking. I like the MK Pro, but there is no way for me that it is worth twice as much as the Howard. This is especially true since the Howard can be different whistles because of the ability to swap heads. I do agree.
Great question. I haven’t played the Kelpie. I’d like to, and I should. I just spent a little time listening to folks playing the Kelpie and it sounds very similar. The folks at MK say, “The tone holes on the Kelpie are also optimised for ergonomics, whereas the Pros are optimised for tuning.” I couldn’t find the hole spacing chart, but it sounded nicely tuned. For the pretty big price difference I imagine the Kelpie is great value if you don’t need the whistle tunable.
I used the kitchen scales. The MK Pro weighs 8.4 oz (237 g). The Kerry Low D weighs 6.9 oz (197 g). I’m glad you asked. That’s a good measure to consider.
Also, another difference is the MK pro is tunable, but if you’re mostly playing at home by yourself, I don’t see what difference that makes. If you’re going to be playing with other people, then it makes a difference.
the tuning only alters pitch and is only really to be used when playing with others and whilst whistle is still cold it's easier to hit high notes when you pull it out a wee bit.
Another one Scott are the Mullan whistles they come in high d , c and Bb and i bought all 3 and sold my Bb Wild irish. A the wild irish is too heavy and i dropped it literally into my lap a few times because of this, b the Mullan is softer and not so loud so no good for session BUT ideal for at home esp for people with neighbours. NOw as far as playability is concerned man they all three hold up to the highest notes you can play on a whistle when COLD up to the high c it's incredible , no squeeks whatsoever ever no breaking mid through note nothing sweet as anything. I recorded several tunes with the high c esp to demonstrate it's ability to literally fly up that scale like any pro whistle . They cost only 34 pounds for the d sth like 38 for the Bb compared to 109 for the Wild Bb , D , C etc. They , the Mullan are beautiful whisltes quality made. I think they subsidise their whistle production with their other instruments as they make instruments mostly flutes and fifs for the Army and schools and bands. YoU gotta check them out ! And they are LOVELY people . Quick to respond and seriously nice. Northern Ireland manufacturer.
The mk has a peculiar sound to it . Phil's other whistles, the thunderbird and buskers are i think more jazzy if that makes sense, the thunderbird sounding a lot like colin goldie's lows. And his optimas are a sound unto themselves they are very unique sounding whistles the sound of which i really love.
I have not yet played a V5, but I want to soon. I am really impressed with the Kerry whistles. You are right in saying you get what you pay for. I am also happy that Kerry brought some nice features into a less expensive whistle. Although I am positive, even not having played it, that the V5 is much better.
It’s interesting, but I can really hardly tell the difference in the tone, you say it might be the microphone. The MK pro was always on my list of ones I wanted. But listening to this makes me realize again how blessed I am that I could buy the Kerry , (even tho …the shipping and tax added up tho to almost 100$ . )
The MK Pro is definitely more expressive, but if I am playing at home there is no way the difference s worth it financially unless you just want the MK Pro.
@@LowDWhistle i just bought one that i could not resist the price of and as my low f just sold at the same time is was go time. I found one in Paris of all places lol so no import on top and it was only 190 euros so i clicked and bought it. The only wish left now is for a kerry busker c and maaaaaaybe a Bb by my Polish wooden whistle maker because his g is just heavenly beautiful .
as it was affordable i just want to see now for myself can always sell it again :) but i would not pay over 300 for it plus postage and then adding import duty of 23.5 percent on top of the final that comes to almost 400 ... nope it's insane
I have the same Kerry and it is not good! I would never recommend it! I also have aluminum and Polymer Dixon Low D! The Polymer one is total waste of money while aluminum one is my best low D so far
I am so glad you have a low D that you love. There is such a beautifully wide variety of whistles from which we can each select what we love in a whistle. Thanks for saying.
Thank you for this comparison, I find the face to face presentation of different whistle products to be the most beneficial of all the videos that are available. Most people do not have the ability to find or try each of these and even a basic comparison is a treat. As for price in the complex matrix of decision-making I will add that although I own several very expensive models of whistle my all time favorite is a Generation b-flat that I bought for 14 dollars.
Thanks for saying. That’s fun (about the generation). Is it an older model? I agree. Head to head comparisons are better than reviews in a vacuum.
@@LowDWhistle The generation is a year old but I made several small modifications to it. But honestly, out of the box it was superior to most whistles up to fifty dollars.
That makes sense. Glad you felt free to modify.
Love the videos!
Thank you so much! I’m having fun making them.
Just got a MK Pro D, didn’t know you had one!
I do. I like it.
6:58 Where did you find the Kerry D for $62? I only see it for around $125
Thank you for asking. It’s possible you’re looking at a different whistle, or someone is charging too much for it. I found it on the Kerry whistle website. Here is a link to the page: www.kerrywhistles.com/product-page/kerry-tenor-d
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can clarify anything or help in any other way.
@@LowDWhistle Ah yes I was conflating it with the "Low D" (Kerry Optima). Looks like I need to watch your comparison video on those!
No worries. It's easy to do. The Optima fixed head is $102 (ish). Listen also to some of Phil's videos on the Kerry Whistle website where he plays them each. Both the Kerry D and Optima play easily bottom to top. Yes. Listen to my comparison. It is hard to beat the Kerry D for the money. The Optima is a little more quiet with a slight buzziness. Both great options. I think it'd be down to the tone.
I got a Kerry optima low D and busker low A whistles, both awesome sound and value.
I have not yet played a Busker. I hope to soon.
@@LowDWhistle i highly recommend it Scott
Ooh. Thanks.
I don’t know if this counts as a video, but when you talked about the condensation you mentioned a little undertone. It reminded me that I don’t really know what an overtone or undertone is for these whistles…
Oooh - that is definitely worth including. I have started a document I’ve been working on to define different terms. So many terms mean so much to different people. I want to help bring some clarity, at least among our group. I’ll add these to the list I’m working on. Thanks
Thanks for the comparison! I might be a bit crazy since I already have the MK but I'm considering the Kerry since sometimes I want a less airy sound for my home "studio" recordings.
Although, I do have Goldfinch low D which has an ultra clean tone, but the very low backpressure makes it a little tricky to play.
Also, since the Kerry isn't sold within EU, it's gonna be around 100 euros after shipping and VAT (basically sales tax)
I’m waiting for a Goldfinch to arrive. Looking forward to it. It’s funny how a free blowing whistle can play so easily, but with no back pressure you can’t be very expressive.
I keep forgetting about the EU import rules. Ouch!
@@LowDWhistle Curious to hear what you think of the Goldfinch. My only comparison in that price range is my Dixon and I liked both at first but MK is just on a whole other level when it comes to playability. Dixon squeaks and Goldfinch isn't the most responsive one.
By the way I noticed that when playing the MK, you have the tuning slide pushed all the way in and your 2nd octave is a bit sharp (or 1st octave is flat?). My MK is the same and the solution is to tune it down a bit but push harder on the first octave. That way the tuning is spot on and also, the volume balance between the octaves is improved.
I am also curious about the Goldfinch. I agree on the Dixon.
Thank you for the comment on the MK. I knew that, but have not been in the habit of playing that way. I need to play it more to become accustomed to playing it in tune. Thanks again.
The first thing I noticed is the Kerry's unstable in attack. That's a function of thickness and hole shape. It is, however, more responsive in transitional fingering, the partial opening used in turns.
Just tried that and you are so right. I’ll have to start looking for that in a whistle. That is likely the primary compromise.
I started on the first generation of Dixons, and had the immense pleasure of experimenting in an impromptu masterclass with Paddy Moloney, back in 86, iirc. He spotted them in my pack, asked if I played, I was appropriately modest, knowing I'd learned to Jimmy Galway's recordings and could match him in Tambourin, so we started off on basics, then follow-the-leader, I was consistently adding graces and compliments, so off we went with him on top, me on second. This is where glissing to semitone and to the next open note, by slowly opening the hole comes in useful.
That sounds so exciting. What a wonderful experience and solid foundation for your playing.
We lived in northern Nottinghamshire in the 1980s. I wish I had started playing the whistle back then.
I’m enjoying your journey as I start mine. Have you tried one of Nick Metcalfe’s Low D whistles? Around $US100. I found the offset holes help with playability.
Hi, Neil, and thanks for the comment. I’ve been thinking about his whistles for a while, but I’ve never played one. Great idea. I’ll stick that on my list of a whistle to pick up soon. Thanks.
Did you get his standard low D?
@@LowDWhistle yes. I love the look of one with buried wood but it Is beyond my budget.
It is pretty. I’ve been looking at his site for the last little bit. And yes, out of the budget.
How about back pressure? Air requirement? The Kerry seems to have quite a wide bore. Do you run out of breath more quickly? Your comparison made me take out my Kerry Optima, which I think was on special offer a couple of years ago, at 50 Euro. Excellent for the price, very good regardless of cost. But my go-to is definitely MK Pro. Btw, "Return from Fingal" is a lovely march. Wish you'd done the B part as well.
I know (on the B part) I didn’t want the video to be too long, but I should have done the B part. Such a lovely march.
I just played all three. The MK Pro, Kerry, and Optima are very similar from a breath requirement. The Optima may have the most back pressure, MK Pro very close, and Kerry just a smidge less. The body of the Optima and Kerry are virtually the same. The bore is definitely the same. Hope that helps
Truth is, I think I actually prefer the tone of the cheaper one. Either way, I think I’ll just stick to playing my alto and tenor recorder.
If you are a recorder player first then I definitely see you preferring the cheaper one. As a sax player I also like the cleaner tone.
I don’t feel like this comparison is crazy at all. Personally, I don’t hear $150-$200 worth of difference between these two whistles. And since I don’t like the feeling of a mouthful of metal, I’d pick the Kerry over the MK Pro every time.
Pricing is often less about value and more about (perceived) prestige, and that seems to be the case with a number of the so-called “professional” whistles. (Yeah, I’m looking at you, Carbony.)
Even setting aside my anti-metal mouthpiece personal preference, is the MK Pro 50% “better” in any way than the Howard? I don’t think so.
Of course, people should buy what pleases them, for whatever reasons matter to them. Just saying that I think these head-to-head comparisons across the pricing spectrum are VERY valuable!
I agree
Lynne, thanks for saying. The Kerry is a phenomenal value, but this also means that the honest difference between pro and into is shrinking. I like the MK Pro, but there is no way for me that it is worth twice as much as the Howard. This is especially true since the Howard can be different whistles because of the ability to swap heads. I do agree.
What about the MK Kelpie?
Great question. I haven’t played the Kelpie. I’d like to, and I should. I just spent a little time listening to folks playing the Kelpie and it sounds very similar. The folks at MK say, “The tone holes on the Kelpie are also optimised for ergonomics, whereas the Pros are optimised for tuning.” I couldn’t find the hole spacing chart, but it sounded nicely tuned. For the pretty big price difference I imagine the Kelpie is great value if you don’t need the whistle tunable.
Is there a difference in weight?
I used the kitchen scales. The MK Pro weighs 8.4 oz (237 g). The Kerry Low D weighs 6.9 oz (197 g). I’m glad you asked. That’s a good measure to consider.
How much was shipping on the kerry ? Thank you
It was £22. A bit steep, but it came very quickly.
Also, another difference is the MK pro is tunable, but if you’re mostly playing at home by yourself, I don’t see what difference that makes. If you’re going to be playing with other people, then it makes a difference.
You are so right.
the tuning only alters pitch and is only really to be used when playing with others and whilst whistle is still cold it's easier to hit high notes when you pull it out a wee bit.
so the kerry is in fact IN TUNE
Right.
It is. I also hear that the head can be loosened, but I am not ready to try it.
Another one Scott are the Mullan whistles they come in high d , c and Bb and i bought all 3 and sold my Bb Wild irish. A the wild irish is too heavy and i dropped it literally into my lap a few times because of this, b the Mullan is softer and not so loud so no good for session BUT ideal for at home esp for people with neighbours. NOw as far as playability is concerned man they all three hold up to the highest notes you can play on a whistle when COLD up to the high c it's incredible , no squeeks whatsoever ever no breaking mid through note nothing sweet as anything. I recorded several tunes with the high c esp to demonstrate it's ability to literally fly up that scale like any pro whistle . They cost only 34 pounds for the d sth like 38 for the Bb compared to 109 for the Wild Bb , D , C etc. They , the Mullan are beautiful whisltes quality made. I think they subsidise their whistle production with their other instruments as they make instruments mostly flutes and fifs for the Army and schools and bands. YoU gotta check them out ! And they are LOVELY people . Quick to respond and seriously nice. Northern Ireland manufacturer.
I had not known them. Thanks for saying. I will definitely check and them out. More fun!
The mk has a peculiar sound to it . Phil's other whistles, the thunderbird and buskers are i think more jazzy if that makes sense, the thunderbird sounding a lot like colin goldie's lows. And his optimas are a sound unto themselves they are very unique sounding whistles the sound of which i really love.
had an older model chieftain only reason i sold that one on it was too loud for me .
I would love to sit with Phil and play each of his whistles while listening to him play. The Optima is a fun unique.
I have a Kerry Low D but it's a V5 and that's a pretty professional whistle. I guess you get what you pay for.
I have not yet played a V5, but I want to soon. I am really impressed with the Kerry whistles. You are right in saying you get what you pay for. I am also happy that Kerry brought some nice features into a less expensive whistle. Although I am positive, even not having played it, that the V5 is much better.
It’s interesting, but I can really hardly tell the difference in the tone, you say it might be the microphone. The MK pro was always on my list of ones I wanted. But listening to this makes me realize again how blessed I am that I could buy the Kerry , (even tho …the shipping and tax added up tho to almost 100$ . )
The MK Pro is definitely more expressive, but if I am playing at home there is no way the difference s worth it financially unless you just want the MK Pro.
i love my kerry yes i thought exactly the same :) when i kept listening to the kerry and the mk in comparison.
@@LowDWhistle i just bought one that i could not resist the price of and as my low f just sold at the same time is was go time. I found one in Paris of all places lol so no import on top and it was only 190 euros so i clicked and bought it. The only wish left now is for a kerry busker c and maaaaaaybe a Bb by my Polish wooden whistle maker because his g is just heavenly beautiful .
as it was affordable i just want to see now for myself can always sell it again :) but i would not pay over 300 for it plus postage and then adding import duty of 23.5 percent on top of the final that comes to almost 400 ... nope it's insane
I’m with you on that.
The Kerry is tunable. Just pop off the head and add a bit of very thin tape and some silicone Lube. Works great!
That’s great to know, Kevin. Thanks! I wondered if this would be the case.
I hear the difference, but it is comparatively minor. Shows how even more impressively the Kerry is
I agree. I sent Kerry whistles a note letting them know how impressive it is.
I have the same Kerry and it is not good! I would never recommend it! I also have aluminum and Polymer Dixon Low D! The Polymer one is total waste of money while aluminum one is my best low D so far
I am so glad you have a low D that you love. There is such a beautifully wide variety of whistles from which we can each select what we love in a whistle. Thanks for saying.