Introducing The Kerry Chieftain Custom Low D Whistle by Comparing it with the Chieftain V5 Low D

[@markc1234golf]

Yes Kerry whistles are so easy to play that's why i love them all. Now have all keys exp the low E

[@LowDWhistle]

That's great to have most all of the keys. Yes, they play quite easily, but without losing any expressiveness.

[@markc1234golf]

@@LowDWhistle yes and i do love the Kerry sound in particular. I don't know... i'm just an addict lol

[@LowDWhistle]

You just know what you like.

[@galinor7]

I've got a V5. It's just great. And yes Phil is very educational in his videos.

[@LowDWhistle]

Thanks for saying. Yes, I am almost as glad he makes videos as I am that he makes whistles. Although, our whistle world would be much poorer without his instruments in it.

[@neilsidebotham3578]

Kerry whistles make superb whistles. I loved Thankful my Custom. Phil is great to deal with. Phil occasionally has great deals on Kerry whistles.

[@LowDWhistle]

Indeed agree, and I love the deals he offers now and then. I’ve picked up a couple whistles from him on a great sale.

[@markc1234golf]

Ah you got one yay 🥰🥰 i love my custom

[@LowDWhistle]

Yes. It is a great whistle to play, as you know.

[@SeussDroid]

My custom is my favorite Low D but not the most expensive. Kerry whistles just have that tone that pleases me the most.

[@LowDWhistle]

I also really like the tone of a Kerry whistle. Great for slower tunes, but works well on fast ones.

[@markc1234golf]

You can basically play more notes per breath with more back pressure it allows for more control that's how i see it.

[@LowDWhistle]

I agree

[@markc1234golf]

He's also slightly scalloped the holes on the custom

[@LowDWhistle]

Good point. Should have mentioned

[@MartySr-y2v]

I was really close to taking the whistle plunge, crossing over from being a native-style flute player, and have been watching some of your videos, thank you for sharing! I’ve had a PVC Low D for over 3 years and play it occasionally but held off applying myself because I can’t seem to hit that transition from the C# to the middle D cleanly every time. Any advice on whistles that play these notes the best, in case I want to go for it and upgrade? TY

[@LowDWhistle]

Marty, thank you so much for the note and question. The transition to the second octave does cause issues for many folks. The difficulties may be exacerbated by your whistle, depending which one you have. As far as an upgrade, the answer depends on how much you would like to spend and the kind of tone you are after. The Kerry Tenor Low D is an excellent low cost low D whistle. This is probably my first recommendation for someone looking for a good low D that doesn't want to spend much money. It is an incredible whistle for the money. You can pick up one of those from Kerry Whistles. Here is a link to the video where I introduced that whistle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnebdmuVp99goLM Here is a link to the page on the Kerry website so you can see the whistle: www.kerrywhistles.com/product-page/kerry-tenor-d For a little more money I really enjoy my Howard low D. It is a little harder to play in the second octave, but is an excellent whistle to play. It cost a little under $200. Here is a link to this whistle on Big Whistle.com bigwhistle.co.uk/product/howard-low-d-whistle/ You can get fancy finishes and artwork on the whistle, but they are the same whistle. If I were to buy the Howard I would go with the Black with the Balanced head and no resin. Another great option is the Kerry Chieftain V5. This is a higher end whistle that costs a good bit more, but it plays easily bottom to top. Here is a link to the video where I introduced this whistle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWSqmqZnocipm5I Here is a link to the whistle on the Kerry website: www.kerrywhistles.com/product-page/chieftain-v5-low-d-tuneable There are other great options. I really think the Kerry is a great whistle to begin with that will serve you well for a few years, unless you want to spend more for a better whistle. In that case I'd consider the Howard or the Chieftain. I'd be glad to have a better conversation with you if that would help. Sorry for the long answer: Scott

[@LowDWhistle]

After I replied I sat and played the Kerry D for a while. I'll play it in a couple videos this coming week. It's a nice whistle.

[@MartySr-y2v]

@@LowDWhistle Thanks so much for the reply and the links, Scott. I appreciate the detail in your answer. I did see the Kerry Low D with the plastic mouthpiece and might consider it. I am not on a tight budget so would be willing to spend a bit more and considered the V5 and custom. I first saw the Howard demonstrated a few years ago by Tamsin Elliot in the U.K. but wound up getting a James Dominic. It has a nice sound but I think the larger 5-hole might be where the main challenge is. The Alto G at Kerry looks like it may be a good fit as it might put me more at ease with the C#-D thing (well, F#-G on a G whistle), but my style of play would be the slower, more melodic music, sustaining notes here and there, rather than the quick Irish scale runs and fingering. Love your channel and the content you are providing.

[@LowDWhistle]

Marty, glad to help, and thank you for the kind words on the channel. The Tenor D is great, but if budget is not the concern, then definitely the Chieftain V5 or Chieftain Custom would be great options. I honestly do not know which of the two I prefer, maybe the V5. I played both on a video the other day that you likely saw. I’ve never played one of the a,to whistles, but I am certain I would love it. I do love my Howard, and the idea of the different heads is great, but it takes a while to play the top of the second octave well. I play and introduce faster tunes because I know it is good for me and folks in the community want them, but my greatest delight is in a slow emotive and expressive tune. If budget is not an issue at all, then you might like the Carbony. That all depends on budget and tone preferences. Too many low D whistles achieve good tone by requiring the musician to blow quite hard in the second octave. There are not many options for a low D that plays easily to the top of the second octave. I’m with you in the style and tone. I have a low D from James Dominic, and while I like what he does you are spot on that the size of the fifth hole causes most all of us troubles. Enjoy!

[@TheMtnmamma]

I was saving my money for a chief and custom, and then he introduced the one that was so inexpensive. I ended up buying it instead. I think it was just called the Kerry low D . I would love to hear that compared with the Chiefton custom

[@LowDWhistle]

That’s a fun idea. He calls that one the Kerry Tenor D. At 1/4 the cost it is a bargain. I’ll probably include the Optima as well.