Does anyone have any info, experience, observations, rants (well, one never knows…), etc., on either of these whistles? I just got a McNeil Low D, and although I love it, it is too far a stretch for me to use on a regular basis or for a long time. So, I was thinking these two brands might be workable. One more question, could someone give a comparison between the Burke EZ and the Viper? Thanks.
Oh yes, one more thing. I have been using a Dixon polymer low D for about a year, and I am needing to upgrade. Just thought I’d mention it in case it would be any help.
Are you using the piping grip on the low Ds? Because without the piping grip, good luck! Just trying to help.
The shortest reach I’ve run across on a good Low D whistle was that of an Overton I once owne, now owned by another board member I believe (I miss that whistle, it was my very first Low D!! A bit of history for me).
However, as I recall, that particular Goldie Overton Low D was a bit older, and I’m not sure it was “standard” in terms of the hole spacing, you’d have to check with Colin as I believe he’s seen that particular whistle again within the last year or two.
I had a Burke EZ Reach at one point and compared it with many other Low D’s I had at the time. What I found by comparison, is that the EZ Reach moniker was only relative to previous Burke models - that is to say, the reach was about average on the Burke EZ Reach when compared with other Low D’s I had at the time. I’ve not played a Burke Viper, so I can’t comment there.
Keep in mind that hole size has as much to do with comfort as the “stretch” for many people, because with larger holes, one generally has to apply more finger pressure to seal the openings, which can cause as much, or more strain over time, than the actual stretch, depending on the size (width) of your fingers.
Loren
I have a Burke Viper low D. I use a modified piper’s grip -my left hand i can use normal fingering -ie the tips of my fingers so no problems there. I find that for my right hand I can use the pipers grip but it still feels uncomfortable and causes pain if I play for any length of time. However this Burke provides a wonderful solution. It has the nice feature of a joint just above the lowest hole so the lower joint can be turned to an offset position that is much more relaxed if I use my pinkey to reach. It works fine for me. I hear that Reyburn’s low whistles can be ordered with offset 3rd & 6th holes for comfort with the lowest meant for the pinkey. The only other low whistle I have is a Hoover CPVC in E which I use a regular piper’s grip on with ease. I guess you just need to try several out and see what works best for you. I know that playing that causes pain is not healthy.
Learning Piper…
I play a Viper, a Burke Low D Composite (DLCP), and a “Short Reach” Bernard Overton nontunable Low D. My hands are medium and not very “meaty.” (I like to think they’re “finely wrought,” rather than say “dainty.” I’m a guy…see?) And these three whistles are very comfortable for me to play. Piper’s grip. (I haven’t tried Mike’s “EZ” models.)
Note that I have owned a “long reach/big holed Bernard Overton tunable Low D,” and also a Reyburn Low D wide body…and though both were incredibley gorgeous-sounding instruments, I eventually had to pass them on, due to the combination of hole size and stretch. Oooo, did I hate that!!! Que sera…
I also have a Copeland Low D, and it, too, is easy to hold and play. (But wasn’t all that EZ to pay for!)
Good luck. Finding a Low whistle you love is GREAT!