I’m looking into the Burke AlPro low D to quench my low whistle requirements untill Colin gives me the happy call. A couple of questions…first how do you like yours? Second, a solid low octive is most important for me, I like to lean into the whistle a bit to get the second register..but not to much (hense my love of Overtons). I’m hoping the Burke will be a bit sweeter then the Overton, can anyone attest to this? I was considering a Hoover Low D (does he make one?) Am I getting myself into two similar whistles or will they compliment each other. Any suggestions and opinions are greatly appriciated. Thanks-Jack
[ This Message was edited by: jackorion on 2001-09-27 02:45 ]
[ This Message was edited by: jackorion on 2001-09-27 02:47 ]
Mack Hoover’s low whistles are a much more mellow sound than an Overton, or a Burke. They take MUCH less air, and have a very pure, but softer tone.
Mack can work on a custom tone somewhat if you like, or if you have a preferance for larger or smaller tone holes…things like that.
The best thing would be to give him a call. He’s a wonderful man, and will be delighted to help you out if you decide to go with one of his.
Having spent the last weekend with him, and playing almost all of his whistles he had on the table…trust me…this was a LOT!!!) as well as several others, he and I had to compare to, his were hands down the sweetest sounding of the bunch.
Thanks for the input. How long is the waite for Mack’s low D and is there a Number that I can reach him at? I like Emailing but prefer to talk on the phone.
Anybody still care to comment on the Burke aluminum low D?
I dearly love my Burke aluminum high D, and I am curious as to whether or not the low D is as good.
Aside from the unusual bell note characteristics, and perhaps a higher than normal air requirement, I’d say the Burke AL Pro Low D is is an excellent whistle with a fairly pure tone. I’d say the Burke and Overton are on opposite sides of a spectrum.
The Burke has the added advantage of breaking down into three pieces, which makes for a very portable Low D - very cool, I wish more whistle makers would do this.
Some advice…do not greet Jack with a Hi. As in Hi Mack…
Loren’s right about the Burke qualities. If I WERE to clone a low D, Burke would be the one! I never would, but I do keep the reach comparably easy. I traded three Hoovers (not low D’s) for one Burke!
Mack
I had a Burke Composite Low D and got rid of it. I bought one of the first AL Pro Low D’s and kept it. I like the Aluminum version better, but that’s really just a matter of taste, of which some folks think I have none =;^)
They do sound different but that’s hard to describe, so I won’t try.
Here are my reasons for preferring the Burke aluminum low D to the composite version:
Aluminum is more durable, the bakelite stuff cracks and breaks instead of simply bending when overly stressed.
The aluminum version required less wind to play than the composite Low D I had. Perhaps Mike has made changes to his composite low d in the last year or so, you’d have to ask him.
Still, I’d rate both the Burke Low D’s I’ve played as “High” in terms of breath requirements, something to think about. It’s sort of like playing a flute with less back pressure; you’re going to need to take breaths way more often with a Burke, Grinter, or Copeland Low D for example, than you will with an Overton, Dixon, or Herbison Low D
Portability. The aluminum Burke is, to my knowledge, unique in it’s compactness when in pieces. This is my main reason for keeping the whistle, because frankly, the tone of the Burke AL Pro Low D doesn’t really do that much for me - I find it sort of bland and uninspiring. This surprises me because I love the sound of Mike’s Brass soprano whistles. (Haven’t had the chance to try any of his aluminum sopranos)
Patrick O’Riordan also makes a three piece low whistle. I don’t know what his wait is up to now, (2 1/2 years last I checked) or if he’s still taking orders, but his whistles are highly prized as well, and although the wait is long, the prices are very reasnonable. When I ordered about a year and a half ago, his low D whistle was priced at $140.
Thanks for the info Loren, it was very helpful.
I just ordered a Dixon tunable low D.
After I get in some practice, I may try another brand… and another… and another…
I keep going back to my Dixon tuneable low D…just can’t trust myself to get that bellnote on the Al Pro low D and it seems to take more wind requirement than the Dixon…which in turn seems to aggravate a hiatal hernia just a bit. Does anyone else have this problem or am I not breathinig correctly? Gm
This seems to be a problem with low D whistles of the more forgiving finger hole variety and the solution may be increasing airflow efficiency by radiusing the holes underneath and inside the tube and the end if it hasnt been done already,as described over at my chamfer vs non-chamfer post.Mike
[ This Message was edited by: mike.r on 2001-09-27 04:55 ]
On 2001-09-26 19:06, mike.r wrote:
This seems to be a problem with low D whistles of the more forgiving finger hole variety and the solution may be increasing airflow efficiency by radiusing the holes underneath and inside the tube and the end if it hasnt been done already,as described over at my chamfer vs chamfer post.> > Mike
Mike,
What exactly do you mean “Whistles of the more forgiving hole variety”? And why do you assume they all have similar problems? How many different whistles have you played in order to make such an assessment?
I’m also interested to know how you’ve come to the conclusion as to what is neccessary to correct the “problem” GM is talking about - do you have a Burke AL Pro Low D that you’ve worked on to correct the problem she mentioned?
Loren
[ This Message was edited by: Loren on 2001-09-26 21:25 ]
Loren,
Raindogs choice of a dixon over others may have been based on playability, due to the comfortable or `forgiving´hole spacing which is a consideration for those of us with smaller hands, not realising that new model Overtons are incredibley easy to play compared to Susato,Howard or older Overtons with the gigantic and wider finger hole spacing.The thing Ive noticed in the large hole variety, although for some of us difficult to execute precise sealing ,is an added richness in tone and volume on the bell and lower notes.The other stuff is based on my own tinkering and experimenting which I’m pretty certain has always played an important function in flute design and for some reason has yet to trickle over into whistle design.Thanks for your interest in all of this and look forward to any comments you may have as I know you have many whistles and flutes to make your own evaluation.All the best, Mike
[ This Message was edited by: mike.r on 2001-09-27 05:35 ]
I don’t think anybody was addressing the hiatal hernia problem with the wind requirements of a low D. It is certainly not severe as the problem itself is not severe but I would like to know if there is anyone out there…on this board…witha hiatal hernia. Gm
Grannymouse,
Sorry, I did’nt realise you were referring to your own problem…I had a hernia operation six years ago and it was horrible and today ,except for a scar just below my rib cage,there is little evidence left of this unfortunate chapter in my life.If you have had or are experiencing a problem of this nature at the present time you have my deepest sympathy and wish you a full recovery and pain free whistle playing for the future.All the best Mike
GM,
I don’t have a hiatal hernea and I never thought about that being a potential problem for low whistle playing, but I’m safe in suggesting the following: You’re likely to feel less discomfort while you’re playing if you make sure your posture is upright so your stomach has more space below the diaphragm. If taking a sudden deep breath hurts, you may have to just not inhale so deeply. I’m basing these thoughts just on anatomy and the nature of the condition. Let me know if I’m full of baloney. And good luck.
Tony
Mike