Hi everyone,
I have liked the haunting sound of the Low D whistle for a long time and have decided to buy one and learn to play, I have read that it is easier to start with the High D first but i want to go straight in with the Low one.Is this a good idea ?.Also which of the following would be a good starting whistle,
Howard Low D
Dixon Low D
Kerry Low D
Alba Low D
i know its down to various factors but some general advice would be appreciated.I have listened to several soundclips of them and my personnel favourite is the Howard (and not just because it is made in my home town) 
I’d recommend getting at least one or two inexpensive High D whistles at the same time. Cheap enough (2-3 pounds each) that it won’t add much to your cost - and at first, a high D is a lot less work to deal with.
By all means, play your Low D, but it’s nice to have something small and portable (and easier to play) as backup.
I have both Howard and Dixon Low D whistles - of the two, the Howard will be a bit more work to start with, but is (IMHO) by far the more satisfying to play. It needs more breath support, and absolutely requires piper’s grip, but has both more dynamic range and a more interesting timbre.
The Dixon is not a bad whistle; certainly easier to play (needs less breath support, smaller holes, shorter reach), but it’s a very quiet whistle, and it doesn’t respond as well to fast play.
I’d advise trying them out first, if you can. And expect that you’ll want to buy a few more whistles after the bug bites harder.
…or another option would be to split the difference so to speak, and get a low G. You’ll get some of the low, somewhat flute-like sound of the D and be able to work on the pipers grip as well. The low G Dixon is pretty nice.
Either way I think DCrom gives wise advice on at least getting a high d into the bargain. -maybe a Generation d and a Bb as well, quite inexpensive.
mike
I would also recommend the Dixon G tunable.
Mike
regarding what pitch, you can’t say low G or low D are better. in a good brand, you will love both either one.
unlike some of the others above, i would highly encourage you to learn initially on the high D, and to learn new tunes on the high D unless they are very slow tunes. (i am assuming you are talking about playing irish trad- if not, disregard my advice)
there are many tunes that you will be able to play at speed on a soprano whistle well before you will be able to on a low D or even a low G. the standard ornaments will also initially sound better on the high instrument.
i am not sayng not to buy or play the low D. i think you should, and play it as much as you want. i just think your progress will be faster if you learn tunes initially on the higher instrument.
meir
Macoco, I own a Dixon Low D and can vouch for their ease of play. I chose the Dixon based on recommendations from here. Dale reviewed it as one of the best beginner Low D’s available, and other’s have commented on the boards favorably about his whistles.
As for the High D, I would also encourage you to pick up, even if it’s just a cheapie. I’ve found that it’s much easier and convenient to learn a tune on High D than it is on Low. In fact, Dixon makes a moderately priced High D that seems to get good reviews, so you might want to look into that also.
Those are all fine whistles so to make it easy I am voteing for the home town brand-Howard low D. And not just because I have one it is a good whistle. Your next whistle? We will see that bridge down the road.
I started learning the whistle just before Christmas…bought a low D and nearly gave the whole idea up…moved on the low D and got hold of some decent high Ds and have now become a dedicated fan of the high D..I learnt a lot and then decided to go back to some lower whistles…F…G..but recently acquired a Dixon ALUMINIUM low D…the latest Dixon low D. It is not a loud whistle, has really to be played from the ‘belly’ to get the best sound. I have never tried the plastic type version…but I do know that after a couple of weeks I played an air this evening and though I say it myself was absolutely gob smacked with the tone I was able to produce…almost sat and wept! out of melancholy I hasten to add. The tone was superb across the octaves…both octaves are mellow, the low E and D are, as some other low Ds , a bit quiet but overall good and one can sail into the upper octave with more of a focus than with an increase in breath , if that makes sense. I am now a confirmed Low D fan as well. I have had no trouble playing jigs, reesl etc. I lke it and the price is quite modest. Les
wow Dixon has an alluminum low D–interesting news. I have a Dixon alluminum (high) d and I like it alot so now I’m tempted to get this one.
I think piperdoc is right in the ease of playing a high d as opposed to a low D or G but maybe this goes without saying. I guess that’s why I suggested getting a low G before a low D; because of the relative ease of playing the higher tuned whistles.
By the way Les, or anyone else who may know, where can you get the Dixon aluminum low D in the U.S.? —or maybe they aren’t available here yet–?/
mike