@@NathanielDowell That is so true and the various whistle makers are happy about that too!!!! :) One thing that I've noted in my short time of playing is that what I hear from the player side of the whistle is not what others hear from the listener side. On several of my whistles I can hear a difference in tone when playing in a room where the acoustics are not so great and then I move to a place where there I can here the echo of the whistle (a garage or larger room with little furniture) and the sound is very different and the two that I thought sounded different really sound close to one another.
@@wgandy9541 Good point. I think breath noise is more apparent to the player, but less so to those across the room, or much more so to a microphone. So the reason for playing might factor into whistle selection: business or pleasure?
It does take a lot of air to play, especially when compared to the Goldie, but flutes take a lot of air as well, so it might be good for developing phrasing skills.
@@NathanielDowell Great video. I have the Burke and love it. Definitely agree with everything you said, I'm learning to play flute as well and it does help a lot playing both.
Oh, and the Shaw low D is still the reigning air hog. It's the only low D that I actually worried about getting lightheaded while playing it. The Burke is noticeably on the less efficient end of the spectrum, requiring careful breath management, but it's within my acceptable tolerances. I also believe it contributes to the fat, fullness of the tone. It's the same reason why I decided to keep my less efficient Chieftain V3 and sell the newer V5. The V5 has more backpressure, and was easier to play, but the V3 has a bigger, fuller sound.
@@NathanielDowell I noticed one thing. If you have a big room, no carpets, curtains and pictures on the wall almost every low whistle sounds resonant and sonorous. If you play outside or in small rooms it is better to have a whistle that is not too breathy. In the past I didn't like Burkes or Susatos. Now I appreciate their tone, because they can sound like an instrument and not a vacuum cleaner pipe in almost any environment.
Ok, final question.. the big 3 fought it out, but only one survived and lives on. Which one was victorious? Basically, you can only keep one. What's it going to be?
For me, my MK Pro is what usually goes in my bag when I need a low D. I like the complex tone, snappy handling, big sound, and the fact that it's less fussy about being warmed up. However, if I actually started playing professionally, I feel like the Goldie would be my choice. The consistency in his range is a huge plus (I haven't liked the MK Pro A, G, or F), and I could always call up Colin and get a low D that's more closely aligned to my tastes today (softer blower, more complexity to the tone). I've heard of at least one person who was ho-hum on Goldies the first time around, then eventually called him and got their be-all, end-all whistle the second time. There's a reason so many pros go with Goldies. I quit playing mine as much mostly because the tone is a little softer and blander than the MK, but otherwise, it still wows me when I play it. I play my Burke the least because it doesn't quite match my play style. I've seen some professionals use Burkes, and I wonder if it suits people who do a lot less tonguing, like some flute players. I love leaning into the tone, but I find it breaks in certain spots if I tongue while pushing it toward that buzzy, resonant tone.
Great comparison- they all sound great, but I choose the Burke for overall sound- still, they are all different, all great. The moisture thing though, makes the Goldfinch a winner!
Bah! Every time you post a video, I end up buying a new whistle 😝 (except for last month's Abell Bb purchase-that was my own fault). After buying a Chieftain Custom Low D as my first whistle (I know, stupid) and failing to get used to the size and air requirements, I swore to never buy another low D. Now I want a Viper. I must stay strong.
The only foolproof solution to Whistle Obsessive Acquisition Disorder is to shut your eyes and stay off places where you'd come across interesting whistles. I buy a lot of used whistles, and when something interesting pops up, at a good price, it's really, really hard for me to turn it down. I've had some success in the past with creating a firm "will-buy" list, where I give myself permission to purchase any whistle on that list if it comes up for a good price, while helping me to resist any whistle not on the list. It helps me to think, "If I buy this non-list whistle right now, and one of my list whistles comes up for sale, I've lost the money I could have used for its purchase." I'll emphasize that I've had *some* success with this, as my whistle collection will testify. It's really hard for me to tamp down my feelings that certain makers will retire, or close their wait list, or that prices will shoot up beyond my ability to pay. That's particularly the case with Burkes, and even Goldies. I mean, if Burke or Goldie retired this year, prices would go through the roof, a la Copeland. I know a few people who have whole sets of Copeland whistles, from back when they were in production and more affordable. That's a literal treasure chest of whistles today. Unless the big maker's line up a successor to carry on their designs, I fear history will repeat.
Thank you for your video! This is exactly what I need right now. I’m trying to choose between Burke and MK and still can’t make my decision - I like them both for different reasons, but unfortunately I can’t afford two at a time, haha. And thank you for putting so much attention into sound differences and details, this is really helpful! What do you think, where is it easier for you to articulate - on Burke or on MK?
I find the MK easier to play, and has crisper ornamentation. The Burke feels like it can give a little more if you're willing to commit to figuring out all its quirks (push harder here, ease off there), but the MK just plays evenly across the range.
Hey thanks for the comparisons! What's the second tune you play, right before Ashokan's Farewell? They sound really familiar but I can't place them... Also, any experience with McNeela's Setanta low d? Thanks!!
Really useful comparison video! I personally like the sound of the Goldie and MK whistles. Enough chiff to have a traditional sound for Irish music. I sold my Burke Viper about 6 weeks ago after playing it for many years. I didn't enjoy playing it that much, I think because the sound is almost too clean and pure, and often sounded like a recorder to my ear. I have a new MK Pro on its way to me after listening to them for a couple months. In your video it sounds to me like the Goldie and MK have the cleanest articulation. The tune ornaments just seemed to pop a little more. Very well done! Thanks.
I tend to like some breathiness in my whistles, so I really like my MK and Chieftain V3. I think it tends to give them a haunting, wild quality, but I've also come to appreciate the pure-toned whistles when they are so finely crafted that they sparkle with resonance (overtones?). Different tones for different moods.
IMHO while Burke sounds rich and warm it's bit closer to a recorder, while MK pro is kinda... more Irish. Goldfinch is surprisingly good too. Thanks for the upload, on side note would suggest you adjust Mic positioning, had to volume up to hear what you are talking then tune it down while you are playing, so i don' t wake up my two year old ;) Overall wonderful demonstration!
Yeah, my mic placement has just been "lean phone against something" for a bit. I agree about the tones, although I think the MK should sound more Scottish ;)
There are very good and beautiful sounding Low Whistles out there! But without „Tuneability“ they are worthless, if you want to record or playing with other people ( Piano , woodwinds, Synthesizer, ….) Why aren’t they all tuneable! 🙈 I don’t get it! 🤷♂️
Well, you have some flexibility with how you blow. Blow harder for a sharper note, softer to flatten it. If the whistle is well-made, you don't need it to be tunable in a lot of circumstances, assuming the instruments you're playing with are also in-tune. Brian Finnegan had a non-tunable Goldie A whistle for a long time, and he seemed to make it work in a professional capacity, so they definitely aren't worthless. It's certainly nice to have a tuneable whistle for flexibility, but a lot of people just don't need it enough to justify the extra complexity and expense of the tuning slide.
2:50 - Burke D
6:40 - MK Pro
9:29 - Goldie
16:19 - Goldfinch
Thanks for putting the 4 together in this comparison video. I've got a MK Pro F and love it. I really like the sound of your MK Pro D.
I always find it interesting when people comment on their favorites. It just goes to prove that everyone has their own particular ideal.
@@NathanielDowell That is so true and the various whistle makers are happy about that too!!!! :) One thing that I've noted in my short time of playing is that what I hear from the player side of the whistle is not what others hear from the listener side. On several of my whistles I can hear a difference in tone when playing in a room where the acoustics are not so great and then I move to a place where there I can here the echo of the whistle (a garage or larger room with little furniture) and the sound is very different and the two that I thought sounded different really sound close to one another.
@@wgandy9541 Good point. I think breath noise is more apparent to the player, but less so to those across the room, or much more so to a microphone. So the reason for playing might factor into whistle selection: business or pleasure?
What key is this whistle?
All are in D
The Ashokan Farewell. Not only is it a most hauntingly beautiful waltz, it's excellent for testing the range of a whistle, and its C nat! :-D
AND... I just noticed: the F nat
@@lochlannlads2392 Agreed. It's a really nice test tune.
2 full clean octaves, beautiful. Tonally, my vote goes for Burke!
It does take a lot of air to play, especially when compared to the Goldie, but flutes take a lot of air as well, so it might be good for developing phrasing skills.
@@NathanielDowell Great video. I have the Burke and love it. Definitely agree with everything you said, I'm learning to play flute as well and it does help a lot playing both.
Oh, and the Shaw low D is still the reigning air hog. It's the only low D that I actually worried about getting lightheaded while playing it. The Burke is noticeably on the less efficient end of the spectrum, requiring careful breath management, but it's within my acceptable tolerances. I also believe it contributes to the fat, fullness of the tone. It's the same reason why I decided to keep my less efficient Chieftain V3 and sell the newer V5. The V5 has more backpressure, and was easier to play, but the V3 has a bigger, fuller sound.
@@NathanielDowell I noticed one thing. If you have a big room, no carpets, curtains and pictures on the wall almost every low whistle sounds resonant and sonorous. If you play outside or in small rooms it is better to have a whistle that is not too breathy. In the past I didn't like Burkes or Susatos. Now I appreciate their tone, because they can sound like an instrument and not a vacuum cleaner pipe in almost any environment.
Ok, final question.. the big 3 fought it out, but only one survived and lives on. Which one was victorious? Basically, you can only keep one. What's it going to be?
For me, my MK Pro is what usually goes in my bag when I need a low D. I like the complex tone, snappy handling, big sound, and the fact that it's less fussy about being warmed up.
However, if I actually started playing professionally, I feel like the Goldie would be my choice. The consistency in his range is a huge plus (I haven't liked the MK Pro A, G, or F), and I could always call up Colin and get a low D that's more closely aligned to my tastes today (softer blower, more complexity to the tone). I've heard of at least one person who was ho-hum on Goldies the first time around, then eventually called him and got their be-all, end-all whistle the second time. There's a reason so many pros go with Goldies. I quit playing mine as much mostly because the tone is a little softer and blander than the MK, but otherwise, it still wows me when I play it.
I play my Burke the least because it doesn't quite match my play style. I've seen some professionals use Burkes, and I wonder if it suits people who do a lot less tonguing, like some flute players. I love leaning into the tone, but I find it breaks in certain spots if I tongue while pushing it toward that buzzy, resonant tone.
Great comparison- they all sound great, but I choose the Burke for overall sound- still, they are all different, all great. The moisture thing though, makes the Goldfinch a winner!
A YT first: popcorn-making-tutorial-w/embedded-whistle-comparison. What was the movie?
Lol. I don't recall the movie.
@@NathanielDowell Ah, but she does, guarantee it.
Bah! Every time you post a video, I end up buying a new whistle 😝 (except for last month's Abell Bb purchase-that was my own fault).
After buying a Chieftain Custom Low D as my first whistle (I know, stupid) and failing to get used to the size and air requirements, I swore to never buy another low D. Now I want a Viper. I must stay strong.
The only foolproof solution to Whistle Obsessive Acquisition Disorder is to shut your eyes and stay off places where you'd come across interesting whistles. I buy a lot of used whistles, and when something interesting pops up, at a good price, it's really, really hard for me to turn it down.
I've had some success in the past with creating a firm "will-buy" list, where I give myself permission to purchase any whistle on that list if it comes up for a good price, while helping me to resist any whistle not on the list. It helps me to think, "If I buy this non-list whistle right now, and one of my list whistles comes up for sale, I've lost the money I could have used for its purchase."
I'll emphasize that I've had *some* success with this, as my whistle collection will testify. It's really hard for me to tamp down my feelings that certain makers will retire, or close their wait list, or that prices will shoot up beyond my ability to pay. That's particularly the case with Burkes, and even Goldies. I mean, if Burke or Goldie retired this year, prices would go through the roof, a la Copeland. I know a few people who have whole sets of Copeland whistles, from back when they were in production and more affordable. That's a literal treasure chest of whistles today. Unless the big maker's line up a successor to carry on their designs, I fear history will repeat.
whats the name of the jig you're playing?
Jerry's Beaver Hat/ Kesh Jig/ Ashokan Farewell
Thank you for your video! This is exactly what I need right now. I’m trying to choose between Burke and MK and still can’t make my decision - I like them both for different reasons, but unfortunately I can’t afford two at a time, haha.
And thank you for putting so much attention into sound differences and details, this is really helpful!
What do you think, where is it easier for you to articulate - on Burke or on MK?
I find the MK easier to play, and has crisper ornamentation. The Burke feels like it can give a little more if you're willing to commit to figuring out all its quirks (push harder here, ease off there), but the MK just plays evenly across the range.
Hey thanks for the comparisons! What's the second tune you play, right before Ashokan's Farewell? They sound really familiar but I can't place them... Also, any experience with McNeela's Setanta low d? Thanks!!
Kesh Jig, I believe. No experience with the Setanta low whistles, though I've heard they're good.
Hello, thanks for this video! Which one of them requires less air and the "easiest" to play (in comparison)?
Probably the Goldfinch. The Goldie is air efficient, but harder to push.
Thank you for this usefull video . Now I want to buy them all 😂
Really useful comparison video! I personally like the sound of the Goldie and MK whistles. Enough chiff to have a traditional sound for Irish music. I sold my Burke Viper about 6 weeks ago after playing it for many years. I didn't enjoy playing it that much, I think because the sound is almost too clean and pure, and often sounded like a recorder to my ear. I have a new MK Pro on its way to me after listening to them for a couple months. In your video it sounds to me like the Goldie and MK have the cleanest articulation. The tune ornaments just seemed to pop a little more.
Very well done! Thanks.
I tend to like some breathiness in my whistles, so I really like my MK and Chieftain V3. I think it tends to give them a haunting, wild quality, but I've also come to appreciate the pure-toned whistles when they are so finely crafted that they sparkle with resonance (overtones?). Different tones for different moods.
IMHO while Burke sounds rich and warm it's bit closer to a recorder, while MK pro is kinda... more Irish. Goldfinch is surprisingly good too. Thanks for the upload, on side note would suggest you adjust Mic positioning, had to volume up to hear what you are talking then tune it down while you are playing, so i don' t wake up my two year old ;) Overall wonderful demonstration!
Yeah, my mic placement has just been "lean phone against something" for a bit.
I agree about the tones, although I think the MK should sound more Scottish ;)
There are very good and beautiful sounding Low Whistles out there!
But without „Tuneability“ they are worthless, if you want to record or playing with other people ( Piano , woodwinds, Synthesizer, ….)
Why aren’t they all tuneable! 🙈 I don’t get it! 🤷♂️
Well, you have some flexibility with how you blow. Blow harder for a sharper note, softer to flatten it. If the whistle is well-made, you don't need it to be tunable in a lot of circumstances, assuming the instruments you're playing with are also in-tune. Brian Finnegan had a non-tunable Goldie A whistle for a long time, and he seemed to make it work in a professional capacity, so they definitely aren't worthless. It's certainly nice to have a tuneable whistle for flexibility, but a lot of people just don't need it enough to justify the extra complexity and expense of the tuning slide.
Wish I wouldn't have sold my Goldie Low d
I feel that pain. I sold a Goldie alto G years ago, and have long regretted it, as it matched my F and D so well.