What a month . . . for one reason or another, I am the owner of 7 new whistles within the last 30 days!!!
I’ve acquired a Dixon Lo-D; Susato A-G-F; Chieftian Hi-D; Burke Brass-Pro Hi-D; Hoover Hi-D. What blessings!
Here’s my comments on them:
1/ The susato’s are decent. They don’t compare to the Burke - but they don’t cost as much either. As I’m not playing professionally, they really are fine. I just didn’t want to be unable to toot along with others when I needed an A-G-or F. I don’t think I’ll use them much, but if I need to be able to accompany a singer in “F,” I now can do it. The fingering does take a little of getting use to, but its not unsurmountable.
2/ The Dixon Lo-D is nice. The tone is quieter than I thought it would be - but the fingering is fairly easy. I’m pleased with it and look forward to low whistling.
3/ Of the three Hi-D’s, the Chieftian fares the poorest. It’s not a bad whistle, it just doesn’t seem like a superb whistle. The tuning is fine, and it is responsive. It seems to sound better the more air you put into it. It’s not shrill on the upper register. The more I play it, the better it sounds. The Burke is wonderful. Heavier than I expected, and the volume seems just right for sessions. It sounds 'whistle-ish" without an extra amount of chiff and I like that. The Hoover is exceptional. It is smooth and quiet, perfect for practicing and for personal enjoyment. It has the “purest” sound I’ve ever heard from a whistle. Each time I play either the Burke or the Hoover, I am amazed at the quality of sound. They are different - but each wonderful.
4/ IMHO,as wonderful as each whistle is, and as talented as each maker is (from Susato to Hoover), the thing that makes whistling fun is not so much the brand of whistle, as the heart of the musican. It’s one thing to play an instrument that is in tune - but I play better, regardless of the instrument, when I’m in tune with the music. It’s kinda nice to remind myself that the music isn’t in the whistle, it’s in me.