Hey all;
I’ve got a burke low whistle and when I turn it over and squeeze the sides of the metal fipple, I can see water/condensation/saliva squeeze out where the plastic meets the metal as if there is slight space between the two. Is this normal? It’s very slight, I just inspect my whistles from time to time. It sounds completely fine but the high D and E (3rd octave) sound a bit breathy. Any thoughts? It could just be normal, the weather, or the fact that I have two sprained fingers, and 1 broken finger from rugby.
Sean, I have owned a bunch of Mike’s whistles in recent years. Some do have a little space between the head components. One of those which I have had for some time, a composite low D made in 2000, has enough space that I can sometimes feel air leaking back on my chin as I play. It’s not much but it is noticable. The whistle plays quite well in fact. I have noticed less of a gap on a couple others but most are quite tight. The head components are pinned together and should not come apart. As long as it plays well, I wouldn’t be concerned.
If it really bothers you, write to Mike Burke and get his input. He’ll give you the straight skinny.
My soprano D does it too, I’m sure they’re both fine, I may write to him but as of right now I was just curious. I had extreme doubt it altered the playing. Thanks,
-Sean