I recently received a Reyburn session D with Delrin head in equal temper tuning from Ronaldo, and I have to say it’s one of the best metal whistles of this type that I’ve played.
Running a quick scale, the first thing that caught my ear is the spectacular bell note, which is very strong and clear without the usual need to underblow to avoid breaking up. The overall tone of this whistle is round and clear with good depth and character and just a bit of chiff. Balance is excellent through both octaves, and producing perfectly clear notes is effortless, although it does take a bit more push on the high A & B notes…but not much. This whistle sings and notes just ring out crystal clear. I’d say embellishment responsiveness is average. Accuracy is good and C-nat is dead-on.
Overall, the Reyburn Session D requires very little air, or as Phil Hardy terms it, “puff”. I took it to our weekly session and let a couple of our other whistle players give it a go (both experienced players) and they immediately overblew it. Upon backing off, it sounded great and they were both very impressed.
The tubing wall thickness is a bit heavier than most other brass/aluminum whistles (disregarding the Chieftain hi D, which is basically a cannon with thick walls), making for a noticeably heavier whistle, but it’s so well balanced, the added weight is absolutely no problem. It’s definitely heavier than any of my Burke Ds and about the same weight as an Elfsong brass D. Actually, it’s about the same weight as my Chieftain D.
The fipple is Delrin and nicely designed.
Ronaldo’s craftsmanship is beyond reproach and this whistle is as beautiful to look at as it is to play. I’m very impressed with the discreet, thin tuning slide, unlike thicker, often bulbous slides on other whistles. Very nice design.
IMHO, Ronaldo has a real winner in his Delrin Session D and I may do a full, more comprehensive review in the near future.
Here’s a track from Clips & Snips of “The Collarbone of a Hair” played beautifully by Pat O’Scannell on a Reyburn Session D:
http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/Audio/08-07/CollarboneOfHarePatO.mp3
DC