I just got two lovely new whistles from a maker I didn’t know much about before this–David O’Brien. They come apart into 3 pieces. One is a high D in Blackwood. The other is a high Ev in Delrin.
They sound just beautiful! They have a clear, clean tone, very playable instrument and well in tune. I’m glad I got them.
Does anyone else have experiences with O’Brien whistles?
I own a C/D set in purpleheart, and the 5 body/uno head set copper/plated. I really enjoy them, and I am saving for a low D by him.
I will echo your comments about playability and tone. I highly recommend him and his whistles.
I have a low d by him and love it. It’s really easy to play, and reasonably priced too.
He’s not only a great whistle maker, he’s a great guy too.
One of these days, I need to try out the delrin ones he’s making.
I got his Stowaway about a week ago. It sounds really bright and clear and fast tunes just roll out of it. It’s great fun to play. I keep it in my purse so that I always have a whistle handy.
I have a nickel-plated copper Rover in D which is a sweet, sweet whistle–pure toned, yet a hint of complexity, really lovely chiff, and a sweet, clear, easy upper register. A lovely whistle.
Also have his narrow bore brass D, which, next only to my Overton, is the damn finest whistle I’ve ever played. I love my Burkes, but I have to rank this one above them.
–James
Good to hear all these reports! The more I play mine (I just got them today and have been pretty much playing them steadily all day long…) the more I like them. In fact, they are the only other whistles I’ve personally ever played that rival my O’Riordans for pure beauty and clarity of tone. That is an unexpected great treat!
I had heard that Sindts are pretty close to O’Riordans in tone, but I do not agree. I own quite a few Sindts and they are wonderful instruments. However, to me, their tone is very different from O’Riordans.
I’m curious… what other whistles have folks played that they think sound like O’Riordans?
I bought his rosewood rover set in Eb, D and C. I love them, love them, love them!
(Did I mention that I love O’Brien whistles?) 