I’m a fairly new player. OK, so I’ve only been playing 10 days. I’d like to get a low D, and have pretty much narrowed it down to the Burke’s (unless someone talks me into a Copeland 
). How does one choose between the 4 Burke Low D models: Aluminum EZ, Aluminum Viper, Composite EZ and Composite? I doubt if I will ever play sessions, so loudness is not a factor for me. Ease of playing and quality of tone are most important. Any tips for me please?
I like the Viper quite a lot; the “rotatable foot” is the coolest! It also sounds nice and clean and is pretty quick to respond. The only complaint I have is that I have trouble with the high B – it wants to squawk. No problem up 'til there, and then … GACK!
But it could be me. I’m a flute player, so don’t spend enough time on it. But I picked it up about three days before a flutey-harpey type gig, and was happy with the overall result.
Oh, one other thing … it will not let you be lazy with your right-hand ring finger – must not rest finger on tonehole like Lazy Fluteplayer Cathy, or more GACKs!
Why not give Mike a ring or send an email? He’s a lovely fellow and will be happy to talk to you in person.
I’ve bought, played, and traded many low Ds over the years. Three “brands” are still with me. Overton, Copeland, and Burke. After much experimentation! (Oh, I still look for more low whistles!!!)
So many personal factors are at play when choosing a whistle. Since you are considering Mike’s “EZ” low Ds, your hand and finger size may be an issue. My hands are smallish, (thumb-to-pinky tips, stretched; left 8.75," right 9.25") and I’ve let several great whistles go because they were just too much to handle.
The Burke Viper and low D composite (DLCP), however, are easy players for me. No problems. Never tried the EZ models. (The Copeland low D is easy for me, also.) I use a comfortable piper’s grip.
The DLCP (composite) has a somewhat muted, woody, warm sound. It’s physically light and very easy to handle. I’ve had mine for a couple of years, and never tire of it.
The Viper, which I’ve had for six months, has a clean, pure tone…with just a subtle hint of complexity. (Mine has a blue-tac “pea” stuck to the block, under the windway, and has a beautiful, light, complexity. A “tweaked” Burke? Sheesh, don’t tell Mike!) For a metal low D, the Viper is very easy to handle and play. And both of these whistles are wonderfully in tune. Something I appreciate whilst A-musing! Neither of these could be considered “loud.” (Now the Copeland…that’s another story.) Hope this helps.
PS My Viper is almost impossible to make squawk!
You’ve got some large smallish hands there, A-musing! My hands are maybe medium to average male hands, and my stretch is only about 8" maximum for either hand. I’ve never had a problem with playing a Low D whistle using Piper’s Grip (the only way to fly, in my opinion). I had a Bernard Overton Low C, now that was a stretch!
Nodak, if you are looking for tone quality, then you will have to decide what you like, but A-musing gave a good description of the tone differences. You could go to the Tin Whistle Tune Archives here and look for tunes with Burke Low D’s, and that should give you a little idea. I don’t think there is more than one Composite clip there, and I think it’s the EZ, but it’s very close to the tone of the regular Composite model. Of course, recordings will sound differently than live, usually, but it gives you something to go by.
Personally, I like the Composite Pro for tone, because it sounds “woody”. The lightness is nice too, and it’s not all that loud to disturb others around the house.
**Edited to add:**But, if you want a more traditional sounding Low D, the Viper would be the popular choice, and more easily heard among other instruments.
Good luck, and have fun!
A-Musing, I just threw another brand into the mix. I heard an Overton and really like the sound. Can you tell me, is the Overton low D much harder to play than the Burke Viper? How do you like the Overton? I have a 9" reach tip to tip on both hands.
Guess I will wade in at this point. The current Burke Viper has medium air requirements, flawless intonation, and is fully usable over its 2+ octave range. Unlike many low Ds, the upper octave does not sound forced, thin, or stretched. The instrument’s playability is among the best there is. The only challenge concerning this instrument occurs if you must consistently play in the heat of the summer. Having a shiny aluminum finish, the instrument can be a bit slippery to hold on to, if your hands are damp…There are easy ways around this issue.
Goldie Overtons have different playing characteristics depending upon what type of back-pressure you order from Colin. Mine is of the medium variety, and matches very well with the Viper. I am able to go back and forth between Overton and Viper with no trouble. The Overtons also have excellent playability and intonation. The Overton’s ‘cosmic drainpipe’ sound is wonderful and nothing sounds quite like it. Please note, however, that you cannot turn that sound ‘off.’ It is always there.
Point: Please ensure that you go into your Overton/Burke comparison realizing that while Burke Vipers will be fairly consistent from one to the next, the Overton’s playing characteristics will depend on communication with Colin, as he makes your instrument to your specifications. If you purchase an Overton used, please question the owner concerning existing playing characteristics.
Good luck in your choice. Both makers are fine men and excellent whistle-smiths. You cannot go wrong.
Byll
greenspiderweb…
Thanks for the boost to my masculine ego. The “large smallish” reference fits my personal whistling world to a “T.” Been 5.5’ tall for all these decades, yet insist on playing the “lowest” whistles I can hold. (pop psychologists be still…) I’m in it for the resonance.
nodak…
hmmm…yes, the word “Overton” opens up a whole new world of whistle inquiry. With my large smallish mitts and pleasure in deep, cosmic, rumbling sounds, the works of Bernard Overton and Colin Goldie are great draws for me!
Owned a “Bernard” tunable low D…and, wow, loved the voice…but couldn’t “cover” it consistently enough to please the muse. Have since acquired a “short reach” Colin Goldie low D, and a Bernard’s low Eb. They both have very reasonable breath requirements, (and yes, Agatha, I smoked for 30+ years. Let’s hear it for “youth.”) And both are EZ on the reach.
The low Eb is awesome! Husky-voiced angel. Can wail like the grief-striken, saunter over interior meadowlands, chuckle knowingly, and ease on down to the most intimate whisper. Thank you, Bernard! This thing has genius in it!
As is usual in this great little group, this is simply personal testimony. The anxiety of searching for a “just right” whistle will be aced by your joy at finding it. Off to the Whoa races with ye!
OK, then maybe my fingers are just a little longer than yours, even though you have the longer stretch. Always variables!
Well, I did it. Sent off today for an Overton low D from Song of the Sea. Should be arriving next week, I’ve never played a low D so I’m anxious to see if I can do anything with it.