Unfathonable! This set is more than I could every have hoped for from a tin whistle. “Perfect” is the only way to describe the all around artistry. Tone and pitch, weight and feel, breath and reaction all perfect. I am your biggest fan now David and I will be shouting it from the rooftops. As a recording artist and professional praise and worship leader I feel this whistle set is must have for any who wish to master this amazing ancient instrument. My only prayer now is for more hours in the day to enjoy these masterpieces. You must raise your prices to reflect what your work represents.
William, I am just curious, so that we have some frame of reference with which to view your comments in: What other makes/models of whistles have you owned?
Thank you for your replies on this subject/thread I am blessed that you offer to participate in my musical delight…
I purchased the nickel plated, copper fippled models with a 1/16 wind opening on the mouthpiece.
As a student of music I take great pains to not just “play” an instrument but to “experience” it and in this expierence I must know all that there is to know on not only the history but also the different makes/styles of the instrument; the penny/tin whistle is a part of me even as my guitar, mandolin, harmonica, bass, drums and vocal mikes are as they are extentions and expressions of me.
I personally own models from Walton, Shaw, Alba, Overton, Chieftain, and O’Brien. O’Brien whistles, I can see has been progressing and improving over the years as I have read as much as possible on this artist and his history. Without question David O’Brien is reaching his zenith; his time to take his place among the best is on soon approach or if I dare to be so bold, is now at hand…
My O’Brien Whistles share the “favorite” spot with my Busmans. I have the 5 piece set and they stay in my car for that “chance moment” playing opportunity. They are my “go to” whistles for well … going.
They will ride with me on my trip to Chicago next week without the slightest cause for concern about weather etc. My wood whistles obviously must be carefully guarded.
David was kind enough to make a special tweed case that fits from my Cheiftain G down to my Generation D. It also holds a Serpent A, a Generation Bb, an Oak and Generation C. What a great case!
He has great talent in so many ways. And is a pleasure to work with!
Thank you for your replies on this subject/thread I am blessed that you offer to participate in my musical delight…
I purchased the nickel plated, copper fippled models with a 1/16 wind opening on the mouthpiece.
As a student of music I take great pains to not just “play” an instrument but to “experience” it and in this expierence I must know all that there is to know on not only the history but also the different makes/styles of the instrument; the penny/tin whistle is a part of me even as my guitar, mandolin, harmonica, bass, drums and vocal mikes are as they are extentions and expressions of me.
I personally own models from Walton, Shaw, Alba and O’Brien. O’Brien whistles, I can see the O’Brian whistle has been progressing and improving over the years as I have read as much as possible on this artist and his history. Without question David O’Brien is reaching his zenith; his time to take his place among the best is on soon approach or if I dare to be so bold, is now at hand…
I discovered and visited his website (http://www.obrienwhistles.com/). The whistles look beautiful and the sound clips are great. He should change the sound clips for the delrin fipple though - it sounds “muddy” or “plastic” somehow when compared to the other fipples.
Does anybody know if he will make a whistle in the key of “A” on request? I see that it’s not a key he normally makes.
Also, in defense of my wallet, I would ask that he keep the prices just where they are - affordable by me!
I’ve got an O’Brien C in unplated copper with the delrin plug and it’s certainly not muddy. Totally clear with an absolutely balanced sound all the way up to the top D.
Best answer: ask him. I asked a while back, and David said that the tubing he uses wouldn’t support an A. I made an A tube for my O’Brien and proved him right - the bell tone is barely audible.
I asked David this very question. He reported that a new head was being designed for the lower keys. We will all wait with baited breath for the release of this sure to be success…
It’s quite charming to see someone so pleased with their new whistle. I can relate as I am recently gob-smacked by a Bernard Overton Low D I picked up second hand.
I’ll have to agree with you. Mr. O’Brien makes some very nice whistles, with unique character, and a great value in his price range. The 5 body set is a particularly good value.
It really is impossible for me to express the essence of what I am experiencing via these O’Brien pieces. To call them “tin” or “penny” is a massive, grave injustice to the craftmanship and invention that dovetails with the spilling over of soul as breath and art and spirit become one.
Let those who have ears let them hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to His creation…
“You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, And gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute, To go to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel.”
Isaiah 30:29
The Holy Bible
I’ve got a D/C set. They’re nice, the C is nicely balanced especially, but they’re not THAT great, IMHO. Maybe they’re a little earlier attempts, but i got mine right after Jessie wrote the review. Ornaments on the D are kind of sluggish and the whistle feels kind of clunky to me… maybe good for slow air type stuff but that’s not usually what i play. I’d be willing to trade if anyone has anything interesting they want to part with.
