The Inexpensive vs. Expensive Whistle debate is a valid issue for every beginning whistler to resolve for themselves, and the way you resolve it depends purely on your personality ang goals. Some purists believe that the Expensive whistles sound "too good", "too pure", and in fact are too easy to play (i.e. its easier to play in tune, to get the notes right, and to get strong, clean pure tones). Yet the quality and craftsmanship of the Expensive whistles has definite appeal, and barely a Chiffboard topic goes by that doesnt include glowing comments by a wizened Elder about the virtues of their Copleand or Abell or etc etc etc.
In My Humble Opinion, on this issue you as a beginner should assess your means and goals, and buy your whistles (either inexpensive or expensive) accordingly. I have elected not to purchase a bunch of cheap whistles, and have only purchased one expensive whistle and one medium expensive whistle. My first whistle was an Oak in D, a very nice inexpensive whistle. I then got a few SweeTones in D, a Copeland in D (expensive), and I just bought an Overton Low D (medium expensive).
With the possible exception of getting a "Tweaked Clarke Original", I have every intention of not buying any more whistles for a while. For me, this is a good mix of inexpensive and expensive whistles. I play my Oak and SweeTone a lot. I like the clear, strong tone of the Oak and the airy, chiffy sound of the SweeTone (and also the conical shape of the SweeTone's tube) I keep a SweeTone in the car to play at stop lights, for example. But getting the Copleland has sated my curiosity about high whistles...it is a fantastic whistle, and I have really enjoyed learning to adapt to the differences between playing this whistle and the inexpensive ones. I practice outdoors a lot, and when outdoors I usually find myself playing the Copeland (its a loud whistle that I dont like to play indoors at home).
In similar fashion, getting the Overton Low D is to sate my curiosity about low whistles (I havent received it yet). I think that the best way to go is to buy the minimum number of whistles necessary to sate your curiosity enough so you can effectively practice and learn to play.
P.S. Notice all my whistles are in the Key of D. Rather than going hog wild buying whistles in different keys, I am staying in the Key of D. Why? Because until I have practiced enough, until I have become comfortable with fingerings and ornamentation and breath control and phrasing in the Key of D (the most common key in irish tunes), then IMHO, I have no business monkeying around in other keys. For me, trying to deal with fingerings and concepts in other keys is a distraction that would hinder my early development as a whistler. Once I'm a solid player and can handle all the basics in the Key of D, my guess is it will be much easier to transition those skills, competence, etc into another key.
