Matthewlawson3 wrote:
Hi, everyone! I just received a few weeks ago a Burke Brass Narrow Bore D whistle. I noticed it is now beginning to have that dark dirty look on the whistle, but it is cleaner around the tone holes. Some questions...
1. Is that dark dirty look the patina?
Yes. It's an oxide layer that forms naturally on the metal. Patina is something that develops on all brass whistles.
Matthewlawson3 wrote:
Is it normal to not have, or not have as much, patina around the tone holes?
Yes. I've always assumed that it is the patina wearing off in those areas, but I suppose it could be oils from the fingers having a different reaction with the metal, or maybe a combination of wear and the oils protecting the metal. In any case, it's a normal thing found on brass whistles.
Matthewlawson3 wrote:
2. Should I polish the whistle brass or not?
Thanks!
It's up to you but there is no practical need to polish the whistle. Patina will not affect how the whistle plays, and a lot of people like the look of a well played brass whistle. There will be people here with actual experience of polishing Burke whistles. I'd only say that I'd avoid the area of the labium (lip/window area in the fipple), and consider what chemicals I'm using on something I'm going to put into my mouth. Personally, I wouldn't do it.
A well played brass whistle is showing character, and the patina will just come back after you've polished it.