http://www.burkewhistles.com/product.php?productid=16150&cat=0&page=1
I thought of this whistle as my “expensive” whistle instead of the Oz Whistle. I have been reading very good things about this whistle and I figure 190 smackers is a bit more to swallow than 350.
Anyone have this whistle (stupid question I am sure 
)
Oh and what is back pressure?
Lots of people have it–and you probably couldn’t do much better in a metal whistle. It’s very “forgivable” --easy to play. The Burke has a live-withable high B (I made that word up!) a strong bottom D and a good cross-fingered C. It’s very responsive, plays fast and doesn’t blow your ears out (I still avoid long high B notes, though). And on top of all that, it’s gorgeous!
Oh, and I almost forgot–Michael Burke recently tweaked his design. My whistle doesn’t have much backpressure–the new ones have a bit more, from what I read on this board.
GET it!
The DBSBT has always been considered by many as one of the finest whistles on the planet and I think Mike’s new design has made it even better. Very easy playing, very controllable, wonderful warm pure round tone, good volume, excellent octave balance, dead-on intonation, and very responsive. It has that great trad metal whistle sound but Burkes have a unique sound all their own that many players love…myself included.
Back pressure is basically the air resistance produced by the windway/fipple design and determines if a whistle is hard or easy blowing. The more back pressure, the easier it is to play but can make a whistle touchy on the low end. Mike’s whistles are normally very easy to play, and the DBSBT in particular has what I’d consider moderate back pressure, making it very easy to play but still allowing you to really lean into it without breaking or squeaking, allowing for a lot of expression. The low end and bell note are very solid and the upper register is pristine and effortless. As Mike explains it on his web site…buttery. But again, you can really lean into it. Again, Mike’s whistles always seem to be just right.
Since getting the DBSBT, all my other Ds have gone by the wayside. The only exception is my Overton because it has such a different tonal character that better suits some tunes the band does.
The DBSBT has always been one of the finest whistles on the planet
That’s a bit of a subjective statement isn’t it? Quite a few people, including myself, wouldn’t go near it.
If you like the sound and are willing to pay the price, go for it. On the other hand, you may just want to sit around a bit longer, learn to play a bit better and make a more informed choice. You just may at some decide there’s something you like better at half the price or less.
Thanks all, I am going to get it.
Whoo hoo
You’re right. I’ve amended that statement to read …“has always been considered by many as one of the finest…” since obviously not everyone is going to love Burkes…including yourself. But there are an awful lot of players who do.
Enjoy!