Elliott: I have never heard a Copeland instrument. I trust they are excellent. I have played many instruments others deem as among the best, and they simply leave me cold, both in sound and playability. Such is life. I remain very glad that we all have choices. It makes life so much more interesting.
Concerning the compressed volume issue: As an engineer, compression means to me a crushed dynamic range…no real difference between loud and soft… I can assure you that none of my Burkes are compressed in volume…It is a fact, however, that they will not play as loudly as some whistles I have heard. I have read that Copelands are among the elite, in this particular parameter…
I suspect that–whistles being what they are, rather simple and somewhat limited instruments–there is no such thing as a perfect whistle. There will always be some reason to favor one over another for some particular tune. That said, what I like best about the DNB (and that’s the only Burke I’ve played) is its remarkable predictability. What I mean is, there are no surprises–no squeaks, no wrong octaves, etc. You hardly need to change breath pressure to change octaves, but there is just that bit of added pressure that lets you know what’s happening. Quite intuitive to play. This becomes really important on some airs, because it allows you to easily sustain notes and then slide seamlessly into the next note, even when a change of octave is required. I worked it out a bit last night on a favorite Chieftan’s air, Tip of the Whistle, and was quite impressed. No other whistle I’ve played was quite like that.
Now, I’m not saying it’s better than my Sweetheart Pro. I’m quite sure the Sweetheart can hold it’s own in any session, volume wise, and its mellow, pure, slightly woody tone is outstanding. In that sense it’s probably true that it has more “character” than the DNB. With a little more concentration I can do most of the same things on the Sweetheart as on the DNB, and with the bigger, fuller sound. But each has its own merits, and some things are just better on the Burke. I wouldn’t mind a tad more volume from the DNB, but I bought it expecting a somewhat quieter whistle than the Sweetheart. What did rather surprise me was just how smooth and intuitive it is to play throughout its range–that is unquestionably its great merit. I’m certainly not surprised anymore at the number of people who say they reach for it to noodle on. My flute and water weasel playing son will be coming home in about a month and I’m going to be very interested to get his reaction. I’ll also want to see how each matches up with his flute.
Thanks to everyone for their kind remarks on my review. Actually, I think I kinda enjoy doing it. If anyone is interested in how their favorite high end whistle stacks up against my Sweetheart or Burke I’ll be happy to oblige with an in depth comparison. Just PM me and I’ll send you a PO Box where you can send your whistle. I’d be particularly interested in O’Riordans, Copelands, or Abells.
I was disagreeing with the first 20,000 posts that went on and on about their wonderful Burkes. I’m glad to hear that the new models are so much better - that’s why I specified the pre-perturbed bore model.
Did I mention I found it a bit top heavy and the holes a little too close together?
Byll, I can only tell you that that particular whistle could not command attention and start off a tune during a noisy session in a big space. My Copeland could. I said compressed and I meant compressed … in that context. I’ll bet it would be great in a living room with a few instruments … if one of them wasn’t an accordeon.
This is a three-minute impression of one older-model whistle. I stuck in my 2-pence so it didn’t look so unanimous. There are always different criteria for judgements and no one mentioned starting a tune at a session.
Elendil’s remarks make we want to spend some time with the new version!
Elliott (and others…), you’d have to have played a very early Burke to be pre-perturbed. Even the very early Wide Bore Brass models had a a ring mounted inside the tube to restrict the bore at one point. I know because mine fell out and I had to glue it back in. It may be that they have more perturbations (sp?) now tho…
What material is your Copeland made from (brass, nickle, silver!) ??
I had a brass Copeland many moons ago (my first expensive whistle after a Water Weasle) and have about come full circle on my whistle hunt and decided to get another…working with my new Rose for now.
I recived my Burke pro session model a week or so ago. It is everything I want in a whistle and more. I am most likely never going to buy another whistle
(Well in D at least) unless its from Michael. It is abosutely fantastic in my mind. I have never been all that keen about playing whistles because you know, a vast majority are shrill etc. (im talking cheapies here folks) and I just havent found them fun to play.- Well until i got this burke. Its great and thats all i can say.
They’ve gone up 10 bucks or so since Feb. I knew I should have ordered earlier!!!
The site says updated April 2003, so I can assume the prices are accurate?I know I read it on this board, saying the prices had been changed, but I can’t remember how old the post was. I’ve also read that Mr. Burke doesn’t do email well, so if I order a Burke it’s just going to be a money order and letter in an envelope and I want to have the right amount of money.
I’m still debating whether to get a Burke or not. Some other considerations first.
Are you considering the same things I am, what to sell? LOL.
I have a Burke wide bore brass. It was the first high quality whistle i ever bought (and so far the only one). I instantly fell in love with the sound and the precise tuning. I still like it a lot, but recently i’ve been feeling that it’s not lout enough to stand out in a busy session (especially when compared, for example, with a Thin Wheasel). I still love it, though, just wish it was a little louder.
I’ve been playing a Shawn recently. It also could use more volume, but at least i feel i can push it harder, during a session, as it will take more air than the Burke.
Hmm always complaining whistles are not loud enough… maybe i should take up the trombone, instead, right?
