Thanks. Is there anyone there with a concertina/accordion?
Disclaimer: Not that I’ve got any issues with people who play the above with unbridled enthusiasm at sessions. Understandably having complete disregard for more subtle instrumentation 
I also like Sharon Shannon 
BS.
Hmmm!! Hard question! I think any whistle that gives me something unique in my collection to choose from (a different sound and different capabilities), has outstanding intonation, is well made, easy to play, and reliable to be on par. The Lochlan, for me, meets all the requirements. You’d never catch me saying that any one whistle is the ultimate whistle. In my mind, there are several ultimate whistles. When I’m looking for the Copeland sound, then the Copeland is the ultimate whistle. When I want an Overton sound, then the Overton is the ultimate whistle. I absolutely see the Lochlan as being one of my “ultimate” whistles when I’m looking for the Lochlan sound. They are all fine whistles and there’s no way for me to judge which is more valuable. I like and will play all of them. I think it depends on the individual and what they are looking for. I’m an individual who likes to have a variety of whistles to pull from. Also, sometimes I like lemon cake. Sometimes I want chocolate cake. Sometimes I want carrot cake. Figuring out which whistle I like best for a tune is probably half the fun for me. Others, however, choose one and are loyal for life and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I will say that the current price of around $155.00 for the Lochlan is an INTRODUCTORY price and I consider it to be a bargain.
I hope you don’t find my answer to be too vague. I truly did try to answer your question as best I could.
Not a concertina in site. We have hammered dulcimer, one very loud fiddler, AND A BANJO!!!
See, I’m happy to go for Carrot Cake every time, 'cause it pushes all the right buttons. Give me a ‘Carrot-Cake’ low D and I’ll be eternally happy.
BS.
Pushes all the right buttons? Perhaps you need a carrot cake concertina! 
er…that’d be pushing all the totally “Wrong Buttons!”
BS.
Gerardo,
How’s the tuning slide? The cork inlay is the only thing I’m a bit concerned about. I normally prefer the simplicity and aesthetics of ‘non-tunable’ whistles, but I believe this is only available as a tunable?
Also how’s the finish/anodising and whats the stretch like on the bottom two hole
I also prefer the simplicity of non-tunable whistles, taking into account that I play by myself most of the times
and not in a group. Having said that, the tuning slide looks very nice because it is not larger than the rest of the tube, as it is in other whistles (Alba, Chieftain). It is made of brass (mine is chromed brass) and inside there is a natural cork joint. I am also not crazy with natural cork because I find it “fragile”, but this is possibly just an impression. I guess that, in the rare event that the cork should be damaged, it will be easy to replace it with new cork or even plumber tape ? (Greg, can you answer this question ?). Once in a while, I like to clean my aluminum whistles putting them in a sink with water and mild soap (as suggested, I believe, by Phil Hardy). This is a great system, better than cleaning aluminum with metal polish, and it makes the whistle shine.
But with a natural cork tuning slide…I would hesitate to do that. Chieftain tunable whistles use composite cork, and I already suggested Greg to consider this material in the future for his tunable whistles.
I am also pretty sure (but again, Greg YOU should answer the question) that Greg can make a non-tunable version of his Lochlan for anybody who prefers it (like me, for example).
Regarding the finger spacing, nothing very difficult. I have not measured it, but there is no problem as long as you use the Piper Grip.
This whistle is really something new and different. I would not be surprised, if it has the success that I anticipate, if other makers will start building low D whistles with a large bore like the Lochlan in the future…
Thanks, Gerardo.
I’d like to use the mild soap/sink clean regularly on any future aluminium whistles, as my fingers tend to tarnish the anodised finish after a while. I’ve only had a Freeman Mellow Dog for a month and I’ve already discoloured/begun to break down the lacquer around the holes, as well as burning a patch down to the bare brass, with my thumb. 
If Greg did a non-tunable, I’d be well-interested. Otherwise, I’ll probably go with an Overton.
BS.
OK, I’m home from rehearsal with verdicts from 3 other musicians whose opinions I trust. Of note, they are not flute/whistle players, but all 3 are good musicians. They estimate the Lochlan to be approximately 15% louder than the Copeland or Overton. They describe the tone as fat, round, and bass-like with breath. All 3 found the tone to be distinctly different from anything else they’ve heard me play - so, indeed, we have a new voice.
I’m going to go take those pics now and I’ll have them up in a few minutes.
OK. Here are some photos! I’m not completely happy with the way they’ve photographed in tonight’s unnatural light, but I suppose they’ll do for now. If I get some better photos in natural light later, I’ll put those up.
The Lochlan
Top to bottom: Overton, Lochlan, Copeland
Another shot of all three…
Yeah!!! Pay me. Pay me now! HEY!! Anybody who’d like to pay me for an opinion - I’m la..la..la.. loaded with them. Seriously,I just love’s myself a fine whistle. Thought the folks here might like to hear at least one person’s opinion. Congratulations, Greg!
What?? You expect me to post clips behind Jeremiah McDade? Could you point that out for me in my contract? Where’s my lawyer? Mommy!!!.. 
(Debbie’s feeling kind of shy now!)
Hey has anyone done a comparison of the Lochlan vs the Burke Viper?
The Burke is the “fattest” whistle I’ve played, and I like the “fat” tone it puts out.
Last week I was at a session, me with my Burke Viper, and 7 or 8 Irish flutes, and I was in no way out-volumed. Sounds like the Lochlan might be in a similar volume category.
I wonder if the Lochlan and the Burke have a similar ID/bore size.
Thanks, that actually does answer it 
I’ve had an aluminum Burke Viper. I did let it go to another board member here with the intention of replacing it with the brass Viper because I prefer Mike’s whistles in brass for some reason - just a personal preference. (I own 3 Burkes and they see plenty of playing time.) As I recall, the bore of the Burke was closer to the size of the Overton than the Lochlan. Of course, I can’t do a sound comparison. In terms of bore size, I’ve not seen or played anything that has a larger bore.
I just measured the bore/ID of the Burke Viper and it’s a hair under 15/16" (which is just under 1 inch).
I wonder if you could lay a ruler across the bottom of that Lochlan and get an approximate measurement of the bore/ID.
That guy playing the Lochlan on the YouTube video should pull out his tuning slide a tad and redo the recording- he’s sharp on just about every long note. It’s much better advertisement if you play in tune IMHO.
Assuming 4" circumference and aluminium about 2mm thick, the bore has to be well over an inch - considerably fatter than a Proviper. It’s certainly more than podgy…verging on obese. Does it come with a health warning Greg?
Just got my Lochlan in the mail yesterday! Great looking whistle. And since I’m a beginner, it sounds like a great sounding whistle in the hands of a beginner at this point. 
Greg is a SUPER guy to deal with!
Thanks, Greg!!
– Ryan
I had my Lochlan with me for three days now and I can confirm my first impressions: great whistle.
Potent, assertive, deep haunting tone, “breathy” but not too “breathy”, “reedy” but not too “reedy”, easy playability. Never had a clogging problem, but I noticed that it sounds brighter once it’s warmed up.
Greg has a winner in his hands. I wish him great success.
