I have been playing a Dixon for a while and decided to splurge. Received a new Burke DBSBT a couple days ago and had some time today to really try it out. Was immedately impressed with the tone on the bottom end but the upper octave was marginal and after a while it was getting worse. Got discouraged and put it down, but later when I picked it up and played standing up with the whistle almost horizontal, it sounded great! Now I have kind of figured out that my lip position needed to change a little and my breath control as well. There is definitely a knack to it, but when you get it right the upper octave is clear and sweet. The high d is not as consistent as i would like yet, but still working on it and I expect it will keep me entertained on some of these dreary cold rainy days!
I play a clarke and a Sweet D whistle and had the same problem the first week or two with the Burke. But now it is my favorite whistle. Actually now I think is is much more stable than the sweet in the second octave, a sure sign I need to practice with the Sweet more
cheers
-Tony
I had the same transition problem from my Dixon Trad to the Burke.
The Dixon Trad is indeed a very easy blower, and I expected the Burke to be as easy. It is not in the second octave, and requires more breath control than the Dixon on that point.
But as you, muk4821, the disapointement didn’t last more than a day. What a terrific whistle the Burke is!
It looks (or sounds) like we finally made a good choice. 
Pascal.
Me too. Same transtional adjustments with new whistles. BTW, great choice with the Burke. I have several and I think they are first rate. Best, Cyril.
Same problem here. But, I think part of my problem was playing different whistles (and flutes). I’m sticking to the same whistle/flute when I play so I can work on rhythm, ornamentation, etc and just become a better player. Now that I’m sticking with the same “tools” my playing has become better. I’m focusing on the playing rather than the gear.
Now back to the topic: The Burke is a fantastic whistle in both octaves. I love the sound and it is so comfortable to play. Congrats on the purchase and best of luck with it. It’s the D whistle that I’m sticking with for a long time.
Even though my set of ‘best whistles’ (within my meager means) has grown, the Burke is at no risk of being shoved out. It is a fine whistle.
Yep.
I have three of them, all outstanding.
They are keepers.
–James
Good choice! I have the same whistle. It’s the best!
What he said.
Thanks for all of your comments! After a few hours practice today I made some progress. The upper octave can be quite nice, but still cannot “pop” (don’t know if that is a correct term) the high notes very well. I have been practicing “Moon River”…not a traditional whistle tune, but a sweet tune that uses all of the notes up to a high e. I have to blow straight into the whistle to get any kind of consistency at this pont (i mean without the whistle hanging down in relation to my lips). Thanks for your encouragement.