In this comparison I play the reel “Billy Brocker” on the following whistles (in this order):
–Sweetone D
–Clare 2-piece D
–Walton’s Mello-D widebore brass
–Burke AlPro Session D (to throw a high-end into the mix)
Here is the tune:
http://www.flutesite.com/samples/sweeton_clare_mellod_burkeses.mp3
In this tune I use cuts, rolls, double-cut rolls, cranns, and breath pulsing.
Some thoughts on the whistles from the player:
–the Sweetone is a nice gentle whistle and good to learn on but can’t take strong breath pulsing without squeaking and blowing out of pitch
–the Clare is also a nice gentle whistle, more traditional sound, plays a lot like a Gen, can take a bit more aggressive play, has some tuning quirks
–the Walton’s Mello-D is a good whistle, louder, takes more aggressive play, you can lean into it a bit and it has good pitch stability and isn’t prone to squeaking
–the Burke is in a class all its own with that lovely smooth tone and easy 2nd register, yet takes the strongest breath pulsing of all 4 whistles. Also is the most responsive of the 4 and is as loud as the Walton’s but with a sweeter tone.
–James