I see that some of you have recommended the Dixon low D to people with small hands. My hands are VERY small. I’m wondering if somebody with a Dixon low D could measure the width of the whistle, the distance between the holes and the diameter of the holes?
If it turns out that the low D’s too big.. anybody above the age of 10 can play the low G, right? 
Thanks in advance!
Emilie
At this moment I’m just too tired to get up and measure mine, but, I have small hands- skinny fingers too, and I can play my Dixon Low D. A piper’s grip is necessary though. Also I had to put in lots of practice to consistantly get the holes covered properly. With small skinny fingers you can’t just plop them down and always get a good seal.
Dixon low-D dimensions
Outside Diameter: 1"
Distance from 1st to 2nd hole: 1-9/16"
Distance from 2nd to 3rd hole: 1-5/16"
Distance from 4th to 5th hole: 1-1/4"
Distance from 5th to 6th hole: 1-9/16"
The hole sizes are relatively small compared to my other whistles, and the spread is not as wide as my other low-D (Chieftain). However, it’s still a pretty good spread, and if you really have small hands, I’d venture a guess that it might be too wide.
A low-G is easier, but holes sizes vary. My Water Weasel low-G has pretty large 5th and 6th tone holes.
Most folks, even with very small hands, can handle a low (alto) A easily.
My teacher is short (5’ 2") with small hands and can just make the stretch for a low F; maybe that could be your starting point. Listen to Lunasa low whistle tracks, they’re low Fs. (And the Overton low F is a stunner).
Don’t Lunasa play Grinter low-F’s?
Emilie, why not start on a low-G? You can still play a lot of tunes in-key on it. If you’re plenty comfortable on it, move on to the low-D after awhile.
Kevin Crawford plays a Grinter, but the others play a variety of whistles.
Sounds to me like I’d be better off not starting on a low D. Now I just have to decide between F, G and A..
I think I’ll go for a Dixon whistle, they’re relatively cheap and got good reviews, I’m very new at this AND a poor student so I’m not sure I’m ready to take the plunge and buy an Overton just yet! 
Looking at the whistleshop site I can’t see any Dixon F whistles, so it’ll have to be either a G or and A.
Is a low G whistle more common to have? Which keys are easily playable on a G whistle? And on an A whistle?
And I’d love to hear Lunasa play the low F, which songs should I look for?
So many questions! Thanks for your patience, and thanks for your replies!
Emilie
Actually, Thom can get any key in Dixons at the Whistle Shop. (trust me - I have experience in this matter… 
Like a Low D, Eb, E, F, and G for example… ) The low F Dixon is a medium bore instrument, and plays pretty well. I wanted a little more depth, and got a wide bore F, although I don’t know if Tony is making those regularly…
For what it’s worth… Have a peachy day!
Miller of Drohan is fun, and playable by mere mortals, as is The Last Pint.
Seriously though, a very large part of their tunes are played on F whistles.
Go to their site, www.lunasa.ie and you can even purchase the book of sheet music.