I’ve just bought one. Been playing a small D for several years and fancied giving the family a rest from the shrill sound of me practising. I have big hands but was a bit disconcerted with the size. Any advice about getting used to it. How long does it take?
The mellow sounds of a Low D are very much easier on everyone’s ears than a High D. I found that out early on! And no two ways about it! It took me probably two or three months before the piper’s grip felt like “home.” But I didn’t have many years of neural patterning on a High D, like you do. After years of now playing Low whistles, I can barely make my fingers work on a Leetle one!! (Is that my wife, praising the lord in the background?)
Your motivations will make the time fly. Enjoy.
thanks, I should be probably reassured by that although i will try to keep my hand in with both sizes. All my finger joints are aching after a couple of hours with the low D. I should give it a rest till tomorrow
Or, you could push through the pain…develop tendinitis…become totally discouraged…and end up playing the snare drum. The family’ll like that.
Your finger joints shouldn’t be hurting. Are you using what is called “piper’s grip” ? (don’t bend the fingers to use the ends, use the parts of the fingers that naturally cover the holes with fingers more or less straight, only curved just enough to seal the holes). I played pipes before whistles so I’ve never used anything but piper’s grip, regardless of the size of the whistle. Makes it easier too if you’re like me and have a bit of arthritis.
im using a burke low d pro viper, and it took me no time at all to get used to it. you will get used to it soon.
Hey, Whistle Collector…glad to see you’re a Whistle PLAYER!!!