Humphrey whistles are excellent. If the price is right, you won’t go wrong with a humphrey. Personally, I too end up playing my Burkes and Sindts most of the time. You might be able to find a used Burke here for sale. I notice them being listed from time to time.
I find the the more pure tone of the Burke Aluminum D makes it seem a bit louder than my Sindt Silver D. However, the Sindt has a more complex tone.
To me, and this is all personal opinion, my Sindt is the perfect whistle. I’ve played most of the High-High Enders in my time, and well let’s face it, I’ve played way too many whistles. That Sindt is just exactly what I was looking for.
I’m not knocking on the Burke in any way…it’s still a great whistle and I have been finding that I prefer his low whistles over any others…once again, just for the sound that’s right for me.
If you’re really trying to stay closer to $100, check into an O’Brien. I have a C/D set. It took me a little while to get used to (squeaks & squawks and a very loud high A and B). However, I’ve “suddenly” managed to tame all that somehow (mostly) and really like it now. I’ve loved the tone and responsiveness from day one though.
It’s pretty loud, but not unplayable inside the house, with a wide bore. Mine’s nickel-plated copper.
Jason
Leachim, everybody has their favorites because the tone and playing characteristics of the various whistles vary quite a bit. You would probably be happy with any of the whistles mentioned so far. Until you have tried a fair sampling of different whistles, you won’t really know what characteristics in a whistle you will prefer. Now Burkes are a very safe bet because they are well made, consistant and very in tune. They’re 170.00 cost though is a bit more than some.
I have three Humphrey whistles and all are exelent sounding, well made and also very much in tune. The “concert” bore D is a bit louder and more full in sound than the narrow or “traditional” bore but the top of the second octave is just a tad too loud for playing at home (at least for me). The narrow bore Burkes and the traditional bore humphreys also need to have Cnatural played with oxx-xox fingering or the breath needs to be held back quite a bit on that note for it to be in tune. The wide bore models can have that note played with the oxx-ooo fingering which some find easier.
Have fun and happy New Year!
I have a Burke blacktip brass session pro, but it isn’t the whistle I pick up and play for my own pleasure.
The Clarke Original design D with the thumb squoosh tweak has been my favorite for several years.
It isn’t in the $100 range, about 1/3 that, I got an Every Whistle with a just intonation tuned tube for Christmas that is pressing me for that position now. It will play nearly if not as loudly as the Burke with the tone ring wide open and even quieter than the Clarke Original design at about 1/3 of the windway exposed, great for after hours /practicing playing and for waltzes and airs. It has good chiff in the bottom octave and the top octave is nice and almost “sweet”, but with a better tone than the Burke IMHO.
It is tunable, whereas the Clarke is not, which is another slight advantage.
It turns out I’ve got a set of Kerry Songbirds coming, both the high and low D.
Its sort of a late christmas present 
I’ve had my eye on the low D for some time now, but the reviews I have read about the high D have’nt told me about its volume.
Its a wide bore right? So it should be louder, but I’ve read that if you have good breath control you can play it either quietly or loudly depending on the situation at hand.
Either way I CAN’T wait to get them!!!
I’m in agreement regarding the Reyburn and Overton.
I’d recommend a Humphry vs. a Burke if you don’t have the cash for a Reyburn or an Overton.
Nothing wrong with a Burke mind you - lovely, easy playing, pure voiced whistles and I have a brass one myself. My Humphry just sounds more like a whistle should, with the same quality of workmanship, according to my taste.
Peace,
My long time standard brass Burke session was recently de-throned by a Compostie session. Love that thing!
I also have a Sindt I quite like. The Reyburns and Humpreys are great as well. No bad choices here.
Doc
Rather than decide that you have $100 to spend and then try and find a whistle to fit the budget, wouldn’t you be better finding the whistle you really really like and then sorting the budget out to fit that?
Surely waiting a while and saving a little extra or selling a few things for the whistle you really really want is better that spending all of $100 on a “that’ll have to do” whistle now?
Just my thoughts…
…wait, save, sell your television and buy a Fred Rose!
You won’t regret selling the television.
