Just got it yesterday, so these are just first impressions. An elegantly simple or simply elegant look; I really like the look of stainless steel with the dark delrin and Paul’s signature double turned bottom ferrule.
I put it through its test paces - up and down the scales switching octaves, the Derry Aire run from high D into high B, airs, reels, jigs, etc., Qwik Tune check…
Can be played easily both low and high volume in both octaves, doesn’t flip too easily between octaves, requires some push to get to the second, has some nice pop when fingers hit tone holes, easily sustain notes without screeching in upper octave, decent bell note.
Looks lots like the Abell delrin. Seems to have less air and more brightness in tone than the Abell. The tone hole spacing and size and material (delrin) is pretty much the same and the differences appear in the head joint and mouthpiece - Busman head joint is longer, the mouthpiece is more typical than the “stubby” one on the Abell, the Busman blow hole (it’s a whale of a whistle) is arced like the Abell but is much narrower; it is the narrowest I’ve seen, almost like a curved slit; the blade is wider and shorter than the Abell.
The tuning slide is brass (this bears the maker’s initials and year) and perfectly fitted.
Added bonus is the practical and classy case made by Paul’s wife - a small felt-like case with two compartments and an affixed tie.
If you need to travel with a really good whistle this one would be a good choice (I know, I’m starting to sound like Frommer’s C&F).
I’m now going to go play this all day, so if there are any changes, like if it disintegrates or something I’ll be sure to keep you all updated.
PhilO