Today, it came, and I am as speechless as you will ever see me. I am the proud possessor of a Busman High D in Gaboon ebony and brass.
I’m in awe of this whistle, or more correctly, I’m in awe of the level of craftsmanship exhibited by the man who made it. Allow me to expand…
The wood is smooth and silky to the touch. The finish doesn’t glare - it simply exhibits a sheen like that of a well-worn handrail. To touch this instrument is like running your fingers over a lover’s hand. It touches you back, with love. There are no sharp edges anywhere - the fingerholes are simply perfectly finished in such a way as to allow the most delicate or coarse of fingers, to close them properly.
The brass is warm, again, not glaring. Smooth and reflective, with a look almost of an antique gold coin.
The fit and finish of the tuning slide is, like the rest of the instrument, utterly impeccable. Paul uses commercial telescoping brass tubing in a way that is simply art! I have never seen a more mechanically-perfect tuning slide methodology.
The windway is curved and perfectly machined. I find it incredible that Paul can do this with wood, so perfectly that there is not the slightest offset from the curve at the top of the fipple plug, to the blade.
The brass, again. The fittings are made especially for Paul, and he has chosen a fine craftsperson whose work complements the quality of the rest of the instrument.
I played the whistle, and it sings like an angel. But that is a subject for another review. At this point, let me tell you: If you don’t buy a whistle from Paul Busman right now, while they’re still affordable, you are going to be sorry. I make whistles for a part of my living, and they’re very, very good whistles. The Busman, however, is simply stellar. I stand in awe of the skill of this man, and my playing is utterly unworthy of the whistle I have purchased from him.
I handle my Busman High D with great reverence.
serpent
You’ll be hearing from me soon, I hope!
