Killarney Whistle Review - A Tale of Balance

Well thanks to y'all I've decided to do a proper review of the Killarney tin whistle. So many of you suggested it or said you already play it that I figured I should see what all the fuss is about. And there's some fuss to be made for sure. NOT AN AD I just bought one and gave it a blast.
killarneywhistle.com/
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Whistles are made by Gary Humphrey: web.blomand.net/~ghumphrey/
Flutes made by Terry McGee (www.mcgee-flutes.com/) and Windward (www.windwardflutes.com/)
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[@lochlannlads2392]

You know, the pin keeps the whistle from rolling off the table (as if this stunningly beautiful whistle needed yet another asset).

[@whistletutor]

Brilliant!

[@SusanJERitta]

I love my Killarney whistle, and since that's the most I've spent on a whistle to date, it's kinda nice to have a bit of validation that it was a good investment. I'm especially tickled that you like it so much you're going to keep it instead of giving it away. Thanks for all these thorough reviews and comparisons!

[@jeanettevictoria]

I love my Killarney whistle. I also have Reyburn whistles for the altos

[@johnramos2442]

I agree with you. Very well put

[@celnamusic]

AWWWWW! Thanks God, you are still alive and healthy!!! Keep what you do, they are amazing, I just wish you know that I had benefited a lot from your very early tutorial videos about 15 years ago, forgot where I got them tho, but I should acknowledge you are one of my best mentors about playing Irish whistles

[@sahamal_savu]

Glad you got your hands on one and did this video, those Killarney whistles are fantastic. I bought a D brass last year and I just received my Eb brass a couple weeks ago. Truly professional instruments.

[@deborahbaker6322]

Love my Killarney! So happy with the sound and volume in both octaves! This whistle was a great investment!

[@Michajeru]

Thank you very much for this review of the Killarney whistle. I was wanting to hear a real professional's opinion of the Killarney. I have both the D and C in brass and I love them.

[@jdbegg1]

I’ve been considering adding a Killarney D whistle to my birthday list. Thanks for review. You convinced me.

[@soslothful]

Have a great birthday! You'll surely be pleased with the Killarney. A quality whistle should be treated well so I'll offer a non sponsored plug for cases by Ojoyous on Esty.

[@maksspiga1106]

I love the roscommon reel.

[@bethcockburn5976]

Love this whistle!

[@jacebeleren1703]

I played my brass Killarney at my first ever session 3 days ago, and i was very positively surprised as to how well it performed! At first i was worried that it wasn't gonna be loud enough, but i had no problem being heard alongside the rest of the instruments.

[@brandonsubia9090]

I love my Killarney! It is very responsive! And everything he said in the video is spot on. I don’t have any complaints and though I don’t have another whistle of similar quality to compare it to it definitely outperforms any of the other whistles I do have... I’m not going to name any other names just because I do enjoy my other whistles they’re just not on the same level... just like he said... it plays like a professional instrument. And when I make a mistake while playing my Killarney I do just assume it’s me because of how clear and responsive this whistle is

[@mccypr]

I have one. I like it. I’ve just started getting serious about playing the Whistle. I just finished simply “tweaking” (Blu Tack in the head joint) my Generation Whistles. It definitely improved their sound. I’m excited about that. Thanks! Happy holidays! 🎅🏻🌞🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@abcbcd533]

playing the Killarny for about 2 years now and still love it. especially how it sound in the higher octave.

[@danieldunlop1409]

Sean - excellent review and an informative series. In your hands, the sound of the Humphrey is preferable for that tune. I own a couple of Killarneys. The D model is very good but I especially enjoy the Eb model which has a sweet, chirpy sound. You are correct about the top heaviness but I find that a non-issue. When I attended the Belfast Trad Summer School in 2017, almost all students in my class played Killarneys for the reasons you indicated. Sindts are highly prized by many players in Ireland and I believe the Killarney is considered a more affordable and available alternative. Interestingly, I asked the instructor (Kevin Crawford) to try out my Humphrey session bore and he was very impressed with it. Cheers -- Dan

[@sahamal_savu]

I just received my Eb brass Kilarney and I agree, very chirpy, beautiful whistle. I might even prefer it to the D brass for many tunes.

[@erikm8372]

I'm shopping around currently for my tenth whistle(s) to buy. Might need one of these! In D and C.

[@davidmassey-brown2783]

I’m *relatively* new to the whistle, but a professional musician in other areas, including Ding brass instruments and pipe organ building. I’ve been learning on a Freeman and an aluminum whistle whose name I can’t remember. I just got a Killarney today, and I have to say that the head is much heavier than other whistles with which I’m familiar. That being said, the weight gives some nice heft to the instrument, and I find that it balances very nicely between the embouchure and left thumb. And the responsiveness and tone more than compensate for any balance issues, for the price.

[@FiddlingwithmyWhistle]

Love my Killarney's... have a set :)

[@brianbaker4030]

Do you have the Bb? I'm wondering how it compares in tone clarity and playability to the D, but I'm not finding a lot of info online.

[@user-ux7fb9gc9q]

Waiting for my Humphrey whistle should arrive in August, four month wait…❤

[@galwaytribesman9289]

Fantastic whistle. It's the best in my collection and it keeps the traditional sound of the generation whistles. The notes are really stable in both octaves

[@brennanroth7980]

Great review Sean! Compared to the Humphrey it sounds like the Killarney is MAYBE just a hair brighter in the 2nd octave. Not a huge difference but the Humphrey sounds just a bit darker/warmer? It could also be that the Humphrey just has a slightly louder second octave and that's the difference I perceive...but it's hard to tell and I'm not even sure I could pick them apart in a blind test. I also noticed it sounds like there may be a touch more chiff/hair/dirt/whatever you want to call it in the Killarney's tone whereas the Humphrey is maybe a touch sweeter? For me it's a split decision. I'd be perfectly happy with either since they both sound brilliant. I've also got a brass Killarney D and it's only second to a Cillian O'Briain improved Feadog I have. I don't think you can go wrong with the Killarney for the price. I personally like the weight/balance of the Killarney but it definitely is a different feel compared to playing a plastic-headed whistle. Good job!

[@saoirse2120]

a few months ago I bought a Lír Whistle high D it has a bit more chiffy than the well balanced octave killarneys The barrel is made of a much stronger material than most other brass whistles, which of course makes it a bit more heavy but also makes the weight more balanced between the head of the whistle and the barrel.

[@johnramos2442]

How would you compare the Killarney to the Lir whistle? And which is your favorite? I have a Killarney but not a Lir. I thank you in advance.

[@pedromiguelabdofidelisdepa4732]

I really like top heavy whistles

[@jannekebrouwers6342]

I ordered two Killarney's (D and Bb) on Sunday. Thank you for the external validation. ;)

[@brianbaker4030]

How do you like the Bb? I'm considering getting one but can't find many people talking about it.

[@jannekebrouwers6342]

@@brianbaker4030 It's great. You will find more reviews on whistle groups on Facebook (Tin Whistle / Pennywhistle Resource). The playability is the same, but the tone is a bit more mellow / slightly breathier.

[@brianbaker4030]

@@jannekebrouwers6342 thank you! Both for your informed opinion and for leading me to Tin Whistle / Pennywhistle Resource. I had no idea this group existed, but I've since gone and listened to a bunch of people playing the Killarney Bb. I just ordered one, by the way. :)

[@politeklingon2617]

Loved your video, could you compare it to the Kerrywhistle Cobre? In terms of balance, volume, tone...

[@codyackermann7786]

I wasn't watching the video during the comparison, just listening, and I didn't know you'd switched whistles.

[@neopower]

Did you find Cnat to be sharp? It is on mine and I need to compensate when I play it. Would be great if you could also review the Lir whistle: also Sindt like design and I've been told no issues with Cnat.

[@DGhisfioguasb]

I noticed you tend to play brass whistles over their nickel counterparts. I know it comes down to personal preference but what would you say is the deciding factor for you?

[@whistletutor]

For some reason, all of the lower whistles I have (A, F, low D) are nickel and the higher ones are brass. I'd like to say it's because I have such a refined ear that I prefer those metals in those keys - but that would be BS. When I ordered them it was either the only option or Gary suggested it and I said *shrug* cool man, whatever you think. I really can't tell the difference in the metals - what I care about is whether the thing is responsive, has good tone, is in tune with itself, etc. and Gary hasn't let me down there.

[@usernamemykel]

Wondering how the Killarney (a less expensive copy of the Sindt) actually compares to the Sindt - have you both and compared them?

[@soslothful]

Would you consider a review of Hermit Hill whistles? I recently bought a C, Delrin and brass, and very much like it. I have a Killarney D and a D and Bb by Gary. They are each quite sweet. I rather like the weightiness of the Killarney. Gary's aluminum have the minor advantage of not tarnishing. Sometimes I like the brass patina other times not so much. I'd be pressed to select a preference of the two makers.

[@thisguy118]

I'm from Singapore and I really love the sound and feel of different folk music. I loved the iconic sound of the whistle so much that I bought one to learn. There was pretty much only one store that I could find which sold tin whistles. I got a Waltons Mellow D which I guess for a beginner is sorta suitable. I got it for $20 SGD , which is about $15 USD. I've been learning by myself for about a year now , but have still a long way to go in terms of getting the right sound of ornaments (rolls are still a challenge for me). Anyway, thanks for the great videos you make. Really great production value. They're really helpful, even though I can't really play at the proficiency to follow some of them haha. Are there any recommendations to where I can buy a better long term whistle which doesn't break the bank?

[@soslothful]

I suggest Becker Whistles (US). Handcrafted of PVC. I have seven whistles by James. All are very nice and exceptionally affordable, a D being about $20 US.

[@sahamal_savu]

Becker whistles are fantastic and affordable, I have to second that. There's a whistle maker in New Zealand that also makes affordable whistles, you could check out his site too. drjohnlaurence.com/takahe-flutes

[@whistletutor]

I'll always recommend Gary Humphrey (link in description) but these Killarneys are lovely as well (link also in description.) My next comparison video will tackle different whistles at 3 different price points, so hopefully that'll help out the decision process too. Cheers!

[@soslothful]

@@sahamal_savu I clicked this link and it comes up as expired.

[@thisguy118]

@@whistletutor Update. I decided to get a set of Syn Whistles for using my birthday money. It's a pretty good deal that I figured would do me pretty well. I recommend these whistles to those who want affordable sets of whistles. I got the set with D, C, Eb, and Bb for about 170 SGD. Bought directly from the maker himself Earle Bartlett.

[@Ryush806]

Personally I think there a pretty big difference in the sound between the two. Your Humphrey has a better folksy grit to me.

[@seandentremont9094]

i love my killarney Bb, but i agree his other whistle sounds warmer in the upper frequencies and i like it...

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

Plus it has the nice tight popping quality on the notes ...

[@gunturprima9079]

Hi Sean, Do you have any recommendation for Soprano C, Alto Bb, and Low F (middle up brands) such as Killarney, Tilbury, etc?

[@lochlannlads2392]

I'm obviously not Sean, but still: Killarney comes in C as well, and it's every bit as beautiful as the ones in D and Eb. As for affordable quality low F, I love my Shearwater, which are made by John Bushby in England. Great instrument and super fast and personal service. (Later i ordered a bass Bb and a bass G from him as well, and am considering supplementing with other keys too)

[@fatheroblivion45]

I'd like to echo what Matt just asked. I'd be interested on your take on brass whistles too. I bought a brass Killarney a while back because I feel that brass whistles in general have a slightly 'warmer' tone over alloy. I've been taken to task for holding this viewpoint about brass whistles with some saying there is no noticeable difference between brass and alloy and any variance I detect is all in my head! Perhaps it is. What are your thoughts on this?

[@whistletutor]

I really can't hear much of a difference myself, though I'm not sure I've ever done a direct A/B comparison. I figure if it's well made, in tune with itself, responsive, etc. those are the things I'm concerned with.

[@AngusRobins]

Just bought me a Killarney D and I have no confidence at all in top B, C# & D . Do I have a duff one?

[@Timothydlol]

Thanks for the review. You sound like Ron Swanson

[@whistletutor]

Hahahaha cheers

[@alfredbackhus6110]

Thanks for the review. I was about to buy a Killarney today but I must say I can recognize from your video that it is not the right instrument for me I do not like the sound of the first octave. I need a Humphrey lol. But Mister Humphrey does not want my money LOL 😂

[@user-ux7fb9gc9q]

Gary Humphrey excepts USPO… no credit cards…

[@tim6151]

I would think the top heaviness would be a positive. The heavy side is resting on your bottom lip, while the light end is the free end that needs supported by your pinky when playing anything above the G note. The end is less likely to drop down and easier to hold up with your pinky, IMO.

[@whistletutor]

Yup different strokes for different folks

[@moneymay7050]

What about a Burke whistle I thinking of getting one , have a Killarney already think it’s a bit average

[@whistletutor]

I'm not a big fan of Burke whistles myself but I know I'm in the minority there!

[@thisone9]

Love my Killarney but the bore is very narrow. Is the Humphrey wider?

[@whistletutor]

It might be a micron wider or narrower here or there but to my eye they're very close.

[@dharlanajohnston2690]

I wondered the same thing, The Killarney looked to be a bit narrower, didn't it? I don't enjoy narrower whistles, as my older arthritic hands find them hard to hold for very long.

[@vinniejones8009]

Which do you prefer, the Killarney or the LIR?

[@whistletutor]

Overall I prefer the Lir because of its balance, but they also have noticeably different tone, with the Killarney closer to my Humphrey and the Lir closer to a Copeland. So it kinda depends what I'm in the mood for these days.

[@gerardmorris3290]

I did find I had a problem with the extra weight found it hard to get used to also I found it kept getting clogged up and I wouldn't consider myself a particularly wet blower I keep going back to my generation

[@bonenfant96]

Oh yes, I prefer the chiffs of the Humphrey.

[@seandwyer1823]

Might be an expensive whistle, but to me has a 'thin' 'reedy' sound of a much cheaper whistle, the second whistle has definitely a richer more mellow sound and more pleasant to listen to...

[@O3177O]

Brass has a better tone , and it kills bacteria too ; you sound better that usual too not that you sound bad 😁

[@floriangrace4281]

Didn't know about brass killing bacteria. Interesting. Thx mate

[@lerklerk8717]

i've only heard silver could kill ...em... whatever...

[@johnatkinson5693]

What is the difference in price?

[@whistletutor]

Depending on exchange rate and options about $40.