I have a Pat O’Riordan high D whistle which I was told was a “travelling” model. I really loved because it was quiet, tiny and had a sweet tone. Lately, it’s developed problems and I would like to replace it. Does anyone have a recommendation for a tunable metal whistle which has similar qualities. Thanks.
Ya wanna real cracker, Polly? Click on ‘Main Website’ and you’ll find lots of information about different makers and their products. Good luck! 
Hang on a sec… you say your whistle has developed “problems”. Can you clarify that? Short of major trauma, there are few whistle problems that can’t be fixed. You might not need a new whistle at all, although WANTING another one is something altogether different. I wouldn’t give up on an O’Riordan so quickly.
Hi Polly, welcome. Without going into detail, I’d suggest that you contact Pat O’Riordan and have him take a look at your whistle before you think about giving it up, even if you opt for another whistle as well. PM me if you need contact info. Good luck!
As is often the case, agreed with MTGuru; Pat is great to deal with. I have just about a full set of Travelers (anodized aluminum body with acetyl head joint) and love them. I’m just surprised somewhat at the tonal description of your “little” D as “quiet” and “sweet” - the one I have and another I’ve played as well as descriptions by others - are hardly that. Anyway, contacting Pat is a good idea.
Philo
Yes, as everyone says, Pat is an interesting and very helpful person to deal with. I have nearly a full set of O’Riordan whistles, too, like Philo (except that I’m envious of his B-flat…). Something that I have noticed, however, is that since the inside of the fipple, especially the inside of the ramp is rough making it vulnerable to clogging. I had one become cranky, and I soaked the fipple in mild dishwashing soapy water, and cleaned the inside with a jet of water. That fixed the problem. Hope this helps.
Reg
No need to sweat the Bflat (which is wonderful) Reg; if you’ve got the G, we’ll play together in heaven. While I personally find nothing exceptional about the Traveler soprano D and C or the Low D, I think the mid range of the line - Bflat/A/G - is the best around.
So as not to highjack this thread, I always feel safe in recommending Burke and Sindt soprano D whistles.
Philo
Thanks for the advice and recommendations. I plan to call Pat O’Riordan, and will also try the cleaning method as “cranky” sort of sums up the recent sound of my whistle after playing for a while.
I have looked at the reviews and am interested in the Burke and Sindt high Ds. I prefer a whistle that doesn’t require a lot of breath and isn’t too loud. Does anyone have any experience of both? …and no wise-crackers!
I own and play both Burke and Sindt high D’s. Both makers produce a fine whistle.
I have Burke D’s in each of the materials and both narrow and session bores. They are good whistles. The Burkes have their own pure sound. Playing characteristics are first rate, IMHO.
I like the Sindt as well. It has a more traditional sound and character than the Burkes.
The narrow bore Burke or Sindt would seem to meet the needs you describe. I prefer the narrow bore brass Burke myself.
Hope that helps some.
Feadoggie
My Pat O’Riordan whistle is fixed!! I used a strong light and magnifying glass and discovered that the joint between the horizontal and curved pieces of the mouthpiece had come away slightly on one side. Pat talked us through a repair using superglue and it is so much better now. No more scratchy high Bs! By the way, it turns out that it isn’t a "traveller’ but a “traditional” model from 1999.
I may yet buy a new whistle so appreciate any input.