After much frustrating experimentation, I discovered a long time ago that I am a Burke guy. I have a set of Mike’s instruments in hammer dulcimer friendly keys, and the satisfaction I feel in these instruments makes the memory of other whistle sets, procured and then sold, fade into memory…
My band does much vocal work with whistle backings, and while Mike’s whistles are not LOUD, they can cut through pretty well. I found I needed a relatively soft whistle set, and yet I was spoiled by Mike’s excellent assembly craftsmanship and intonation. The ancient question haunted me: How do I find the right maker and instruments, without making expensive mistakes in judgement? Been there…Done that…
After reading many positive comments about Mack Hoover in these pages, I contacted him. I wanted a set of 4 whistles and a wooden case in which to transport them to different playing venues. Unbelievably, he promised all of this within about 2 months at a fair price, and then said he would have them to me by his birthday…We quickly discovered it was my birthday, also. With that phone call began one of the most pleasing purchase processes I have ever experienced. During the 2 months, Mack contacted me with updates, questions, comments, and pictures. As I learned more and more about him, my respect and admiration for him continued to grow. In the middle of the time period, I added a 5th whistle order, and the ETA of the instruments did not change. Our joint birthday remained the target date.
I received my instruments on Feb. 15, 2 days before our birthday. The whistles are excellent instruments, aurally and visually. Each whistle is in tune with itself, and contains no odd anomalies that make playing even some highly regarded instruments such a chore. The sound is clear, open, with just a bit of chiff. Mack did exactly what he said he was going to do, exactly when he said he was going to do it…What a treasure…
Please add my voice to the chorus of individuals who have been graced with Mack’s humanity, his business sense, and his craftmanship.
Thank you, Mack, and cheers to all.
Byll