I am curious as to what those fortunate people who possess whistles of more than one of those types find their preferred make of whistle is. Some, like the Copelands and Burkes (and others) seem so effusively praised by all their owners that it is impossible to tell any ranking from the comments and of course, there are no objective standards. All of the above kinds I have seen cited as personal favorites by outstanding players.
But just for fun, which of those do you prefer (or other of the best makes) and what is the sound difference (or whatever) that you like best and why? If you judge some of those for all intents and purposes equal but different or just plain equal, please post.
It’s not that I don’t respect people’s natural impulse to judge different things differently. I do, however, find that an overwhelming number of people preferring a particular one tells you about the likelihood of quality, and even mixed preferences can give one a feel, or at least a very interesting discussion.
Now that I’ve started three new topics I’ll shut up. I fear I have a tendency to binge on my message board comments.
I have played or owned all but the O’Riodan. My informed opinion brings up the one you have not mentioned: the OZ Vambrace. In my view, the OZ outperforms. Cheers, Cyril\
Different horses for different courses. They all have their unique qualities.
All are well concieved, designed and constructed. And there are others equally well done beyond those you mentioned.
Even if standards of performance were established and someone went through all the trouble of conducting tests against such standards, very few, if any, would be sufficiently competent to understand, let alone appreciate the results. And invariably you’ll get a few who insist that such tests don’t mean squat because they could never truly measure the mysterious qualities of an instrument (the soul). Uh-huh. Look at the world of hi-fi.
Then there’s that whole problem that even if a whistle is a good performer, nonetheless, it does not suit the playing habits or timbral tastes of the player. And not all whistles are ideally suited for every playing circumstance. For example, a loud-playing whistle may be useful for a session, but not ideal for the studio.
Let’s assume for a moment that there are at least a dozen good whistles currently being offered in the market, all played by the pros. Why should they be “ranked”? Does one rank the colors in a box of Crayolas?
Of course none of this answers your question. Fortunately, whistles are cheap enough that most folks can own more than one. OTOH, perhaps this is a bad thing. We might better off by choosing one decent whistle and conforming to it, rather than waiting for one to come along and it conform to us.
Your inquery is vast! The whistles you speak of are many many many.
Many makes, many keys, many materials, many eras, etc. etc.
Perhaps you could simplify your request for info…perhaps by make, or “high whistle/low whistle,” particular qualities, and so on.
There has been much discussion along these lines on this forum…and many people are interested. But you may need to “boil down” the parameters of your interest, to make replies easier to formlate.
[quote=“Guinness” Does one rank the colors in a box of Crayolas?
Of course none of this answers your question. Fortunately, whistles are cheap enough that most folks can own more than one.[/quote]
Hmmmm… . . . I like the analogy of the whole box of crayolas, and buying a box filled with one of each whistle. Then color your picture with each color needed, then fill in your ears with each color of whistle music as needed.
I have owned Abells (C/D/Eb), a Burke (DAN), a Rose, a Bleazey (Bb), a Chieftain (high E), Water Weasels (C, Bb/A), a Busman (Eb), Reyburns (D and low D), and plenty more that I’m forgetting. I’ve played a Copeland and an Overton.
I currently play a few Generations and a Feadog. The only non-cheap whistle I have now is a Sindt A that I use when I need an A. I played my Oak (in D; the C is terrible) quite a bit until I dropped it and the fipple cracked. I should get a new one; I really liked that whistle. I guess that means I’ve got a tiny box of Crayolas, but so be it. I like it that way.
If buying whistles makes a person happy (and it made me happy for a couple of years, there), I say go for it. I grew out of it, so there’s hope for everyone, I suppose.
Dear AJTwo
Welcome to the C&F whistleworld. A very interesting topic, but one which has a long history of dicussion on this board.
Suggestion No. 1 ------- Look up board member “PhilO” by doing a search. He owns Burkes (one of his most favorites), Copelands, O’Riordans (I think), Abells, probably Overtons, Syns,and probably other high-end instruments that would be of interest. Read 'em all. That should keep you busy for awhile, but when you’re done you’ll be much better informed. He is articulate and knowledgeable about this topic. Pretty darn fair and balanced, too, in my opinion. Off the top of my head he is the first person I can think of who’s posts would be the best place to start.
Suggestion No. 2.------- Do some searches employing the major makers which you’ve included in your topic: such as Burke vs. Copeland vs. Overton, etc.
You should also narrow your topic down to a given Key, too. If you haven’t already intended D Soprano then you probably should do that. A discussion of Low F whistles will bring different maker preferences than, say high D’s. Low D whistles are a whole 'nother world. See what I mean ?
------Oh, you want to know what my preferences are, I’ll bet. I own four brass Burkes in Bnat, Enat, D Narrow bore, and session. I like 'em for all the reasons you’ve probably read elsewhere: playability, tuning, clean and pure second octave, delrin mouthpiece, durability, etc. But, others say the Burke sound is not as pretty a sound as some other whistles (fill in the blank) even bland. there may be other Burke minuses cited, but I don’t remember them. Copelands are nice but I’ve not tried enough of them to criticise them here and now. I like the conical bore of the Copelands which adds a lot to their cost. I’ve been trying a lot a Abells lately and the tone is beautiful on these; full and round and focused, lacks shrillnes and has more mellowness than the metal whistles. I wouldn’t mind having one. Never played an O’Riordan, yet. A used one may cost you $1,000.00 or more, if you can find one. You can’t buy a new one anymore, last I knew.
Board member “Bloomfield” is a prominent Overton man. Look him up, too.
In summary, doing some searches ought to help you out immensely. If PhilO doesn’t chime in here, try PMing him and ask him. A very fine gentleman.
Hoping I’ve helped you a little. Good luck. Lloyd
Thanks RambleDoc/Lloyd. I’m not looking to buy yet, though.I really am just looking for people to post what fine whistles they think are the best from their point of view. If you like Burkes better than Overtons because of the pure tone or whatever, please post. It’s not going to be, or supposed to be, scientific or directed research. Just hoping for an interesting comparative discussion.
I will check out that post link, however. Appreciated.
I acknowledge the difficulties brought up by A-musing. But just general observations. If you have a Burke and Overton Low D,or high D, etc.
Back in the old days there were plenty of discusions going on about different whistle makes. I lurked for a while then bought a Burke, brass, large bore session. It was quite a bit cheeper back then so it seemed to be the right choice. Now there are quite a bit more whistle makes to choose from. I still own that whistle and frequently go back to it. I remember when the Fred Rose came out and Dale touted it as the best whistle ever. I think he has since given up on whistle reviews!
There are alot of whistle reviews by Phil Hardy at this address
I of course in no way mean to denigrate the Busmans, Roses, and others. Just no way of making sure they’re all there (all the fine ones), especially since taste differs, which is the point.
Dale giving up on reviews? I hope not. Say it ain’t so, Dale.
My impressions are only in regards to the low D whistles.
I bought low D’s from several makers and put them through extensive testing.
For me, and for the flute style I play (because I played Irish flute for 30+ years), the Burke “Pro Viper” was the clear winner.
Overall volume, a booming bottom D, flutelike tone, ability to “honk”, etc etc put it in a class by itself.
Strange as it seems to many, my second-favourite was the Susato.
Included in the testing, and tried over the years, were a number of Overton low D’s and some Overtonesque low D’s such as the Phil Hardy whistles), and Copelands, and an MK, and a number of others.
But there are a vast number that I haven’t tried, including O Riordans, Abells, Reviols, etc etc.
Actually my favourite high D is my early-1980’s Feadog. My favourite high C is a 30-year-old Generation.