Hello all. I have finally decided to upgrade from my trusty but tired Feadog…I’d like to buy a $100 whistle for playing in sessions and really need some opinions to guide me. I am favoring the soprano D Burke whistles, any feedback for me on those? There are so many too chose from: Aluminum or Brass? Pro or Pro Session? Narrow bore or Wide bore? OK, I am new to this whistle shopping, please help! I am looking for a medium volume, rounded/sweet/mellow sound with just a wee bit of chiff. I especially like clear, non-screechy on the high end. Must be tuneable and good for small session play.
Any comments are much appreciated!
[ This Message was edited by: sunshinesdaughter on 2002-03-25 17:22 ]
Based on your requirements, it sounds like you’re probably on the right track with Burke whistles. I’d suggest the brass Session or brass Wide Bore. The aluminum versions may not have enough chiff/mellow ness to them. The composite versions aren’t bad either, but I think they take a bit too much air.
Water Weasels are nice too, but you’d probably find them a bit screechy on the highest few notes.
The new Songbird (is that the right name) by Phil Hardy (Kerry Whistles) sounds like it would be a good choice too, but I don’t know if they’re available yet and I haven’t played one yet.
Thank you for your replies! At least we are narrowing it down? Wish I could “test drive” a Burke, Songbird, and Water Weasel, it is so hard to use words to describe music, but it helps. The Songbird does sound perfect but it is not tuneable and I often play in sessions with other non-tunable instruments (eg accordian) so I gotta go with a tuneable whistle. I will check into Water Weasel. I gotta admit, the Burke draws me based on good reputation and that it is endorsed by my “heroes” Liam of Dervish, Gaelic Storm, and Lawrence Nugent. I just can’t decide between brass or aluminum since I hear good things about each. I think I would prefer a hollow, flute-like sound but one that can hold it’s own in a session without dominating, can play speedy, not sure whether AlPro of Brass Pro would best meet that. I guess no matter which I choose I will get a good whistle and a definate step up from the bargain bin I’ve made due with for years! Again, thank you for your advice, it helps!
Brett has said it very well. The Burke AlPro is very pure with little or no chiff. The Brass Pro provides a more traditional, round/mellow sound with a bit more chiff. Your original stated needs push you in the direction of the Brass Pro. I prefer the AlPro. The sweet high end is truly one of Mike’s better accomplishments.
You cannot go wrong with either. You may wish to check Song of the Sea in Bar Harbor, Maine, for quick availability. Talk to Patti…
Cheers.
Byll
On 2002-03-25 18:52, sunshinesdaughter wrote:
Thank you for your replies! At least we are narrowing it down? Wish I could “test drive” a Burke, Songbird, and Water Weasel…
Maybe you could work something out with Thom to order all three, try them and return two of them…all before the crdit card is due!
Sure sounds like you want a wide-bore brass. It’s a tad chiffier than the Al pro. As for the Water Weasel, I love Glenn’s whistles, but if you’re playing in sessions, others might find it a bit loud.
I’m with Byll 100% on this one. I have both a Burke AlPro and a WBB so my opinion is based upon use. I’ve also heard great things about the Sindt and have am waiting for mine to come in. They’re noted to have some chiff as well as some bright sound. See Tom Gaul on this thread for some input as he own a Sindt. Tou may also want to check on the Clips and Snips portion of this site as many of the sonds denote what whistle it is being played on. in that way you can hear the sound and make a better personal decision.
Godd luck and enjoy!
well…i just got a burke brass wide bore. I am a newbie so I dont have a lot to compare it with…but. All I can say is …well ITS BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE!!! (and thats saying alot coming from ME)
Seriously…it has a nice tone. Its loud but not TOO loud. A bit of chiff but no screach. It soars on those high notes and is lovely and round on the bottom. BEST thing for me is that the tuning is EXACTLY right. I am SOOOOOOOOOO happy I think I have died and gone to whistle heaven. I am SOOOOOOO glad I didn’t follow directions and stay with the cheapies until I was no longer a newbie!!!
OK, I did it at last! Based on all of your very helpful and intriging relpies, I sent my check off to Michael Burke for a Brass Al Pro. I will let you know when it arrives, and am prepared for a long wait based on people’s posts here (good to know) but I decided to order direct for the 30 day guarantee. Thank you all so much for making my decision easier! Whistle preference is so subjective, and I truly appreciate how you listened to my preferences and gave your honest opinion. This message board rocks (I’d say “blows” for the whistle metaphor but that sounds all wrong!)
Jill