Differences between the Burkes??

Whistle
1

Hi all,

Is there much difference in sound or playability between the various Burkes? Aluminum/Brass/Composite? Narrow/Session bore?? How does one choose?? :confused:

Thanks!

Davey

2

I have a composite Burke Narrow Bore D and a Brass Session D. Compared to the brass, the composite is very pretty sounding, but I think it’s too soft for playing in a session, and its tone isn’t as whistle-like. Also, it is more fragile. I’m not sure, but I think the narrow bore requires more breath control. If I was wanting to play with others, I’d go with the brass.

3

I took 3 Burkes to a house session a few weeks ago - one brass, one Aluminum, one composite (all session bore).

Although all unmistakably from the burke stable and wonderfully balanced and in-tune, they each have their own character - the brass has that wrap-around warmth, the Aluminum is deep crystal and the Composite is brash and present. Of the 3 experienced whistlers at the session each of the 3 whistles found a favourite. I was happy to sit quietly and enjoy the inter-play.

I have heard that in the hands of a novice, these whistles annoy the old-hands at a session, but in those same old hands they take the session to a new level.

They are loud enough if you have something worth shouting about. I supose in a year or 2 I might be good enough if I keep up the practice :slight_smile:

(there were a number of concertinas and fiddles at this session - 3 Burkes were enough)

4

It sounds like the composite session bore is loud enough to be heard or irritate! I suppose that means that it’s the narrow borishness that makes my narrow bore composite quiet.

5

I’m getting dazed and confused! :slight_smile:

One says:

“Compared to the brass, the composite is very pretty sounding, but I think it’s too soft for playing in a session, and its tone isn’t as whistle-like.”

Another says:

"Although all unmistakably from the burke stable and wonderfully balanced and in-tune, they each have their own character - the brass has that wrap-around warmth, the Aluminum is deep crystal and the Composite is brash and present. "

The first sways me toward composite, the second towards brass! “Soft” and “pretty-sounding” is good as I just practice solo in a small apartment, but ‘brash’ doen’t sound so good. You’d think a composite would be less ‘brash’ than metal? “Wrap-around warmth” sounds very nice. Can I get a hot cocoa with that? Or should it be an Irish coffee!? :wink:

Thanks,

Davey

6

AZW’s composite is the narrow-bore, which is what makes it soft. The session-bore (regardless of material) will be louder and more brash.

I’m very happy with my DAS Aluminum session-bore, which is very pure and can project, but is not at all shrill or brash. It plays well quietly also. I’ve never had a chance to try other Burkes. I suspect any of them would suit you.

7

I’ve never met a Burke I would characterize as “brash” . Maybe I’m missing Mitch’s point. They say a lot things differently “Down Under”. :slight_smile:

Between the aluminum and brass I prefer the brass because I prefer the more substantial weight (I’m a manly whistler :laughing: ). I don’t know that there is a ton of difference in the tone.

The composites are another story. They consistently tend to have a warmer, more complex tone than their purer sounding metal counterparts. I dearly love them. Their only downfall is that they are more fragile and can chip or break if treated disrespectfully.

Doc

8

I was comparing Burke to Burke - none of which could be called “brash” if compared to, say, a Generation :slight_smile: I just find there’s more goat in the composite (now there’s an adjective :laughing: )

9

First it sounds like we’re talking about fine wines, now we’re resorted to farm animal analagies! :astonished:

Quite the versatile instrument, the whistle… somewhere between a fine Chardonnay and a goat! :smiley:

In any case, it doen’t sound like I can go too far astray with any burke.

Thanks for the opinions everyone. :slight_smile: