Question Regarding Burke Low Whistles in Brass

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Roland of Gilead
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Question Regarding Burke Low Whistles in Brass

Post by Roland of Gilead »

Hey folks,

Ill preface this noting the fact that I reached out to Burke whistles first but haven't heard back yet so I figured I'd write my question here in case someone else has the information.

Question:
Has anyone been able to order a pitch lower than mezzo G but higher than Low D in Brass? In the available instruments on their site, the only low whistle available in Brass is the Low D, and the rest are in Aluminum. I have only brass whistles from Burke (including the low D) and was looking to possibly grab a Low E but didn't want to throw an aluminum one into the line up unless I had no choice.

As I indicated above, I have written them, but I'd like to see if anyone has actually managed to grab, say, a low F or Eb or whatnot in brass. The argument that weight makes producing lower pitches a challenge seems illogical considering the Low D viper exists (which I love).

I can only assume that their lack of inventory of low whistles in brass is due to either complications in engineering, or a lack of customer demand (ie- f customers want low keys of less common pitches in brass that they simply won't stock them)

I'm very interested in hearing your thoughts!
Roland of Gilead
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Re: Question Regarding Burke Low Whistles in Brass

Post by Roland of Gilead »

Still no response from the folks at Burke and no anecdotes from folks online. That doesn't really fill me with confidence that it'd be possible to order any F#, F, E or Eb whistles in brass from them, which is a shame.

Has no one ever seen a Brass Burke of those keys? If not then they must never have existed. Google yields nothing and I can't find any quotes to indicate why. Bummer
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Re: Question Regarding Burke Low Whistles in Brass

Post by Byll »

I have never personally ever seen one of Mike's low whistles - in the keys that you desire - in brass. I have never seen them advertised on his website, in brass. This does not mean they have not existed, only that I have no personal knowledge of their existence. I am sorry that Mike has not answered your questions. He has always been forthcoming with answers to my questions and in discussions, both via email, and on the phone. I hope you are able to clear up the mystery.
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gbyrne
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Re: Question Regarding Burke Low Whistles in Brass

Post by gbyrne »

I’ve seen Low D in brass. Don’t have one. A local musician had a big bag of a Burke’s - his preferred instrument. That collection would be at least 20 years old… so can’t comment on current availability.

I think aluminium is preferred at that size because huge weight difference. I have Low F aluminium nice player even if very little use nowadays. The brass session D is my daily player.
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Re: Question Regarding Burke Low Whistles in Brass

Post by Sirchronique »

gbyrne wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 6:04 am I’ve seen Low D in brass. Don’t have one. A local musician had a big bag of a Burke’s - his preferred instrument. That collection would be at least 20 years old… so can’t comment on current availability.

I think aluminium is preferred at that size because huge weight difference. I have Low F aluminium nice player even if very little use nowadays. The brass session D is my daily player.
I have a brass low D Viper, as well, but the OP is asking about brass whistles in the keys of low F#, low F, low E, and low Eb.

This is why he specified lower than G but higher than low D. The brass Burke low Ds are commonly known, but I haven’t heard of anyone having a brass one in the aforementioned keys.
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