First time posting, though I've lurked on the C&F forums for a while now. I'm a college student that's been fiddling with whistles for some time now, and I've acquired a number of low end whistles, all soprano D or C. So far the most expensive whistle I've picked up is my dixon non-tunable PVC.

I was looking around to make the leap to a higher end whistle, and the Sweetheart Flute Co's pro birch laminate was recommended by an acquaintance. Fortunately, I live about a 35 minute drive away from the Sweet family workshop, so I'd be able to arrange a trial before deciding to buy. I was also looking at the Burke aluminum pro.

Can anyone recommend anything else which is comparable in this ~$140 price range? Opinions on the Sweetheart vs. the Burke would also be much appreciated.

Thanks!

-Matt

I would suggest telling us weather you want a loud whistle or other playing characteristics. I have heard that Sweet makes a Loud whistle. I cannot remember whether it was a pure sound or not.

By all means visit the Sweet shop.Walt is a really great guy, and you'll find the shop fascinating. You'll also get to hand pick a whistle for yourself. I've played those pro whistles several times and REALLY liked them. Matter of fact, I have one of their low D brothers. If I wasn't up to my eyeballs in wooden whistles, this one I would most certainly buy.

Edited, stupid post.

I second Paul's recommendation to visit Ralph and Walt. Their shop is incredible -- if you're at all interested in local history, have Ralph take you on a tour of the barn, too. Play some of the whistles and if you like one, buy it; if it doesn't live up to what you feel a $140 whistle should be, then don't.

I agree with Paul and Chas go visit the Sweets. If the Sweets also host next years gathering you gotta come.

...and their fifes, and their flutes, and their tabor pipes...

Accually, you might be interested in their tabor pipes.

True dat I.D they also have a large collection of Flutes and Whistles by other makers.

Hey, thanks for all the great responses. It's nice to know that the Sweets carry other makes to check out, though I'm fairly sure at this point that I have my heart set on the birch pro. I'm definitely going to give them a visit in the very near future.

As for the earlier inquiry of what I'm looking for, some volume would be nice, and I've heard that these don't dissappoint. I've only attempted a couple sessions with people and both were outdoors. My Dixon, though untunable, was spot on with the other instruments there, but I found the volume getting lost in the outdoors, so something that would hold up both in a private area and outside would be great.

Personal opinions on the Burke aluminum pro would still be helpful for future possibilities.

Thanks again for all the help!

- Matt

I have a Burke DASBT. And i love it dearly. I really can't find fault with it.

I've never tried the Sweet's whisltes.

The Sweets are great whistles and sound like what you are looking for. I used to have a Burke DASBT but I traded it for a Sindt C after I fell in love with a Sindt D, it is a pure toned whistle with no chiff volume was decent but I have played louder it was a very easy blowing whistle took too much air and did not have enough back pressure in my opinion. What ar eyou looking for playability wise?

I find the Burke aluminum in D a little lacking in character. It's got a very clear sound and won't disappoint you when playing with others -- the sound really cuts through. I much prefer brass in Mike's high whistles. It has a warmth that's lacking in the Al, and the old-style wide-bore brass has a very traditional sound. It's the only metal whistle that I'm taking to the grave with me.

I have both a Sweetheart Pro and a Burke blac-tip brass, and, while I love them both, they are very different whistles. Both have rich and rather complex tones, but the Sweetheart is much more assertive. I tend to favor the Sweetheart for outdoor venues and the Burke for sessions.

Redwolf

I totally agree with you on that chas one of the reasons I traded away my Burke was because the sound was too bland. I played PhilO's Brass one at the last gathering an I liked it more than my DASBT.