I am considering purchasing a Michael Burke low D EZ whistle. I have some questions:
is the EZ really that much easier to play? (I have a Pat O’Rirordan low D and playing it causes a tendon/carpal tunnel problem in my right hand to act up) Note: I play with my left hand on top and right hand on the bottom.
do I stand at least a chance of not having the above problem with the Burke EZ?
are there any sacrifices made in tone or intonation with the EZ model?
I don’t know whether to order a composite or aluminimum model. Has anyone had any experience with either? what are the differences in terms of tone quality?
You’ll get better informed comments than what I’m about to say but it’s a start. I play AlPros in D, C and low G and love them all. The highs are pure and the lows just a bit chiffy, getting more so the lower you go, so I’m told. Many of my friends also play Burkes and opinions are remarkably consistent. We all like them and some of us love them.
I wouldn’t expect any problem with the EZ model with playability or intonation. I wouldn’t expect you to have problems with a standard model either—I’ve heard several reports of stretch problems with O’Riordans but none with Burkes.
For low whistles, there seems to be some consensus that the composite has the most interesting tone. I haven’t bought one yet because I’m very happy with aluminium in all keys and I have Overtons in most low keys and I like the contrast the AlPro gives me in G. I might try a composite low Eb or C though, just to see for myself.
Can I jump in and ask a related question? The one aspect of the Burke aluminum/composite low D comparison I am most curious about is the issue of warming up. Am I correct in assuming that the al model needs a bit of time to warm up to be in tune, and the composite needs less?
I ask because I sing and play, and there are times when my whistle(s) sit for a few songs and then are picked up in a hurry. If the composite needs less fussing, that would be important to me. I’ve got a high D alpro and it really is a non-issue for me 'cause it’s so thin and tiny and it seems to warm up pronto. I am concerned about the relative size/thickness of the low D and wonder if the composite might be more suitable for me for this reason alone.
Living in a pretty warm climate, I don’t have much of a problem, even with Overtons. But you do need to warm up any aluminium whistle to get it in tune. Unwarmed , they are a bit flat.
This shouldn’t be a problem with an AlPro low D. Start off with the tuning slide further in and gradually ease it back as the whistle warms.
The other characteristic problem with cold aluminium whistles—clogging—is one I’ve never had with a Burke.
I suggest you get in touch with Mr Burke and let you know of your concerns. I think he still offers a 30-day money back no-questions-asked policy, so if the whistle doesn’t work for you, you should be able to send it back. I don’t have a Burke low D, but i’ve found his standard Aluminum low D to be the easiest low D i’ve ever played. I haven’t bought one because i don’t play low whistles often enough to justify the cost.
I just cover all the holes, stick the fipple in my mouth past the windway and give a few puffs through it to warm my Burke AL-PRO low D. It takes maybe 5 seconds.
From my experience the Overton low D has the easiest reach.
I am not sure if the EZ is that much easier to play than a regular. I have heard that the differences are not that noticible! I borrowed a friends composite low D for a while and the reach was pretty difficult for me!
I don’t own a low D but decided to go for a wooden flute instead!
Nate
maybe it’s better to find a key that you play with ease.
about the sound, here’s a topic about the burke low D pro http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=13915
maybe you’ll feel ok with a low E or so just try it first.
