I picked up a used Busman blackwood high D a couple months ago from another forum member and have been waiting to say anything about it until I’d spent sufficient time with it in various settings…sessions, with the band, recording, etc. I have to say this is an exceptional whistle. It’s about two years old, well cared for, and in excellent condition.
It’s expertly crafted and a beautiful whistle to behold with the stainless steel fittings. Striking would be an apt description. I’d seen photos of Paul’s whistles over the years and wasn’t sure if I’d like the double banding rings on the stainless steel mouthpiece and tube end but it’s a unique and classy touch.
Very easy to play and the tone reminds me of my Burke DBSBT with a woody tone…very pure, clean, and nicely balanced through both octaves. In fact, I prefer the Busman’s balance. It takes slightly less push than the Burke and hitting the high A and B notes is easier on the Busman with a bit more volume than the Burke overall. The Busman’s high end literally sings. C-nat using 0XX000 is dead-on as opposed to the Burke’s which is just slightly sharp. Second octave c-nat is also dead-on and easily hit using 0XXXX0.
This is a beautiful, responsive whistle with wonderful tone that’s fun to play and has become my go-to high D.