I am probably asking a loaded question so I apologize in advance - no trouble was intended. I am trying to decide between ordering a Busman cocobolo or a Reyburn high D. I have played with many of the more inexpensive whistles and have finally decided to take the plunge into the high-end whistle market, but I need advice. I have listened to recordings of both whistles and have devoured as much information about them as I could but I am still on the proverbial fence. So I turn to the sages of the whistle world seeking guidance. Are there any advantages to one of these whistles over the other or is it six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other?
I’d appreciate any and all help and insight you guys (and girls) can provide.
They are both excellent. Several years ago I faced the choice between two famous low whistles. I ordered them from Ann at Song Of The Sea.
With the understanding I would only be keeping one. I played them for my wife and asked her to chose one by sound alone, and sent the other back. Of course, eventually, I did end with both.
yes, you will probably end up with both in the future like Tommy said. but Reyburn is a little less expensive. i have never had the honor of playing one, and intend on getting one in the near future. i do have a Busman however, and absolutely love it. i get complements all the time on the beauty and tone of it. but i have heard nothing bad about Reyburns either. they are both great people and fellow chiffers on here.
That’s a tuff question since you are compairing a metal and a wood whistle!
I’ve never tried a Reyburn so I wouldn’t be of much help but I do have a Busman in Kingwood which is a beautiful instrument. It doesn’t require alot of air, plays in tune and the second octave goes into the high A and B without being to shrill, and without having to push it real hard. It has a narrow windway but not to much trouble with clogging. I had a thin weasel in cocobolo once that I loved the tone of but it clogged to the point of not being able to play it until it was cleared. I never have that problem with the Busman.
As for the Reyburn I hear it is a fine instrument but people do say that you have to play it more aggressively and that it is a loud session instrument.
Just my 2 cents…I’m going to go reminisce and play a tune on the Busman
Nate
The Session D has a very powerful tone. It’s loud but still maintains a fabulous sound. I played one in a session with a guitar and 2 fiddles and actually had a hard time hearing them. The whistle almost begs you to lean into it and it performs best when it’s being pushed. If you plan on playing solo or in large groups then this is a great tool to have. If you want to play in more intimate settings then look into the narrow bore.
p.s. you can’t make a bad choice with either whistle. Paul and Ronaldo are both super guys to deal with as well.
I haven´t played a Busman whistle, however I did play Reyburn…damn good, I have to say. It´s got, like Overtons, more complex sound than some “pure” whistles (Dixons, Burkes branch), with nice breath control. It was not only pleasure to hear, but a pleasure to play too.
Flogging Jason has summed it up nicely. It’s defintely a session whistle; plenty of volume; however, you can throttle it back a bit.
When you do lean into it, The Reyburn really sings with a wonderful complex tone and the most solid low register I have experienced.
Fit and finish is meticulous. The tuning slide is very slick; tone holes are chamfered and have a great feel and overall, the whistle has a nice heft to it with the thick walled tube.
Tuning and intonation are spot on. It’s all good. If you want to stand out in the crowd; the Reyburn is for you. And as mentioned, Reynaldo is great to deal with. Cheers, Cyril.