Fed ex just dropped off my Burke composite narrow bore D. All I can report on thus far are initial impressions…
So lightweight! I expected the bakelite to be heavier, and resemble the antique cradle phone I have on my desk.
The narrow bore is tiny.
I now know why there are “session” instruments, as opposed to this NB. So far, it cannot be played loudly…very sensitive…the difference between high and low registers is like titrating drops of air. (this is not a bad thing as I, too, have family members who prefer their own brand of loud noise to mine.)
Sweet little voice, though. So different in feel from my Alba Bb. It will be fun to experiment and compare.
It’s a funny little thing, not quite what I expected…I guess that’s the thrill of not being able to “try things on.” Kind of like a mail order marriage.
Ahh, I thought this was a thread about me 
Em,
I love my Burke Narrow bore. The one thing I had to adjust to was to finding a place to breath out… I had to re-adjust where I took in breaths because phrases that took two breaths with previous whistles, only required one with the Burke NB. Instead of running out of breath, I ended up with about 3/4 of my air never getting out of the whistle (nor replaced with oxygenated air). I was able to adjust but it really felt strange to go from not having enough air to complete a phrase to having too much.
Mine is quiet, clear, and sensitive. It requires that I pay attention to what I hear which for me is a good thing. Its great for nuddling through new tunes, because I can get completely through a strange line without breaking it up for a breath, even with new music played slowly.
All the teachers say the way to improvement is to SLOW DOWN and work on timing and tone. This is easier with the NB, because I don’t run out of air.
Thanks for advising me of this specific application for my NB…it’s nasty to try out new tunes on, eg…a low D.
I got a brass NB for Christmas…it is my altime favorite whistle. Absolutely love it!!!
You won’t always find yourself playing it as “gently” as you are right now–give yourself some time to learn its personality, and you’ll be amazed at what that little whistle can do.
–James
I’ll bet that composite NB is a real dream! My brass NB is the most perfect whistle (with respect to tone, stability, and responsiveness) in my collection.
Try breathing out of your nose at the same time as you are playing.
That’s one reason I like the Clarke. I can adjust the breath requirements so it is just like I like it and I get sufficient oxygen without having to conciously remember to breathe.