In my search and/or curiosity about low D whistles, I noticed that there are two brands that are not often mentioned in this forum, and I’d like to ask an opinion to members who had the opportunity to play them.(Hoping not to be “blasted” again for looking too often to new low whistles and never settling on just one brand.. 
)
One is the aluminum low D made by Domnahl Na Gruen, in Scotland. The other is the Merlin low D, polymer with aluminum mouthpiece, also made in Scotland. With the current favorable exchange rate of the dollar versus the British Pound, a new Merlin non tunable low D costs just $ 75.00 including shipping to the United States.
That is less than a Susato and less than a Dixon. A new low D from Domnahl Na Gruen currently costs $ 90.00 including shipping, also a very attractive price for a hand made all-aluminum low D.
It would be nice to have some reviews. Thanks.
I think the Domnahl Na Gruen was an introductory special price.
http://www.domnahlnagruen.com/
Other popular cheaper low D’s roundhere are the Dixon at £44
There is also one called SHearwater which is made in Northumbria:
http://www.shearwaterwhistles.webeden.co.uk/
Or you could make your own, yes, seriously.
I had some one inch diameter Aluminium TV antenna tubing and after an hour of metal bashing I had a tube that sounded a low D in tune. I just have to putt he holes in now and ream them into tune.
I am sure it wont be berilliant but even if I had bought the parts it would have cost £5, and that would have been enough maeterial to make two whistles.
Admittedly I do have quite good metalworking skills but there was not a lot to it and I am sure anyone could make one that worked to some extent.
See this article:
The Domnhal na gruen is very light, very easy reach, very cheap and a good whistle, IMHO, to start out on. I suppose the other side of those qualities are that it is quiet and lacks the presence of many low whistles, it has a simple cork fipple and the general finish is basic. Clogs easily with me - more than others. I would say that it would be a good whistle to give to somebody as a ‘come and try’ type instrument. I played mine for a few weeks but I can’t see me going back to it now, it will go to somebody else at some point. Obviously I have to keep it for a wee while longer or the ‘selling too soon police’ will have a go at me 
The maker is a nice guy BTW - he does make other whistles to order, perhaps of a different spec to this basic one!?
cheers
Stephen
I bought a Domnahl Na Gruen low D about twelve months ago, and cannot speak highly enough of it. Purchased at a very reasonable price with excellent pre and after sales service. Would thoroughly recommend !
Clive, does your Domnahl low D whistle have a cork fipple too ? Or is it based on different specs ?
I guess that a cork fipple will not last long, eventually ?
I have a Merlin…I bought it used for 30 or 40 dollars…I think it was forty. They were well over $100 Cdn at the time, I think around 120, plus shipping. This was my first low D; I also have a MacNeil now.
When I first bought it, I knew it was probably not the instrument I would end up with, it was a way to try a low whistle without taking too much of a risk. I wasn’t much impressed to begin with; I didn’t really like the fipple part (still don’t much)…it’s just cut off at an angle. I know some other makers do the same, but I prefer more of a shape to it. And I have always had a problem with the second octave E; I thought for a while it was flat, but now I’m thinking the F sharp is too sharp.
Anyway, after playing the MacNeil, which I like a lot, I was actually pleasantly surprised by the Merlin when I picked it up…the sound is different, but pleasant enough, and it plays pretty well. Still have some of the intonation problem, and still haven’t thought it through to start making modifications…I know I can move the notes around with breath, but it’s quite a jump to get the E and F in tune (according to a small pocket tuner).
Based on my intial impression of the MacNeil, I figured I would pass the Merlin on…now, I’m thinking maybe it has some possibilities and I’ll keep it. I find I get better the more whistles I try, so my whistles get better too, so I’m sure some of that is going on.
Geraddo,
Mine has a curved brass fipple. I am fairly sure that Domnahl would customise any style of fipple you chose. Incidentally, I am looking forward to trialling a High D Domnahl has just made, watch this space !
I’ve bought both Merlin and Domnanl Na Gruen low D’s. I like the flutelike tone and volume of the Merlin. The Domnahl Na Gruen was bought on impulse and has good intonation and pleasant tone although I find it rather quiet. It has a tendency to ‘split’ the octaves when playing upper register g, a, and b although this may be poor technique on my part as I’m not fully used to this whistle yet. The main problem with my Domnahl Na Gruen is that the ‘mouthpiece cover’ is not attached to the fipple allowing it to be moved, presenting relatively sharp edges.
Just got the Merlin and I am very pleased (see my topic: Very positive experience with a Merlin Low D).
I didn’t expect such a good whistle for the price. Lots of qualities and, perhaps, just a negative as already mentioned by a forum member: the second octave E seems a bit flat.
Regarding the Domnahl Na Gruen, I cannot comment because the whistle was delivered damaged: the mouthpiece cover, the fipple and the body were separated. I am returning it to Domnahl who very kindly, and with no added cost, is sending me an upgraded version with a thicker aluminum wall and a brass fipple instead of the cork one.