Last year I bought a Sweet high D fife, and a couple of weeks ago I decided to also get the whistle head, that arrived today. Sounds great. Anyway, i recently got interested in metal whistles, and in particular in Reyburns. I’d like to know how their volume compares to Sweetheart whistles…
Thanks!
Sorry, it’s just a hard one to respond to. I used to have a Sweetheart whistle that was very loud, and later one that was quite moderate. Reyburns surely vary also. If you’re buying new, you should specify to the maker what your objectives are. If you’re buying used, ask the seller for his/her opinion.
Crookedtune is right. There is a lot of variation here. Sweetheart whistles have gone through at least 4 major design changes and have moved from wood to Diamondwood to polymer material. Common characteristics include larger than average volume, a tapered bore and a more complex sound. I have played only the older Diamondwood version, but I think it is one of the best outdoor whistles made. Breaks down to a nice small package. Great in cross winds and temperature extremes. The extra volume is less noticeable outside as well.
Reyburn whistles have gone through both major and minor upgrades. The unique wooden head on a brass body has become a Delrin head on a rather substantial brass tube. Ronaldo, like many other well known whistle makers, continues to make significant improvements to the sound and playability. The latest version has a bold, complex sound. Not quite as good in cross winds, but it does better than most whistles. It has the most dynamic range of any high D whistle I have played. What I am trying to say is that whistles tend to force you to play at a consistent volume level for each note if you want to keep in tune. Reyburns seem to give a bit more volume control than most.
But you asked about volume overall. I can’t be specific since I probably do not have the Sweetheart version you have. Both are on the loud side certainly, but I think most people would find this less objectionable since they both offer a more complex tone than a Burke for instance.
Two very nice instruments. It’s the kind of choice you like to make since you win either way.
Thanks people. I could probably just buy the Reyburn and than decide which one to keep 
I’ve owned both and the Reyburn session D is one of the louder high D whistles I’ve played. The new plastic WD Sweet was loud, but the Reyburn had a bit more overall volume. I’ve owned a couple Reyburn high Ds and they were both loud. From your post, I don’t know which way you’re going regarding volume…whether you want more volume or not since you weren’t specific. But it seems you’re looking for good volume. If you’re looking for pure volume for busking, etc, consider a Chieftain which is the loudest high D I’ve ever played…and they sound good. But they take more experience to play than the Sweetheart or Reyburn.