Thinking of getting a dependable whistle

michael_coleman · Post by **michael_coleman** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 6:57 pm

I'm getting to the point where I want a soprano D whistle that I can depend upon. I have various sweetones, original clarke, the meg (which I think is the best), but I want to get something that is quite clear in it's tone and significantly loud. I tried playing the susatos, but was very disappointed in them. I can spend probably up to about $100 without feeling to bad. I've heard some great stuff about elfsongs, but what do you guys suggest?

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 7:16 pm

Clear in tone, significantly loud and basically in your stated price range, in the order in which I recommend them -

Silkstone alloy
Seery
Water Weasel
O'Riordan
Sweet

Redwolf · Post by **Redwolf** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 7:30 pm

Elfsongs are great, and I'm one of their biggest cheerleaders, but they're not at all loud. I love mine dearly, but if volume is what you're looking for, it's not the one for you.

JessieK plays a lot of different whistles (and well, too!)...if I were you I'd take her recommendations very seriously.

Redwolf

blackhawk · Post by **blackhawk** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 7:59 pm

You could get a Generation D and still have $94 left. I own several high enders, but play the Gens more than anything else. They are fairly loud, too.

tin tin · Post by **tin tin** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 9:04 pm

Reyburn.
See JessieK's review, plus there's lots o' info if you do a search.
Micah

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 9:09 pm

Micah, I disagree. The Reyburn is not significantly loud. It's also not among the clearest. I love it, but it doesn't fit the description of what this person is looking for.

Mr.Nate · Post by **Mr.Nate** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 9:24 pm

When you say "I want somthing dependable" the first thing that comes to mind is a Burke wide bore brass". It is loud enough to be heard at a season, but not as loud as a thin weasal or copeland. Of course those are out of your buget. Can't go wrong with a Burke. I'll never get rid of mine!

sturob · Post by **sturob** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 9:25 pm

Maybe there's considerable Reyburn variation. I also have a Reyburn high D, and its volume is quite comparable to my Copeland.

He might also tweak it for the customer.

I concur with Jessie's glowing review, though. Wonderful whistle. Mine's tuned to just intonation, and it's really great.

Stuart

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 9:45 pm

I have the only one that was configured to be more pure, and thus more quiet. So mine would be very different from yours, Stuart. That said, as far as I know, yours is not particularly pure in tone, or clear.

Dragon · Post by **Dragon** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 9:51 pm

I have a Michael Burke brass D. It is a great whislte and C&F has a review of his whisltes: http://www.chiffandfipple.com/burkereview.html.

and Michael's websight is http://www.burkewhistles.com

Tyghress · Post by **Tyghress** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 10:39 pm

The Burke WBB was my first high end whistle, and without it I probably wouldn't have gotten nearly as serious as I have about whistling. It doesnt' take any fussing the way a wooden one does, its loud enough without being overpowering, pleasant sound, substantial feel in the hands.

Ridseard · Post by **Ridseard** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 11:13 pm

I play a Burke brass pro session and a brass pro narrow bore almost exclusively. The pro session is slightly louder than either the narrow bore or the old style WBB.

vaporlock · Post by **vaporlock** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 1:24 am

I cannot help but throw in my vote for a Burke wide bore brass. Aside from a good Brasso job every now and again to keep it pretty, it is my most reliable, no-fuss whistle. I imagine the Burke AlPro would be even more no-fuss, but I don't have one so I can't speak about it's volume.

Let me also throw a wildcard out there...the Dixon sop D with brass tuning slide. A very nice playing, reliable whistle...and much cheaper, too. Pretty loud and nice and clear tone. Tuning on my specimen is very good. The only problem I have had with mine is the tuning slide which has frozen in place...after I played it while scuba diving in salt water and failed to rinse it thoroughly

michael_coleman · Post by **michael_coleman** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 2:32 am

Thanks for all of your help, guys

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 10:49 am

I like Burke Wide bore brass whistles, but I don't find them significantly loud OR particularly clear in tone. Michael asked for a very specific set of qualities. There are LOTS of really good whistles available.

Edit: I want to add that Colin Goldie has made a few "easier blowing" Overtons that are quite clear in tone and quite loud. Something else to consider. You'd have to specify the qualities you want when placing your order with him.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: JessieK on 2003-02-06 11:53 ]</font>