That beautiful glassy tone O'Riordan whistles are known for, clear and bell-like, and tuning that is exactly where you would expect it to be. Both bodies play really well. The C in particular has a mellow tone with an almost buttery quality to it, and the D carries the clarity that made these instruments the standard they became.
The set is one head joint with interchangeable bodies in C and D, so it travels as a single small package and covers both keys. The mouthpiece is ebonite; the bodies are a dark Dalbergia, one of the rosewoods, possibly kingwood, with brass ferrules. The wood is beautifully figured. Side of the mouthpiece is signed Pat O'Riordan. SN 575.
About the Maker
Patrick O'Riordan worked from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and became one of the most respected whistle makers in the world. Born in Warwickshire to Irish parents, he took up making after retiring from a career in manufacturing, and his instruments went on to appear on Grammy-winning recordings and to be played in symphony orchestras. He held that the mouthpiece was the heart of the instrument. He died in 2019, and wood-bodied examples are considerably scarcer than the metal ones.
Condition: Used - Excellent
Condition: Details:
