I recently read your posts on O’Riordan. About 15 years ago, having been referred to Patrick O’Riordan by both Tom Rowe (Schooner Fare) and Tommy Makem, I spoke with him about having a whistle made. Patrick set me up and two years later I received my O’Riordan, a Key of C shaft with a mouthpiece machined to fit Generation D and Eb shafts, with a neck lanyard. Being that I play guitar, mandolin, and bouzouki in a lot of varying ethnic genres (Italian, Irish, Greek, Bluegrass, Rock, Blues, Trad-folk), I like having my whistle conveniently placed. That whistle has served well for Irish and Italian traditional, and classical liturgical in Church. I’m not a great whistle player, I just wanted something with clear tone that has a good sound at good volume that easily crosses musical lines. Certainly my O’Riordan has never failed yet.
Recently, my O’Riordan successfully found its way into classic rock: I have a band that specializes in 40’s through 80’s music. While practicing a cover of the Left Banke hit Walk Away Renee, I wanted to log in the flute part in the instrumental break. I pulled out the O’Riordan and the guys were floored. It worked very well and made the song; now it’s part of the stage repertoire. If you’d like to hear it, we’re posted on SoundCloud.com/The_Anti-Ques.
I would lament the loss of my Les Paul, but loss of my O’Riordan would be tragic.
Patrick, my compliments and deepest respect always.
Deacon Bill G
