Chieftain Low D Tuneable...

Is there anyone here who has owned or played multiple Chieftain Low D Whistles? I had the privilege of borrowing one of the old style non-tuneable D’s from Stewysmoot and decided, based on the sound, to buy a chieftain. I received my Low D Tuneable a few days ago. I haven’t had much free time to devote to it yet but it seems that the new whistle has slightly larget toneholes than the old style, especially that dreadful E-hole. I probably have to work at it again since I haven’t touched a low whistle for a few months but I was just wondering if, in fact, the toneholes were a bit larger in the newer models. I love the sound of it and I am very happy with my new whistle (thanks for your work Phil) but I don’t think I’ll be playing any faster tunes on it for some time. I can’t seem to find a hand position that doesn’t make my thumbs and wrists ache. I do use a version of the piper grip but my fingers just have such trouble covering those lower holes accurately when playing at faster speeds.

I’ve played both, the old style or about 8 years or so, and the new style for a year or so.

I noted in my review of Sept 2004 that the E hole is a bit bigger and that the bell note is a bit closer to reach.