I have been whistling for just about a year and a half now and have obtained a few whistles along the way. I am in no way an expert photographer so the poor lighting, cropping, and dust etc. is entirely me. My daily practice whistles admittedly are a Freeman Bluebird and a used Reyburn Session brass high D (purchased used Reyburn here on the UIE from a fellow Chiffer). I am so pleased with the used Reyburn that I had to purchase a “new” whistle just for a backup. The new Reyburn Session brass high D & C whistle set. Two bodies with one headjoint. The whistle set came with a cloth two-whistle sock that is stitched down thru the middle to prevent scratching. I’ll still be practicing on the used Reyburn whistle because I like the patina and I especially like the tone, meanwhile the new Reyburn whistles are there at the ready with the same lovely tone and craftsmanship for the next session.
Two other people that I practice with also enjoyed the tone and craftsmanship of the Reyburn whistles so much that they ordered whistle sets along with my order. The wait time was less than a month turnaround from initial inquiry to delivery. Less than a month (April). What more can I say about wait time…
Top to bottom: used Reyburn Session brass high D, new Reyburn Session brass high D, new brass high C body, and cloth whistle sock.
I see the heads are different on the two. Do they play and sound the same? Also, is that a sticker on the second one, or is that actually a non-removable part of the whistle?
I almost bought a reyburn quite some time back, as my first high-end whistle. Ended up going for burke, and am quite happy with that choice , however, I’m starting to revisit the idea of trying a reyburn, just for curiousity’s sake. I’ve mainly been buying low whistles lately and avoiding buying more high whistles, but I may make an exception and try a reyburn. I’m curious about their low whistles as well, though. I have a feeling it’s inevitable that I’m going to try one soon.
I will say, I did like the old wooden look better, but I see why the new material is probably better.
Yes, the old head is thicker where as the new whistle’s beak is thinner. Less bulk in the lips. They play relatively about the same. I do not have experience enough or software to do precise analysis differential. Both old & new Reyburn are loud and mellower tone than the Burke. Yes, that is a sticker label.
The people I play with all have Sindts and Burkes… and perfectly good whistles, but, no one had the Reyburn whistle. When I started playing with the group several people became interested in my old Reyburn Session as it is able to stand up along with the Sindts and Burkes and be heard. The Reyburn Session whistle is a little bit heavier (weighty) so when it gets rough I’m reaching for my Reyburn.
But have to say… no one is giving up their Sindts or Burkes either…
When I bought the used Reyburn Session on the UIE there was a wooden fipple brass D, but, I went for the brass with delrin. The wooden fipple was a beauty though.
