Burke Low D Comp Pro Revisited!

Whistle
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Have you ever tried a new whistle, and in a few minutes, concluded that it just wasn’t what you expected or what you thought you had wanted? I did that with two of Michael Burke’s low Ds not long ago.

First, I ordered a Composite Low D Pro, because I had read favorable reports of Chiffers who had tried, and liked them, and I liked the sound clip on Clips and Snips of the jig on the EZ Comp low D. I’m a slow air lover, but the last note that was held for a longer period of time on that jig got my attention. In general, I liked the softer tone of it also.

I read Michael’s description of this whistle-" Sweet powerful mellow tone"-and I thought, that’s perfect! So, after it arrived, within 5 minutes of playing it, I had come to the conclusion that it just wasn’t what I had thought it would be. I returned it, and asked to exchange it for the Aluminum Viper Low D, which Michael sent along to me.

The same thing happened; within 5 minutes, it was back in the box, and I emailed Michael saying that it wasn’t what I was looking for tonewise, either. Michael took them back, with no problem. He has a 30 day return policy.

Here’s my advice that I can say, is probably very good advice, even if it does come from me. If you first try a whistle that is new to you, don’t form any quick emotional opinions as to what the sound IS NOT. Play it, and hear what it is on it’s own merits. Try not to compare it to another whistle and judge it solely on that narrow viewpoint. It will likely fail this test 9 out of 10 times, just because it is different to what you know already. Give it time. I imagine that is why Michael and other smart makers allow you time with their whistle to really see what makes it unique and worthy of their name and efforts.

How did I realize this all of a sudden? No, I don’t spend a lot of time thinking why I did things and how I could live life differently. But, I did start thinking about it when someone else mentioned that they liked the Burke Composites, and I know that I have heard that quite a few times. It just didn’t make sense that I would dismiss that whistle so quickly like I had. So, I thought, the next time one comes up for sale on Chiff, I would try it again.

I think you can guess the rest! It’s a great whistle, all on it’s own qualities, not of other whistles. It is mellow, woody, sweet even in the higher register, and has enough presence to be heard. I don’t know if I would say powerful, but it has a strong quality, without the edge of the metal whistles. This is where I think I missed it, the comparison to a metal low D. It’s just not going to have that metal bite and because it is made up of a unique material in the whistle world, it will have it’s own sound. I love it! Sweet, it is, and yes, unique! In a perfect world, it would have the strength of tone in the lowest notes of a good flute, but that rarely happens in a low whistle anyway.

I will qualify my non-technical review also by saying that the whistle I bought used was Michael’s earlier Comp Pro; mine was made in Feb 2000. He has since made improvements to the whistle in the tuning slide, and I believe the fipple, but has kept the material the same. Thinking back, I would bet that the tone is very similar between them.

My apologies to Michael for judging his whistles too quickly, and not on their own terms, and instead, expecting tonal qualities I liked in other whistles to be the same in his. Apples and Oranges, I believe when all things are considered. Michael has a reputation for making a great whistle, and even though they aren’t everyone’s idea of the perfect whistle, he will no doubt make quite a few people happy with his, if they try them with an open mind. This also goes for any whistlemaker’s whistles-take time with a new whistle and get to know it before judging it; just like people, we’re all different. I’d say, that’s probably a good thing, too!

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Why don’t you email Mike with this? He’d appreciate it.

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There is a danger in forming a strong opinion very quickly, especially for relatively inexperienced players. Five minutes in one sitting is not really enough time to give a whistle a fair test. I can say that when I first played my Chieftain (high D aluminum non-tuneable), I thought the tone sounded sour and harsh. My original impression still holds for small confined spaces. However, outdoors or in large rooms, the sound has room to expand and is an audience favorite.

I have also had the opposite experience, of really liking a whistle at first and then growing to dislike it. Again, the clincher has been audience reaction.

There is no right or wrong in any case–we are talking whistles.

  • Bill
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Good idea, John, I just emailed Mike. Thanks!

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I’ve been spending more time with this whistle, and I’ve got to say that I still do find it one of the sweetest low whistles I’ve played yet, with a unique tone. I haven’t played any wooden whistles, but I imagine that’s about what it sounds like, sweet and complex, without being an " in your face" whistle. It still has a certain oomph to the tone, like a flutey tone quality.

Are there any other Burke Composite Low D Pro owners out there that share my feelings for this whistle? I haven’t heard of anyone extolling its virtues that I can remember, but I think it’s special. I imagine not that many have had an opportunity to try one, either.

Let me know if you have, thanks!

PS Bill, that’s a good point; sometimes how we percieve the tone of a whistle depends on the environment we play them in. I don’t perform with mine, but I can see where some of the louder and punchier whistles could be great performance instruments, as in a good violin. And some, will be better for recordings, or amplified for performances.

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new born babys seem to like them too! http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=19217&highlight=baby+composite

and when michael burke plays them, he says his worries melt, like all 'round him :slight_smile:

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Several weeks back there was a discussion of the sound of the composite (EZ and Session) vs the Viper in a couple of the low D threads. At that point I bought Steven’s (IDAwHOa) Low D Composite Pro (an older model, 02/00). At about that same time, my interest kind of shifted back to high whistles and I haven’t spent a lot of time with the big composite.

My initial impression is that I love it’s beautiful sound, very complex and warm, but without the metallic edge I hear in the recordings of some aluminum low Ds. At the same time it’s not a dull sound, it’s very open, lively and expressive.

I haven’t found the low notes hard to get out as long as all the holes are well sealed (while Steven says the hole spacing is not out of the ordinary for a low D, it certainly is much harder to seal than my Jubilee pvc). My only real complaint is that the whistle is a free blower with almost zero back pressure. I’m hoping that when I get a chance to spend more time with it that I can develope enough breath control to play it properly. If I get some time this week I’'ll record a small sound sample.

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I have a Burke composite low E, and I love its sound. It’s particularly breathtaking, though, with some reverb added … either over a sound system or in your reverb-room (bathroom :slight_smile: ) at home.

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I’d agree that most whistles, if you’re destined to love them, need a “grow on you” period, during which you learn that particular whistle’s personality.

An interesting exception: My most recent acquisition–a Sindt C which I ordered a year ago, cancelled the order…and surprise–it came anyway this week. The thing is, it sounded so good, right out of the tube, I had to keep it despite the fact that I didn’t mean to get it.

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new born babys seem to like them too!
and when michael burke plays them, he says his worries melt, like all 'round him

I agree, they do seem to have a soothing quality to the tone.

I bought Steven’s (IDAwHOa) Low D Composite Pro (an older model, 02/00).

Hey Joe, we got siblings! Mine was made by Michael in 2/2000 too!

My initial impression is that I love it’s beautiful sound, very complex and warm, but without the metallic edge I hear in the recordings of some aluminum low Ds

That was my impression also, definitely a softer sound; no sharp edge like the aluminum lows.

I haven’t found the low notes hard to get out as long as all the holes are well sealed (while Steven says the hole spacing is not out of the ordinary for a low D, it certainly is much harder to seal than my Jubilee pvc).

I haven’t had a sealing problem, but I’m used to the lows by now. That’s mostly what I play, and always use the piper’s grip. I find it so much easier, even on up to Bb and C whistles, no strain on my wrists/hands with the pipers. But, I do have some minor problems in those areas with my wrists and hands.

I have a Burke composite low E, and I love its sound. It’s particularly breathtaking, though, with some reverb added … either over a sound system or in your reverb-room (bathroom ) at home.

That’s the greatest sound, isn’t it, Lisa? When you can find a place with the right acoustics, it’s like being plugged in to the best acoustic amp! I had a little time when the apartment across the hall was vacant while they were getting ready for rental, and I would go across in the evenings to my own private amphitheatre; hardwood floors, no carpets or drapes to interfere with the sound. It was a real turn on! I do resent having a new neighbor, just a little bit.

I’d agree that most whistles, if you’re destined to love them, need a “grow on you” period, during which you learn that particular whistle’s personality.

That so true, Emmline, I don’t know why I didn’t realize that before. I’m usually not one to hurry through things and jump to conclusions. I guess I just was expecting something else, and when I didn’t hear that, I was disappointed, but needlessly so!

Glad to hear you had a nice surprise with your Sindt, especially that unexpected, and a tone you couldn’t say no to! Enjoy! We all need a treat now and then like that. It keeps us :smiley:

Thanks for the replies, this new experience has taught me a good lesson, that I think we kind of learn over and over throughout our lives; don’t be in such a hurry, slow down and listen, sometimes something wonderful will happen when you let it!