I’m getting to the point where I want a soprano D whistle that I can depend upon. I have various sweetones, original clarke, the meg (which I think is the best), but I want to get something that is quite clear in it’s tone and significantly loud. I tried playing the susatos, but was very disappointed in them. I can spend probably up to about $100 without feeling to bad. I’ve heard some great stuff about elfsongs, but what do you guys suggest?
Clear in tone, significantly loud and basically in your stated price range, in the order in which I recommend them -
Silkstone alloy
Seery
Water Weasel
O’Riordan
Sweet
Elfsongs are great, and I’m one of their biggest cheerleaders, but they’re not at all loud. I love mine dearly, but if volume is what you’re looking for, it’s not the one for you.
JessieK plays a lot of different whistles (and well, too!)…if I were you I’d take her recommendations very seriously.
Redwolf
You could get a Generation D and still have $94 left. I own several high enders, but play the Gens more than anything else. They are fairly loud, too.
Reyburn.
See JessieK’s review, plus there’s lots o’ info if you do a search.
Micah
Micah, I disagree. The Reyburn is not significantly loud. It’s also not among the clearest. I love it, but it doesn’t fit the description of what this person is looking for.
When you say “I want somthing dependable” the first thing that comes to mind is a Burke wide bore brass". It is loud enough to be heard at a season, but not as loud as a thin weasal or copeland. Of course those are out of your buget. Can’t go wrong with a Burke. I’ll never get rid of mine!
Maybe there’s considerable Reyburn variation. I also have a Reyburn high D, and its volume is quite comparable to my Copeland.
He might also tweak it for the customer.
I concur with Jessie’s glowing review, though. Wonderful whistle. Mine’s tuned to just intonation, and it’s really great.
Stuart
I have the only one that was configured to be more pure, and thus more quiet. So mine would be very different from yours, Stuart. That said, as far as I know, yours is not particularly pure in tone, or clear.
I have a Michael Burke brass D. It is a great whislte and C&F has a review of his whisltes: http://www.chiffandfipple.com/burkereview.html.
and Michael’s websight is http://www.burkewhistles.com
The Burke WBB was my first high end whistle, and without it I probably wouldn’t have gotten nearly as serious as I have about whistling. It doesnt’ take any fussing the way a wooden one does, its loud enough without being overpowering, pleasant sound, substantial feel in the hands.
I play a Burke brass pro session and a brass pro narrow bore almost exclusively. The pro session is slightly louder than either the narrow bore or the old style WBB.
I cannot help but throw in my vote for a Burke wide bore brass. Aside from a good Brasso job every now and again to keep it pretty, it is my most reliable, no-fuss whistle. I imagine the Burke AlPro would be even more no-fuss, but I don’t have one so I can’t speak about it’s volume.
Let me also throw a wildcard out there…the Dixon sop D with brass tuning slide. A very nice playing, reliable whistle…and much cheaper, too. Pretty loud and nice and clear tone. Tuning on my specimen is very good. The only problem I have had with mine is the tuning slide which has frozen in place…after I played it while scuba diving in salt water and failed to rinse it thoroughly 
Thanks for all of your help, guys 
I like Burke Wide bore brass whistles, but I don’t find them significantly loud OR particularly clear in tone. Michael asked for a very specific set of qualities. There are LOTS of really good whistles available.
Edit: I want to add that Colin Goldie has made a few “easier blowing” Overtons that are quite clear in tone and quite loud. Something else to consider. You’d have to specify the qualities you want when placing your order with him.
[ This Message was edited by: JessieK on 2003-02-06 11:53 ]
On 2003-02-06 11:49, JessieK wrote:
I like Burke Wide bore brass whistles, but I don’t find them significantly loud OR particularly clear in tone.
I agree on both points. My WBB is a bit breathy (in a good way) and even quieter-sounding than the aluminum narrow bore. The brass pro session is not much louder, but I’ve played it in a fairly noisy session, and I can at least hear myself. I also think the pro session has a richer, fuller tone, but that’s just a matter of opinion.
I too highly recommend the Burkes. I have a WBB D, an AlPro D, and a Composite C. The AlPro is a bit purer sounding and maybe a tad bit louder than th WBB. The Composite is very round and flute like (in a good way).
Burkes are outstanding whistles and second to none at any price.
Tres
Get an Oak or an Acorn and spend $90 on CDs.
Our pennywhistle class just bought 30 Acorns. They are consistant, clear and easy to play. The come in red, yellow, green, blue, black and brass. The Oaks are nickle.
I have never met an Oak or Acorn that I liked. I probably got bad ones (and I do believe there are good ones), but that says something. My first whistle was an Oak and it’s a miracle I stuck with the whistle after trying to tame that monster.
The Burkes are great but I’d get a Water Weasel. Good tone, good volume, nearly indestructible and never need polishing.
Doc