My first non-cheapie whistle was a Sausato VSB and I love it. But if you’re in a dorm, go with the quieter one.
I think I did, where it showed him wearing the Kilt. I just don’t remember threads from day to day–there are so many. Oh sure, there are SOME that I’ll never forget, and others that I wished I had not replied to.
JP
Avanutria,
I completely missed that thread. I went back and took a look from your posted link. It sure looked as though you had a great time. I’ve never been to a Celtic anything, except for a session at Tony Higgin’s mom’s house, and that was over 80 miles away. I later invited him to Elk Grove to play at our church festival. He knows a ton of songs.
JP
Oh, 80 miles isn’t bad at all…Grand Junction was a good 700 miles away from home for me!
Heh, yeah, quieter is good in my case. I mostly play clawhammer banjo so it’s a miracle that I am still alive!
I have Susato and Dixon Ds, both tunable. Stopped playing the Susato yonks back because of that 2nd octave - it really screeches, and I prefer the mellower Dixon tone. Go with the Dixon, especially if you’re in a dorm/hotel room (or save a few bucks more and buy an Oak).
Does it have to be one or the other? I own a Susato “Dublin” D and I love it, but I’d never play it in a dorm…it really is loud, especially in that upper octave (which does take a fair bit of breath to get cleanly).
I know I’m going to sound like a broken record here (since I’m always raving about this whistle), but if you want one that’s easy to play in the upper octaves, that sounds lovely and sweet, with very little chiff, and that isn’t so loud that your dorm mates will toss you out on the street, take a good look at Cillian O Briain’s “improved” Feadog. It’s really easy to play “up high” (plays as though it was designed especially for those higher notes), and has a really pretty, sweet tone. You can get one from Shanna Quay for a little less than you’d pay for a tuneable Dixon.
Bottom line, we all have our favorites, but given your requirements, you might find the “improved” to be the ideal whistle at this point in time.
Redwolf
I have both, like the Susato but LOVE the Dixon. THe second octave is tons easier and more beautiful on the Dixon.
I’ll join the chorus singing the praises of the Dixon, too. The second octave on the Susato wreaks havoc on my poor ol’ eardrums, but the Dixon leaves them wanting more!! 
Got both. If I was buying now, I’d only have the Dixon.
I don’t know about the D, but as far as the Dixon G compared to the Susato G, the Dixon has a much easier reach. The fingerholes on the Dixons are closer and also somehow easier to cover. I can play a Dix G easily with a little practice but the Susato G was too hard for me. So, if finger length/stretch is an issue, get the Dixon.
Ok, its seems like there is a substantial consensus here. I ordered a tunable Dixon D from The Whistle Shop. I think the next whistle I buy (probably in a half a year) will be that O’Briain’s Improved. Thanks everyone.