Review - Reyburn Soprano Whistle Set (1 head & 2 bodies)

Whistle
1

Material: Black Delrin and Brass Head, Two Brass Bodies (thick wall)
Bore: Standard
Key: Soprano D and C
Case: Soft fleece bag
Price: US$140.00 for the set plus US$10.00 for shipping
URL: http://www.reyburnlowwhistles.com

I printed the order form from the web and sent it to Ronaldo Reyburn. He dropped me a note to ask how I would like it voiced. I didn’t ask for much (haha) - just a rich, round, complex voice; balanced volume across the octaves; low back pressure;and a wee bit heavy. That left him with one question, “How loud? for playing loudly for a large session or a bit quieter for smaller sessions which will give a sweeter upper end.” I asked for volume to match with one acoustic guitar and a hand drum while maintaining complexity and sweetness in the high octave.

This review is going to sound like I was paid, but I was not paid. I am truly surprised by the quality and voice of this whistle set. As I said before - I’m surprised there isn’t a lot more chatter on the board regarding Reyburn Whistles.

Disclaimers first:

  1. I’m a beginner so listen to the sound sample for a taste of the voice, and imagine what a good player could do.
  2. My review is based on my limited knowledge and experience (1 year playing, owning less than 15 whistles).
  3. I’m usually easy to please.
  4. I’m not lucky enough to get free whistles to review - I bought the set.
    Having said that - let’s get on with it.

Visual Aesthetics:
The picture on the Reyburn web site wasn’t very sexy, so I really wasn’t expecting much. What a surprise when I took the whistles out of the bag. The black Delrin and satin brass finish is really nice - almost luxurious. In hand they have none of the black jelly bean on a stick appearance like on the web site (sorry Ronaldo). Very handsome whistles and the attention to detail is great all around.

Mechanics:
Straight up amazing considering it’s a hand crafted whistle. The precision is as good as my Burkes, which are very precisely machined, and the design is cleaner. The joins are very clean, the brass pins holding the Delrin fipple together are placed exactly and finished well. Perfect friction fit at the tuning slide. Slide operation is smooth, and it holds position. The score on the tuning slide is right on. The only other hand crafted whistle I have with equivalent attention to detail is a Sop D Water Weasel. This Whistle is top drawer - especially considering the price.

Playability:
Precise, solid and well balanced. I chose a “heavier wall” whistle because I like a substantial feel when I play. The heavy wall - to me - was well balanced and felt good while playing. Ronaldo will make it lighter about the same thickness as a Burke if you want. The back pressure is light and breath requirement is between a Burke Session Whistle and a classic Shaw. I was really impressed that you don’t have to back off on the bell note like many other whistles - you can put some meat on it and it still plays clear and strong. The beak is comfortably shaped and finished and the Delrin is neutral in smell and taste. It’s easy to hang on to with the brushed finish. Solid and comfortable. From bottom to top the breath requirement stays very manageable.

Tuning:
I played it for a few minutes, set the slide with my tuner and checked it out. At a smidgen off the in-tune score on the slide, both bodies are in tune with themselves. They both have a strong bell note, and C natural (OXXOOO) is correct at the expected breath (the equivalent on the C body also). The second octave is in tune, and doesn’t climb in volume much. Even the second A an B are still balanced and smooth.

Voice:
Well, I asked for a rich, round, complex voice; balanced volume across the octaves; and complexity and sweetness in the high octave. I actually received everything I asked for. The voice is strong, rich, a little bit complex, and precise. I actually held back for a week to write the review to let any undesirable issues surface with a little play time. I played it against my Burkes, O’Briens, Weasels, Hoover & etc. All these whistles are nice and each has a character of voice that makes them worthwhile. If you made me pick three adjectives for the Reyburn, I would say rich, round, and precise.

Subjective Summary:
I opened the package and my first impression was “Wow. Beautiful - what a surprise.” It feels solid and balanced while playing it. Once in tune, the notes are right on at the relative breath pressure you expect. The voice character is strong and unique - like the K.D. Lang of Sop Ds.

Your comments and criticisms are welcomed.

Sound Sample:
Once again, I’m a beginner so listen to the sound sample for a taste of the voice, and imagine what a good player could do. This is clean with no reverb or effects. You will not hear the relative strength and volume to sweetness - this was actually played quite loudly.
http://www.tofutaco.com/Whistle/20050630_Reyburn_SopD.mp3

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Hey Daniel, what a great review, very professional and great pictures.

I’m very uneducated when it comes to making music, but do have a Reyburn low F whistle which I enjoy playing. It’s beautifully made, so I can relate to your write up about the quality of Ronaldo’s work.

Thanks for sharing your insights

Jim

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They look nice. :smiley:

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I’ve just received a Reyburn wide bore low D & C set. Like you fernandez, I was taken aback by the quality. My wife has nicked them until my actual Birthday (Wednesday) once I get a proper go I’ll try a review. Initial impressions - very favourable. I hope Ronaldo doesnt get the praise he deserves until I’ve got a complete set - dont want the prices going up! :wink:

My Mrs now wants the high D & C set.

5

Daniel,

Thanks for the review, pictures, and sound snippet. The whistle combo looks stunning and sounds beautiful. I’ve read some good things about Reyburn whistles and hope to own one someday. My wife says that I have to practice more with the ones I have before I can buy another. (She doesn’t understand.)

I’ve read that Ronaldo is very accomodating. Sounds like that was your experience too.

How long did you have to wait after you placed your order?

6

Well, Ronaldo received my order in the mail on Jun 14th. He sent me a note to confirm and tell me he would be out of town for a few days to visit family.

He contacted me when he returned from his trip and discussed my preferences (the 22nd I think). He mailed the whistle set on June 24th.

Subtract his vacation, and it took about a week from the time he received my order until he shipped the set. That may be faster than usual, but you’d have to check with him to know for sure.

Tell your wife you received my permission to order one. Say “I will get better faster.” Maybe she’ll say yes so she has to deal with less honks and squeeks. :smiley:

7

My order was three weeks (the extra body I ordered was non-standard), including UK delivery. Ronaldo emailed me several times to make sure I was making the right choice (I didnt go for his recommended bore size).
As I said last time, my Mrs was so impressed with my low whistles, she wants me to get the Sop C/D set so she can pinch them off me. Tell your wife that if you get Reyburns, you’ll sound better when you practice, so it will be better for her!

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Thanks. I’ll pass the word. :slight_smile: