Just Acquired Burke Low D Brass Whistle

Whistle
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I recently received my new Burke Low D Brass Whistle, for
Father’s Day; BTW it was one of the best Father’s Days I’ve experienced ( I mean, have you ever tried to play a pair of socks)? Geeeez, I just don’t know where to begin in describing how thrilled I am with this instrument. I have finally found, after considerable searching, a Low D that really works for me and I, of course, recognize that “likes” are a very personal thing and different for each individual. Further, I should point out that I’m not a professional musician; however, I’ve received considerable training in the past and currently. Those things having been said, I have the following observations on the Burke Brass Low D. It has some weight to it when compared to the Alum. Pro Viper, I don’t mind that at all as the instrument is well balanced and feels very good in my hands. In fact, it is lighter than I orginally thought it would be. It is very responsive from octave to octave (one of my greatest concerns), very smoooooth; upper notes not shrill. Frankly, I find this whistle very easy to play. There isn’t a movable/ rotatable bottom section, not a problem for me, as I’m a piper and feel very comfortable with the “pipers grip” and I feel no need for the rotatable bottom section. As with every Burke Whistle I’ve ever played or owned, it is “spot on” regarding pitch. Now, concerning tone, the most difficult thing for me to adequately describe. For me, it is beautiful and just what I’ve been seeking after. I personally feel that it has a mellow and “complex” tone in comparison to the Alum., and I truly love the sound/ tone of the Alum. Pro Viper. Folks, in my opionion, the Brass Low D is even better. In a prior post, Feadoggie mentioned that it was his opinion that the Burke instruments which he plays and owns, when he has compared the brass, the aluminum and the composite to one another, that the brass instruments have more of a “ring” to them. I think that is an accurate observation on his part. Well, as you might have gathered, I’m more than thrilled with my new acquisition; in a few words, happy, happy, happy :smiley: .

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Congratulations on your new instrument! I too come from a piper background and find the Burke low D whistles to be great players. I have an aluminium Pro Viper and love it; however, I am very curious about the new brass model. Maybe next Father’s Day. All the best, Cyril.

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Could you please record and post soundclip of brass Viper please…? I tried to find one over the net but it was impossible, and not Im trying to choose which Viper to buy… alu or brass.

all the best

Przemek

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Nice Father’s Day present! All I got was a box full of wood - cocbolo, curly katalox, morado, etc. Now I just have to make whistles out of it. :laughing:

Any idea how much heavier the brass is over the aluminum Viper?

Feadoggie

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Hi Feadoggie: The Brass Pro Viper weighs about 10.6 oz, and the Alum. Pro Viper weighs about 6 oz. I was telling Mike Burke that I just like the feel of the additional weight, I really think it inhances my playing, I know that sounds strange, but I think it does. Plus the fact that I think I look really cool playing the Brass Pro Viper, and frankly, I can use all the help I can get. :laughing:

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Thanks for the weights and measures!

Cheers

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Thanks for the informative review.

I’m a big Burke Aluminum Pro Viper fan, it’s my #1 horn for Irish stuff.

Now you’ve got me really really wanting to try a brass.

I also find the rotatable bottom unnecessary. It’s actually a bit annoying when I pick up the whistle to play and get a squeak and find that the bottom has somehow turned by itself. I asked Michael if he could make an Aluminum Pro Viper with a one-piece body and he said he could not. So that’s another plus for the brass version in my book.