Here’s a dumb question from someone who should probably know better:
I’m a degreed musician, but am totally new to the whistle. I’d like to play a low whistle (probably a D), in addition to the soprano whistle. should I learn on a low, or should I become familiar with the instrument on a high D and then “graduate” to a low D?
Thanks for you patient answers!
Hi flootoot
I play predominantly low whistle, so I would vote for it. 
This will probably get me pelters, but I would say go with the low whistle, you will learn pipers grip on it and that can be used on a soprano whistle as well, (then we can get you into the dark side 
)
David
Can you explain what the “pipers grip” is?
Hi flootoot
Have a look here - Pipers Grip step by step - a thread on the use of pipers grip.
In action it looks like this.
David
Ah! Makes perfect sense. I’ve got very short fingers, with not a lot of digit spread. I wonder if even a pipers grip would facilitate? Any good, Low D flutes where the holes are offset, or spaced differently?
That would seem the best, but hey, its up to you.
Low whistle vary to a good extent.
I’d start on a decent cheap high d and do a couple weeks of research on lows.
Hi flootoot
My fingers are medium length, but thin, and I had difficulty playing standard Overton style whistles (like the one in the video in my last post).
The low Ds that I can play are - MK, Dixon TB012D, Burke and Impempe. I have not tried the new Howard low D, but I have the low E and low C and can play them, so it is also a possibility.
You will no doubt get lots of advice here about what low D to go for (my 2 cents worth would be the TB012D as it is the cheapest or the Impempe as it is the most forgiving whistle I have ever played).
David
Hi Maki
I went the opposite way from most people, as I went to uilleann pipes first then to whistles, it was natural to use the same fingering style on both, hence my advice to flootoot.
David
flootoot,
A nomber of makers offer offset holes, Michael Burke, Ronaldo Reyburn, and Hans Bracker immediately come to mind. All three are great makers of whistles.
Cayden
I certainly wouldn’t presume to know more about this than BigDavy. He admittedly learned pipes first so it makes sense that playing whistles comes more naturally to him. The choice of high or low would be strictly personal as he already has developed a familiarity with tunes, techniques and breath control to a large extent. However, while I agree entirely that one certainly can use Pipers Grip (or Super EZ Grip as many affectionately refer to it on the whistle forum) for both low and high whistles, there are other considerations.
The breath requirements of any high or low whistle are very different. If you’re determined to play both high and low D whistles and nothing in between, I’d get at least one of each and learn them both. My personal opinion is that if you have never played whistles at all, and you self proclaim to have small hands, you may find playing low whistles very frustrating at first. I’d start with the high whistle until you have a solid comprehension of breath control, note fingerings, ornamentation and techniques, and have a few tunes under your belt, then I’d start working on the low whistle when you feel ready.
This is, of course, my personal opinion based on my personal experience. As always YMMV. But welcome to the forum and good luck.
ecohawk
hi ecohawk
I would not set myself up as any great shakes as a piper (c**p comes to mind) and my whistle playing is mediocre at best. My only real skill is in percussion, though my performance in Derry last Saturday would likely give the lie to that as well 
My advice to use pipers grip was because I see no reason to use more than one fingering style and pipers grip applies on whistle, pipes and flute.
David
Big Davy and Ecohawk,
I personally followed the progression mentioned by Ecohawk playing high whistles first and for some time before attempting low whistle. Big Davy mentions his own philosophy that playing whistle and sticking to just one fingering style (piper’s grip) seems to make more sense to him. While I can see his point, that might be problematic for someone with more stout fingers trying to play a soprano F or G whistle.
I think that there exists at least three variations of fingering styles and perhaps some others, when one considers that some folks adapt to using the smallest finger to reach bottom holes on some low whistle keys, etc. One only needs to look as far as the masterful Mary Bergin and note that she appears to use the very tips of her fingers to cover the tone holes while playing, not exactly the norm, but it sure works for Mary and all of us fortunate enough to listen to her wonderful musical talent.
I guess what I am saying, is there is definitely more than one way to skin the proverbial cat, and to play a whistle as well. What works well for one whistler, may not work at all for another. It’s all about the music in the end, and if you find a method / technique that works well for you that is outside the box, who cares?
Slainte,
Cayden
And you’ve got a decent high D, right? (And from your previous threads I conclude that you’re even fancying some high end whistles…) So if you mean it, why don’t you just concentrate on this instrument before opening (the next) Pandora’s box? 
That really makes the most sense to me.
I played a high whistle for about a month before I ordered my low. I think I just wanted to see if I liked playing. I prefer the lower tones, and with my large-ish hands, covering the holes isn’t a physical challenge (though I still need lots more practice).