I have done a search and read all kinds of posts on Burkes. I’m going to go to Dublin, Ohio festival where he will be and I’ll get to play them.
One, which version is best for someone who’s main interest is playing for himself? Not too loud, good tone etc. Maybe a volume comparable to a regular Oak or Gen.
Second, are they prone to clogging?
First question: Narrow Bore
Second one: No. Mine never have anyway.
Clogging was only an issue on the older style whistles in which the roof of the windway is metal. (This can be corrected with the soap treatment.) The windway on all of the Pro Session and Pro Narrow Bore models is completely lined with Delrin, and there is no clogging problem whatsoever.
The quietest one I have is the Brass Pro Narrow Bore. The volume is comparable to an Oak. My Aluminum Pro Narrow Bore has a slightly louder and more penetrating tone. The Brass Pro Session has a slightly louder, more complex tone than either of the narrow bore whistles, but it is very mellow and pleasant. I don’t have an Aluminum Pro Session, but I have heard that it is louder than the Brass.
All of them play great. You might prefer the Brass Pro Narrow Bore, since it is so quiet.
Feel free to PM or email me if you have other questions.
in my hands, a narrow bore feels too loose, the wide bore feels too big. it’s all individual. for some people, this is no problem, but for me it is with fast tunes.
don’t forget to try this aswell