I concur with your opinions about Phil, I have been interested in collecting this whistle just because of its unique nature. When Phil plays one of his whistles it always sounds like a Stradivarius so it was very nice to hear the same tone and soft warmth as you played. Thank you.
it's a wonderful whistle i am having so much fun with it :) i highly recommend it esp the back pressure is perfect for playing slow tunes as well as fast ones it really goes through many notes on fast tunes and i get the high octave even on a cold whistle.
I bought one of these, as I have been looking at his busker Low D for a while and this one was much more in my price range. I love everything about it except the low D note is very fuzzy and not very clear. I don’t know if it’s just me or if it’s the Whistle, the whole size and reach is easier than my Nightengale, I can reach the high notes so easily. I will keep playing around with it and see if I can make the bell note sound good. I think that note is pretty important.
I agree about that note. It is an amazing whistle for the money. It isn't the best whistle, but I think it is probably the best inexpensive low D on the market.
I just found it on their site. But before I hit the order button, Scott, will You be doing g a comparison of hole reach. If possible, I would appreciate knowing how the bottom three holes are spaced in comparison to the optima and the Howard- specifically the reach from the E to the D- which seems to be my hurdle.
Great question. I will make that video in a bit. Thanks for asking. I just looked, and basically, the Optima and new Kerry D are exactly the same in the body from a spacing standpoint. The holes appear the same size. The holes on the Howard are just a little larger, and the spacing (E to D) are just about the same.
Hmm - I need to get a more accurate way to measure the hole center to center. I will get that when I am out later today. I wish the manufacturers would put this information on their websites.
so as Phil Hardy plays low whistles i can tell you they are the easiest to play :) if you struggle too much with reach then i suggest get a low F they are easier, the Kerry optima f sounds awesome and has closer finger spacing than my mezzo G from A Karavaev the nightingale whistle.
Wondering now could you make two out of one? does the optima head fit on the kerry because one can order just the replacement heads for the Optimas??? Interesting option if that is possible. Can you compare the bore size please and let us know it that would be possible? If the spacing is the same are the holes the same size?
I think the body is virtually the same, from what I can see and from some of Phil's comments. I think the difference could be in the way the body is machined to receive the head. I feel like the head of the new Kerry D slips over the body. The head of the Optima sits flush with the body, which makes me assume some of the body has been machined for the head to fit that way.
Yes, I think that is the case. I have not removed the head, but I imagine some of the thickness of the body has been removed to permit the head to sit flush. My guess is the Kerry head would not fit on it. I also wonder if the bodies are the same length.
just ordered this based on the original video from the maker…..didn’t even hesitate. Then came here to see a review while I wait for it to be dispatched. So happy my impulsiveness seems not to be misplaced. Curious though now….. 12:18 care to hint at which those are? ;)
I think you’ll be very happy with your decision. I have a few different whistles that I go to for different kinds of tunes. The Howard low D is my go-to for most any kind of tune. I do like the MK Pro, but I don’t play it enough to be comfortable with the top of the second octave. I really like the Busker low D from Kerry Whistles. It’s fun to play. I think I like the new Lir low D, but I’ve not had it long enough to really decide.
@@LowDWhistle wow, that’s a really helpful and comprehensive answer. I really appreciate it. After much prevaricating, I branched out into the Low whistle with an Optima low D. I love it, starting to get the feel for piper’s grip and the tonal qualities are just enchanting. I wasn’t however, quite prepared for how much air some of the top notes take in the higher ocatave range. Stands to reason, silly me, due to the increased size of the bore from a high whistle. I’m getting used to it (even after only a short time). But you know how it is …….any excuse for a new instrument. Browsing the inter-webs, the idea of the Howard Balanced mouthpiece struck me as a good option to buy and compare. And what the heck, I wouldn’t bemoan another whistle…….I’m not saying they are cheap, but they aren’t orchestral instrument prices ;) So I’m interested that you mention the howard….and of course I’ve swatched your review of that. I was about to pull the trigger on one but Just then I watched the maker’s video for the Kerry (again) it suddenly struck home what an amazing sound and deal it was. (Was always looking for a Tune-able for starters) but I have my optima so can always use that for recording. Really useful to know that it’s the same body on these two. So that’s a bonus. The fingering should feel congruous, for while I’m getting used to the wide spaces. Should think these two will suit my needs for a good while, will give me confidence (unlikely as it is anyway) that I didn’t get a slightly duff whistle…….and that no, it really is just that I need to get better at the breath control. Besides the fact that there’s just no downside to another instrument from Kerry whistles for under £50. I guess I’ll drop a hint to my SO about the Howard from Santa ;) I’ll certainly check out the others you mention though. Maybe when I’m a bit more competent, I’ll be able to justify it. Thanks again!
@@LowDWhistle interesting what you say about the Higher notes on the MK pro. Reassuring, to know that “it can be a thing” if one is less familiar with the instrument. Even from someone that plays as well as yourself. I am encouraged!
The beautiful tones of the low D are what drew me to the instrument. That's the tone I'm generally trying to find in a whistle: mellow, not too fuzzy, warm, not chirpy, reasonably easy to play while still being expressive. Well done on getting the Piper's grip. Being comfortable holding the whistle is so important. Yes, they require more air than a high whistle, but still not as much as most orchestra woodwinds. I agree - any excuse for another instrument. I also like the Optima. It's a nice whistle. I want to try some of Phil's other whistles. The Howard is a nice one to have in the personal whistle arsenal. You can purchase the plain black (which is less $), or one of the more decorative options. They are all the same body. As a sax player I love the idea of the multiple heads. Great to chat, and fun hearing about your journey and whistles.
I had the Kerry chieftain v5 tuneable and i didn't like it as it was too loud i absolutely adore the kerry low d it has perfect back pressure and i like the tone the plastic heads produce more than the alu heads to be honest they are warmer in quality.
Indeed. Softens the tone and warms it. Not quite like wood, but starting to move that direction. The other beauty of the plastic head is you get less condensation.
I started playing Irish flutes with a simple Feadog and a Clarke D tin whistle and got on well with the Feadog straight away (better than the Clarke). But I wanted to play an Irish low D whistle and bought a cheap (beginner) Terré Irish low D whistle. But I am totally disappointed with the quality and the sound. You can hardly play clean notes and it responds incredibly badly. Now I have decided to pay a little more money and will get a Kerry low D irish whistle. Unfortunately, the Kerry Optima Fixed Low D in our country currently costs over 100-150 €. And I can't get the original Kerry low D whistle! And maybe later a McNeela Low D Irish Wild Whistle, as I really like the sound.
@@AP-RSI so sorry to hear about the inflated cost you’d have to pay. That makes your decision harder. Are all the whistles available to you inflated in price, or are some locally produced?
It's took me 7 months to think that I might have any chance of playing a low d whistle but now I can just about doing this, are they're any left of these coins I want one I just saw the video
Went to the site to check if they had a Low C option, but couldn’t find any, nor could, I find this whistle type oddly enough. Maybe I’m looking in the wrong area?
Here is a link to the page: www.kerrywhistles.com/product-page/kerry-tenor-d He doesn't have much information on the page. Most of the content is in his videos. I don't think he has a low C option on this whistle.
Funnily enough out of the MK range i would only want the low F and the MK kelpie low d i don't really like the sound they make and i think they are overpriced to be honest. I think the HOward once warmed up has such a unique high octave so sweet and vibrating it is hard to beat and for fun the Kerry whistles are great to play and imho sound better.
I have, as you know, the MK Pro, but the Howard is still my go to whistle because of the great tone as you say. I do like the tone of Phil Hardy's whistles. I am interested in trying a Busker. You have one, am I right?
@@LowDWhistle yes i have a busker F , Bb and a thunderbird A now i only want a C now i'll probably replace the nightingale c that i have with a busker but actually i'm not even sure as i am quite happy now with what i have.
I just ordered it happy birthday to me😜
That’s wonderful. Happy birthday 🎂
I concur with your opinions about Phil, I have been interested in collecting this whistle just because of its unique nature. When Phil plays one of his whistles it always sounds like a Stradivarius so it was very nice to hear the same tone and soft warmth as you played. Thank you.
You are so right. He is the perfect example of how a great player can play most anything well. I just enjoy listening to him play.
it's a wonderful whistle i am having so much fun with it :) i highly recommend it esp the back pressure is perfect for playing slow tunes as well as fast ones it really goes through many notes on fast tunes and i get the high octave even on a cold whistle.
Well said. Agreed.
I bought one of these, as I have been looking at his busker Low D for a while and this one was much more in my price range. I love everything about it except the low D note is very fuzzy and not very clear. I don’t know if it’s just me or if it’s the Whistle, the whole size and reach is easier than my Nightengale, I can reach the high notes so easily. I will keep playing around with it and see if I can make the bell note sound good. I think that note is pretty important.
I agree about that note. It is an amazing whistle for the money. It isn't the best whistle, but I think it is probably the best inexpensive low D on the market.
Interesting. That is a good deal for a whistle!!
It's a crazy good deal., You're right.
I just found it on their site. But before I hit the order button, Scott, will
You be doing g a comparison of hole reach. If possible, I would appreciate knowing how the bottom three holes are spaced in comparison to the optima and the Howard- specifically the reach from the E to the D- which seems to be my hurdle.
Great question. I will make that video in a bit. Thanks for asking. I just looked, and basically, the Optima and new Kerry D are exactly the same in the body from a spacing standpoint. The holes appear the same size. The holes on the Howard are just a little larger, and the spacing (E to D) are just about the same.
Hmm - I need to get a more accurate way to measure the hole center to center. I will get that when I am out later today. I wish the manufacturers would put this information on their websites.
so as Phil Hardy plays low whistles i can tell you they are the easiest to play :) if you struggle too much with reach then i suggest get a low F they are easier, the Kerry optima f sounds awesome and has closer finger spacing than my mezzo G from A Karavaev the nightingale whistle.
That's very good to know. Thanks!
Wondering now could you make two out of one? does the optima head fit on the kerry because one can order just the replacement heads for the Optimas??? Interesting option if that is possible. Can you compare the bore size please and let us know it that would be possible? If the spacing is the same are the holes the same size?
I think the body is virtually the same, from what I can see and from some of Phil's comments. I think the difference could be in the way the body is machined to receive the head. I feel like the head of the new Kerry D slips over the body. The head of the Optima sits flush with the body, which makes me assume some of the body has been machined for the head to fit that way.
@@LowDWhistle interesting if the optima sit flush yes that sounds like there must be less cicumference underneath is that what you are saying?
Yes, I think that is the case. I have not removed the head, but I imagine some of the thickness of the body has been removed to permit the head to sit flush. My guess is the Kerry head would not fit on it. I also wonder if the bodies are the same length.
just ordered this based on the original video from the maker…..didn’t even hesitate. Then came here to see a review while I wait for it to be dispatched. So happy my impulsiveness seems not to be misplaced. Curious though now….. 12:18 care to hint at which those are? ;)
I think you’ll be very happy with your decision. I have a few different whistles that I go to for different kinds of tunes. The Howard low D is my go-to for most any kind of tune. I do like the MK Pro, but I don’t play it enough to be comfortable with the top of the second octave. I really like the Busker low D from Kerry Whistles. It’s fun to play. I think I like the new Lir low D, but I’ve not had it long enough to really decide.
I should add there are a number of low D whistle’s I’ve not yet played.
@@LowDWhistle wow, that’s a really helpful and comprehensive answer. I really appreciate it. After much prevaricating, I branched out into the Low whistle with an Optima low D. I love it, starting to get the feel for piper’s grip and the tonal qualities are just enchanting. I wasn’t however, quite prepared for how much air some of the top notes take in the higher ocatave range. Stands to reason, silly me, due to the increased size of the bore from a high whistle. I’m getting used to it (even after only a short time). But you know how it is …….any excuse for a new instrument. Browsing the inter-webs, the idea of the Howard Balanced mouthpiece struck me as a good option to buy and compare. And what the heck, I wouldn’t bemoan another whistle…….I’m not saying they are cheap, but they aren’t orchestral instrument prices ;) So I’m interested that you mention the howard….and of course I’ve swatched your review of that. I was about to pull the trigger on one but Just then I watched the maker’s video for the Kerry (again) it suddenly struck home what an amazing sound and deal it was. (Was always looking for a Tune-able for starters) but I have my optima so can always use that for recording. Really useful to know that it’s the same body on these two. So that’s a bonus. The fingering should feel congruous, for while I’m getting used to the wide spaces. Should think these two will suit my needs for a good while, will give me confidence (unlikely as it is anyway) that I didn’t get a slightly duff whistle…….and that no, it really is just that I need to get better at the breath control. Besides the fact that there’s just no downside to another instrument from Kerry whistles for under £50. I guess I’ll drop a hint to my SO about the Howard from Santa ;) I’ll certainly check out the others you mention though. Maybe when I’m a bit more competent, I’ll be able to justify it.
Thanks again!
@@LowDWhistle interesting what you say about the Higher notes on the MK pro. Reassuring, to know that “it can be a thing” if one is less familiar with the instrument. Even from someone that plays as well as yourself. I am encouraged!
The beautiful tones of the low D are what drew me to the instrument. That's the tone I'm generally trying to find in a whistle: mellow, not too fuzzy, warm, not chirpy, reasonably easy to play while still being expressive.
Well done on getting the Piper's grip. Being comfortable holding the whistle is so important. Yes, they require more air than a high whistle, but still not as much as most orchestra woodwinds. I agree - any excuse for another instrument.
I also like the Optima. It's a nice whistle. I want to try some of Phil's other whistles. The Howard is a nice one to have in the personal whistle arsenal. You can purchase the plain black (which is less $), or one of the more decorative options. They are all the same body. As a sax player I love the idea of the multiple heads.
Great to chat, and fun hearing about your journey and whistles.
I had the Kerry chieftain v5 tuneable and i didn't like it as it was too loud i absolutely adore the kerry low d it has perfect back pressure and i like the tone the plastic heads produce more than the alu heads to be honest they are warmer in quality.
Indeed. Softens the tone and warms it. Not quite like wood, but starting to move that direction. The other beauty of the plastic head is you get less condensation.
How would you compare the finger spacing to the V5?
Hi, Jason. I am not positive, and I can't find the measurements with a quick search. I'll find out and message back as soon as I can.
@@jasonwalton1985 super easy to play i am liking it more and more if you were asking me :)
@@jasonwalton1985 just recorded a few tunes with it it's gorgeous sound
I started playing Irish flutes with a simple Feadog and a Clarke D tin whistle and got on well with the Feadog straight away (better than the Clarke).
But I wanted to play an Irish low D whistle and bought a cheap (beginner) Terré Irish low D whistle. But I am totally disappointed with the quality and the sound. You can hardly play clean notes and it responds incredibly badly.
Now I have decided to pay a little more money and will get a Kerry low D irish whistle. Unfortunately, the Kerry Optima Fixed Low D in our country currently costs over 100-150 €. And I can't get the original Kerry low D whistle!
And maybe later a McNeela Low D Irish Wild Whistle, as I really like the sound.
@@AP-RSI so sorry to hear about the inflated cost you’d have to pay. That makes your decision harder. Are all the whistles available to you inflated in price, or are some locally produced?
It's took me 7 months to think that I might have any chance of playing a low d whistle but now I can just about doing this, are they're any left of these coins I want one I just saw the video
Well done! So glad to hear the low D is coming together for you. Remind me about the coin, please. It isn’t ringing any bells.
Not as breathy, that's why I liked it on first hear, that's what I heard first, and why haven't got a Kerry whistle before
I agree. There are times when the breathiness is good, but for the most part I also like the clear tone.
Went to the site to check if they had a Low C option, but couldn’t find any, nor could, I find this whistle type oddly enough. Maybe I’m looking in the wrong area?
Here is a link to the page: www.kerrywhistles.com/product-page/kerry-tenor-d He doesn't have much information on the page. Most of the content is in his videos. I don't think he has a low C option on this whistle.
he doesn't make low C as he said they don't sell there is no demand for them.
Glad you had that conversation. Makes sense.
@@LowDWhistle oh, thank you!
Funnily enough out of the MK range i would only want the low F and the MK kelpie low d i don't really like the sound they make and i think they are overpriced to be honest. I think the HOward once warmed up has such a unique high octave so sweet and vibrating it is hard to beat and for fun the Kerry whistles are great to play and imho sound better.
I have, as you know, the MK Pro, but the Howard is still my go to whistle because of the great tone as you say. I do like the tone of Phil Hardy's whistles. I am interested in trying a Busker. You have one, am I right?
@@LowDWhistle yes i have a busker F , Bb and a thunderbird A now i only want a C now i'll probably replace the nightingale c that i have with a busker but actually i'm not even sure as i am quite happy now with what i have.
@@LowDWhistle so the busker low f has not got the same warm tone as the optima f but it is easier to play ie requires less breath
@@LowDWhistle the mezzo a has a seriously sweet tone
Sounds like a delightful set of whistles to sit and play all day.
A lot of words, and minimum playing..