I am very fortunate to live close to a “World Renowned” 
whistle maker - I finally got the opportunity, after 4 months of last minute problems, conflicting schedules, etc., to visit Mr. Paul Busman at his home. Paul and his wife were very gracious to allow a complete stranger to enter their home and Paul generously gave of his valuable time to allow me to try out all kinds of whistles and fill some of the considerable gaps in my knowledge.
First thing we did was sit down at his dining room table and go over some whistles that I brought along with me. In this way, Paul was an unofficial participant in the Dixon whistle tour. After that, Paul allowed me to play various whistles from different manufacturers - I got to try a ChromeMoly Serpent, an Overton low “A” a Burke or two, a different style of Dixon from what’s on the tour, a Kerry Pro low “D” (much bigger than I expected and really too large for my hands, even with a piper’s grip) and several other makes and types, including one whistle made in a curious fashion - a whistle and a drone combo carved from a single block of wood - it looked and sounded gorgeous! Paul also allowed me to try out as many Busmans as I could get my hands on, which was a considerable number.
I was suprised by the small fipple “beak” on most of the whistles, as I am more used to the larger beak on my MellowDog - I found that I had no other option but to hold the whistle straight out - I often play my MellowDog in a more “dangling” fashion.
Paul had several PVC whistles for me to try out. On playing these, my feelings about plastic shafted whistles were not lessened (the Jihad is still on! 
). However, he allowed me to play a Busman Delrin whistle also - it really suprised me! Great sound, none of the plastic overtones that I detest so much, about as far from the cheap plastic recorder sound as any other non-plastic whistle - I would actually be willing to own one of these. Exceptions to every rule, I guess.
Paul showed me his workshop - I was amazed! It is a very tiny room on the first floor with all his equipment there. I guess I was expecting an expansive workshop in the basement, but Paul explained that it wouldn’t be a good idea to make wooden whistles in a damp basement. He sat down with me and showed me various woods that he made whistles from, most of which I had never heard of before. During this time a repairman stopped by, and while Paul was messing with him, I messed with more whistles. The repairman actually came into the room, with Paul in tow, to see what was making “the pretty music” (amazing, since it was myself playing ) We tried to get him hooked and I even gave him my MellowDog to try out, but he was too embarassed to continue after the first squalk and he and Paul left to check out the rest of the repairs.
By the way, Mitch, I tried out some of the whistles that Paul is sending you and I believe I can tell you with some credibility that neither you nor your customers will be disappointed!
After this incredible experience, I was able to settle a few questions in my own mind concerning what I am looking for in a whistle. I fell in love with a particular Busman “D” olive wood whistle - absolutely beautiful in form and finish, amazing sound and easy to play with just the right amount of back pressure - I’ll be saving the pennies to get my hands on that one, I can tell you! The ChromeMoly Serpent will probably be my immediate next purchase in a whistle, possibly in an “A” which is about as large as I can go and still play comfortably - thanks to Paul, I now know that Mr. Whedon’s whistles will suit me. A Busman Delrin would be a good choice, even for a plastic whistle shaft Jihadist such as me, as these have a remarkable sound - not plastic sounding at all, sweet and clear, but I think I will eventually opt for the olive wood.
Thank you, Paul and Charlene for your time and hospitality - it will not soon be forgotten!
