What should I get for my first high end whistle?

dtravers · Post by **dtravers** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:36 pm

I am looking at finally getting a higher end whistle. I am hoping some of you could help me out with my decision.

These are the characteristics I am looking for:
- not big. I have small hands.
- not a huge breath requirement. asthma.

- at least average in volume. I'd like to be able to play this at moderately loud sessions and not fade away.
- handles wind well. I want to be able to play it at festivals and things and not have it drop out too often when the wind blows across the window.
- not completely pure. I like a bit of breathiness and a bit of funk in the sound.

I don't really care about materials but I think weatherproof would be best. Metal or dymandwood or something.

Thanks!

-Derek-

Redwolf · Post by **Redwolf** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:39 pm

You just described my Burke Pro Session (black tip) brass.

Redwolf

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:46 pm

I would definately email Mack Hoover if I were you. Mack can (and does) make anything and he will work with you as an individual because he cares.

kkrell · Post by **kkrell** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:43 am

Burke Pro Session (brass)

Kevin Krell

dwinterfield · Post by **dwinterfield** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 6:09 am

Burke session - brass for warm tone or aluminum for bright and pure. Mack Hoover makes a great whistle that requires very controlled breathing. I had one but was not ready for that level of delicate, sensitive breathing.

IDAwHOa · Post by **IDAwHOa** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 7:36 am

I have an Alba High D for sale. It even has the benefit of being nearly clog proof!!! Even my wife can't clog it and she clogs ever other whistle we own.

Shoot me an email and we can discuss it more.

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:15 am

Burke session in brass. Jen has one and it's a wonderful, warm whistle.

If you don't want to spend that much, also consider either an aluminum Syn (if you want more resistance) or a Hoover (if you want a bit less resistance like the Burke).

--James

blackhawk · Post by **blackhawk** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 10:00 am

Burke

eskin · Post by **eskin** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 10:13 am

I concur, Burke brass session pro.

PhilO · Post by **PhilO** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:24 am

The Burke brass black tip is a great whistle - my everyday player. However, I don't know how it is "in the wind." The best whistle I've ever played outdoors is the Copeland, perhaps having something to do with its conical shape (and raised windway on models lower than soprano D). However, the cost is considerably more. Although the air requirements are a bit more than most high D whistles (certainly including the Burke), I think in that key whistle especially it's more to do with learning where it's appropriate to take a breath and doing it often enough throughout a tune. You can certainly push it and it has ample volume in both octaves, $300+ pricetag notwithstanding.

Finally, the Burke is pretty pure although you get some nice overtones in the lower octave in the latest models. The costly Copeland is generally rife with resonance and overtones.

Philo

PhilO · Post by **PhilO** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:27 am

Sorry - forgot - other possible candidates - Sindt and Humphrey.

Philo

Craig Stuntz · Post by **Craig Stuntz** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:45 am

PhilO wrote:The Burke brass black tip is a great whistle - my everyday player. However, I don't know how it is "in the wind."

Wanderer's <a href="http://www.tinwhistler.com/music/review ... sp">recent review</a> of the Burke aluminum noted the following:
<blockquote>Wind Resistance: Practically none. This whistle doesn't even like my car's air conditioning set on high. Slight breezes knock it out. Definitely an indoor whistle.</blockquote>I have no idea if the Burke brass whistles are any different in this respect.

monkey587 · Post by **monkey587** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:02 pm

I vote for Silkstone aluminum. IMO, Paul Hayward is a genius. Hoovers and Burkes are great, too. In reality, there probably aren't many high end whistles that would be BAD choices. You'll probably find Silkstone to be edgier than Burke.

Wanderer · Post by **Wanderer** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:11 pm

Craig Stuntz wrote:
PhilO wrote:The Burke brass black tip is a great whistle - my everyday player. However, I don't know how it is "in the wind."
Wanderer's <a href="http://www.tinwhistler.com/music/review ... sp">recent review</a> of the Burke aluminum noted the following:
<blockquote>Wind Resistance: Practically none. This whistle doesn't even like my car's air conditioning set on high. Slight breezes knock it out. Definitely an indoor whistle.</blockquote>I have no idea if the Burke brass whistles are any different in this respect.

To be fair, my review is of the Burke Al-Pro, and Michael may have made improvements in wind resistance in his newer models. I can't say one way or the other.

I second Monkey's vote for the Silkstone alloy..it's a great whistle, and will probably satisfy the "not too pure" requirement. It has it's own complex sound. The Copeland, of course, is a given..and I used one myself extensively performing outdoors at the Texas Renaissance Festival. The one I have is a little on the pure side, though (which I like just fine). Perhaps the Sweetheart Pro would make a good choice, too..it's pretty wind resistant.

Of all of these, the new Sweetheart Pro has the lowest breath requirements. It's difficult to find a good wind-resistant whistle that doesn't require at least average breath requirements, though. My recent Hoover PVC is the surprisng exception that I've run into..it worked fairly well in a decent breeze, without requiring a lot of breath.

Redwolf · Post by **Redwolf** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:33 pm

I have to say that the best whistle I have for playing outdoors is my Sweetheart Pro. Nothing knocks that baby out. Might be a bit purer in tone than you want, though.

I haven't played the Burke outdoors much, because it's a bit quiet for Morris Dancing, so I can't say how it might handle wind.

Redwolf