I would like some opinions on what you feel is the best whistle that Pat makes? ie The traveler,the concert models,wood or metal construction.
I have quite a few O’Riordans. I think his wood and aluminum high whistles are wonderful. In the two high D’s that I have (one aluminum, one blackwood) they are nearly itentical in timbre, although ones sounds woody and one sounds like metal. Then again, it could be my imagination. I think Pat uses light air pressure when playing, so the “in tune” line is a bit sharp for me by about 1/32 of an inch. I would say the Wood has maybe 5% more volume in the first register and the aluminum has about 15% more volume in the second register B and C sharp. Those are based on gut feeling, not actual measurements.
I also have some of his low whistles. They are solid whistles with excellent qualities. Somewhat complex set of overtones, but nothing like the richness of the Overtons. They are also a bit less flute-like than the sound from my Copelands. They also are fairly quiet, though not a quiet as a Howard.
I like their construction best of any low whistle. They are very portable. Especially the low D/E-flat set with 3 piece construction.
My opinion is that Pat’s low whistles are very solid instruments. I do think that Pat’s high whistles are real gem’s though. If you had to choose between a high or low, I would go with the high whistles. I don’t think you can go wrong with wood or aluminum high whistles. The wood, naturally, takes some maintanance.
I only have or have played two O’Riordans, and based on that experience would love to get my hands on his high whistles. I got second-hand a Low G anodized aluminum which is the best Low G whistle I’ve ever played or heard and one of the finest whistles of any key I’ve ever come across. I also have the brother 3-piece Low D, which is great as well, but perhaps not quite as great as the Copeland Low D to my tastes.
Yeah,that’s right, keep rubbing it in Phil…
Loren
I have O’Riodan’s concert set C/D in Cocobolo, have had them for eight years. Wouldn’t part with them for any price!!!
MarkB
I got my first O’Riordan (high D) a couple of months ago. (metal) I would save it second in a fire after my cat.
Today I was at my whistle teachers and got to play her low D and her E. Now when I say I got to ‘play’ her low D, I didn’t quite play it…BUT, and this is amazing…I have short fingers…I could actually reach and cover the holes. This was partly because the bottom piece just above the last hole can be twisted inward a bit to make it reachable by the bottom finger. She says it is the only low D she can reach to play. So if you have small hands, this is quite the whistle. The E was easier to play and sounded just about as good as the D. I need that E!!!
I have played every model of whistle that Pat makes, and they are all similar (pure and strong), but for actual sound, I like the traditional mouthpiece with the traditional (Generation style) tube. It’s the cheapest whistle he makes and it’s somehow not quite as loud as the others. Imagine a louder, slightly less pure Sindt whistle.
~Jessie
Jessie,
By the way, is there any Eb you’d like to sell? 
Loren - Do not read my posts; I will continue to gush about these. What can I do to appease you that does not include giving you these whistles? By the way you don’t happen to know where this MarkB guy lives do you? (THIS IS NOT A THREAT…
Sure, Az, but not an O’Riordan.
Jessie
Jessie, well I’d actually be interested in a Sindt Eb or any tweaked Eb. I don’t want something loud. If you’ve got anything, please lemme know…
PhilO
I live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I’m listed in the phone book.
Windsor is right across from Detroit Michigan. I work as a librarian at the Windsor Public Library.
But I don’t sleep in the same condo that I keep my whistles, and that condo isn’t listed. Good luck looking for them.
Oh and you will have to get by my 25 pound attack cat – Clancy. Who absolutely hates all whistles — go ahead break-in and just try to pick a whistle up — MAKE HIS DAY!!!
MarkB
Mark - Geez, I’ve got two cats that together are about 25 lbs and I thought they were big! Sounds like fun actually - whistles and cats; if we’re ever up that way, if ok with you, we could stop in for either brew tea or beer, and some tunes. You get same invite - I’m here in Kew Gardens, Queens, NY. Between us, we have a nice set of O’Riordans!
Enjoy and best regards,
Phil Osattin
Phil and everybody else, if you are going to be in the Detroit/Windsor area, give me a call. We are fortunate enough to have some pubs were we can gather quickly for a session if we want or with very little notice on one of the session nights here in Windsor.
MarkB
I’m on Pat’s waiting list for a low D. I ordered it about a year and two months ago. Does anyone know where he is on the waiting list??? I have 3 of his D’s (traveler, a wooden D&C with a shared mouthpiece and an anadized D that I can’t remember the name of right now). I love them all. The wooden ones have a quieter more mellow tone. I like them and have sold or abandoned my other whistles. I once read on the board that when you find your perfect whistle you recover from WHOA. I haven’t looked at another whistle since. I like that they are intune when playing loud or soft. The tone is extremely clear. Half holing is also in tune. They are also less expensive then other whistles that I have purchased. What can I say I love my O’Riordans!!