Chiff and Fipple Forums

It’s been a long while since I visited the site, but I noticed that they aren’t selling composite whistles anymore. Does anyone know how long it’s been, and why?

I don't know how long it's been or why, but I would also be interested to know. Thanks for making us aware about this! I must say, I'm kind of dissappointed. The burke composite has been a favorite to so many players. It's a real shame they scrapped it
Cheers!

I'm guessing a note to the maker might reveal all...

Best wishes.

Steve

As to the why, it's hard to imagine that there's much demand for whistles so fragile that they arrive snapped in two.

pancelticpiper wrote:As to the why, it's hard to imagine that there's much demand for whistles so fragile that they arrive snapped in two.

I never had problems shipping back and forth (Low D, A, high D), though I did accidentally step (full weight) on the A and it broke.

I like the sound of the Composite Low D more than the Aluminum, though I know others for whom the composite just didn’t cut it in comparison. Anyways, I’m sad, I’m a way, to see them go, but more curious than sad.

Steve Bliven wrote:I'm guessing a note to the maker might reveal all...

Best wishes.

Steve

I’ve sent him an email—at the risk of annoying a busy man with my curiosity.

So I emailed Mike and asked. He said he stopped making them three years ago.
Very little demand, parts limited, not worth the cost of retooling. He also said that, in his opinion, metal whistles are better and more rugged.

And so my questions are answered.

(For the record, Mike’s really a decent guy.)