My band is recording this summer, one of the songs being a track I play the Tin Whistle on. I’m currently playing a Shaw in the key of E, but have never really liked the tone of it. (not to mention it corrodes easily.)
I really have my heart set on buying a Burke, but am not really sure if I should buy a Brass or Aluminum whistle. Based off the samples of the whistles on his site I really like both, the brass probably a little better. But with a full band behind me, guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, I’m assuming the Aluminum may sound better with everything else.
Hello,
I can’t really say much for the tone of aluminum vs. brass burkes since I’ve only played brass ones and they sound wonderful, I shure the aluminum ones sound wonderful too. You mentioned your Shaw corroding easily, I would probably go for an aluminum burke if I was getting a new one for that reason only. An aluminum whistle is alot less maintanance to keep clean and shiny. A little bit of soap and water once and a while will keep it looking brand new. I’ve played my session-bore D in alot of contemporary settings with a full band like you described and it works really well, it can both blend and cut through if you need it to. Others probably have alot more expirience and insight on that area though. Hope that helps,
I play an aluminum D when I’m in a session. It’s bright, clear and carries well above the other instruments. When playing alone, I tend not to use it as much as my other whistles. To my ear it lacks some of the moody complexity of brass. But all of this is nit-picking. They’re both very fine whistles, and either is fine for either purpose.
Don’t worry help is on the way! Shortly you will receive many recommendations. Buy one of each and play them all. A person can’t have to many whistles.
LOL LOL There are several wives with the same thoughts, and the (go play that thing in the garage look) When I was first learning to play I would play the same tune many times in the garage. Till one day I did not realize the sound was going up through the under the eaves soffit vent into the house. There appeared at the door my beautiful wife with that look on her face saying (YOU HAVE GOT TO STOP PLAYING THE SONG.
Of course the correct answer is.
---------Burke Enat brass Burke --------------
I have had my Black Tip one for years and it’s one of my favorite whistles. I recommend it. Why the key E natural, you might ask ?? I use it for gigs playing guitar-accompanied whistle tunes and sets. Also for song accompaniment to my partner’s vocals, when he sings in that key or the associated keys for that whistle, A Major, F# Minor, etc. I bought it from Mr. Burke because I was unsatisfied with my Enat Susato, which was sometimes too loud.
--------Burke brass vs. aluminum -------------
Here’s my experience: Last summer at the North East Whistle Gathering, I had the opportunity to try a well-cared for aluminum model (what a lovely looking thing). It played beautifully, legendary buttery Burke ease of play, well in tune, and not too “bright” in that large room for my ears. I can’t imagine why any whistle owner would not be pleased to have this Enat in their collection. A little different than my brass one but not unpleasantly so.
-------- , meanwhile, its owner was trying out my Enat brass whistle and said he wished he had bought the brass instead of aluminum.
SUMMARY----- Burke Enat Black Tips are fine instruments, in both metals. Brass is often favored for its mellowness, relative to the alum. ; it might be the safest choice altogether for most buyers. But the aluminum has its merits, too.
Hope this helps, Lloyd
P.S.–Whistle Gatherings are great places to do try-out comparisons like this. If not, then you can fall back on to PhilO’s dart board method. Note: I have actually met the celebrated PhilO at a Whistle Gathering. He knows his whistles
Now I just have to wait… I hate waiting for instruments…
I searched his site too to see how long it normally takes to ship out, but there’s nothing I found there.
Same here, the songs I normally my current E for are all in “A”
When I was first learning to play I would play the same tune many times in the garage. Till one day I did not realize the sound was going up through the under the eaves soffit vent into the house. There appeared at the door my beautiful wife with that look on her face saying (YOU HAVE GOT TO STOP PLAYING THE SONG.