I finally got my first high end whistle… goes by the name of DAN. I ordered a Burke D Aluminum Narrow Bore from TheWhistleShop last week. Based on the opinions of several people I decided just to go with the narrow bore. I had been told repeatedly that the Sessioner just wasn’t as sweet sounding. Well, overall I am very pleased with this whistle, it sounds fantastic. I took it to it’s first session today and was a little disappointed with the volume. I had been told by others that it kept up just fine in sessions but I sat between a fiddler and a gentleman playing the concertina and I could hardly hear myself. I’m not sure what to do. I love the sound of it. I was given a guarantee that if I didn’t like it I could return it and buy the DASBT from Michael… hmm, I really really like it though 
Try playing with it in the corner of your mouth instead of directly ahead.
This puts the whistle more under one ear and can make it easier to hear yourself.
Because it plays an octave above other melody instruments, the whistle does tend to cut through and be heard. In all likelihood, those listening to you can hear you play much better than you yourself can.
Of course, if you have really loud players or a really big session, you may just need a louder whistle.
I have played Burkes in a session of over 20 musicians, though, and it went just fine.
–James
I wouldn’t trade my DAN for anything in the world.
I always have played out of the side of my mouth, even when playing alone… just a habit I picked up early on… not sure where I got that from. I don’t want to trade my new Burke at all, I was just disappointed that it wasn’t as loud. Before I had the Burke, I always took my Clarke Meg to the sessions and could hear myself just fine. I absolutely looooove this whistle though 
Try moving to quieter neighbors in the session. That may be all you need to hear yourself. It also doesn’t mean that the audience can’t hear you.