Hey all, I play on a Chieftain soprano D whistle. It’s got a great, round and robust sound and isn’t too flute-sounding. It is a bit tough to cut on high octave As and Bs, and I really can’t play a C sharp or D in that octave without blowing out the eardrums I’m with.
Here is why I am purchasing another whistle: I love my chieftain, but if I often can’t cut or roll the high A’s well and the high B’s, without extreme volume, in a tune. The session near me (I’m in jersey) is mostly always inhabited by a guitar or two, atleast two fiddles, two whistles, a flute, a bodhran or two, and always a few doubling instruments and new comers on different instruments. The whistle players there play Burkes (soprano Ds, and one player prefers narrow bore). When I discussed volume issues, they both assumed I meant my whistle wasn’t being heard, when the issue was quite the opposite in the high end.
I’d be much appreciative if you could all share with me what may be a good investment for me to make. I am looking for a soprano D whistle that is very comfortable in the high ranges. Thanks for your time and sorry for the essay,
-Sean
Consider looking through some recent threads, they may be of some help to you.
*** examples ***
Good medium whistles
Buying Highend Whistles
Best wishes,
John
As much fun as it is to champion our favorite whistles, this general topic has been discussed in many, many recent threads. I don’t think we need another generic discussion so soon. After all, we don’t know your tastes and preferences.
May I suggest an alternative? Take a look at Dale’s overview of whistle makers on the main Chiff & Fipple home page. I would also go to Wanderer’s review pages for more in-depth reviews. (http://www.tinwhistler.com.) Then come back here and search for additional reviews of whistles you think might interest you.
Finally, post any questions you have and stand back. If you want opinions about specific whistles, you came to the right place. 
For sessions, I have ended up with Copeland, Overton and a Sweetheart Pro D. Good luck, Cyril.
Burke IMHO
Hi there SutorS,
You’ve done well to get control of the Chieftain High D! This beasty is not everyone’s cup-of-tea.
My advice is the same as always - try some out! The best educator is your own ear. Many of us can share our own experiences, but none of us are you.
From what you have said, you attend sessions, you have an idea of where you want to go … volume-wise the Chieftain is not appropriate, but you have a good enough ear and appreciation of technique to want something nimble in the high-end?
Even with that, it’s hard to single anything out - back to trying things out for yourself. Are there any stockists near to you?
I am myself a recent convert to the Burkes. I got his “pro” low D and immediately loved it. I’ve tried low D’s from six or seven makers now and none seem to do everything the Burke does as well as the Burke does it. Then I went “whistle accquisition” crazy and got a high D (session bore), high C (big bore), A, and G, and all play remarkably well. I know that recalcitrance or squirreliness on the high B found on many whistles, where the note wants to honk or scream out. The Burkes play butter-smooth and play nice in-tune high C natural, high C sharp, and high D as well as high A and B. The Burke low D also has a commanding, powerful bottom D which can easily be heard in a session.