I just began playing in June 2004 when I got a Sweetone D. I had no idea what I was getting myself into! This stuff is so addictive. Playing (or at least trying to) is so relaxing and enjoyable, even though I have much to learn. I now also own a Clarke’s Original D, a Walton’s D, and a Feadog D. It’s interesting to see how each sounds and responds differently.
After 2 unsuccessful attempts to make copper low D whistles, I have just ordered a tuneable Susato low D. Most of the reviews I read on the net were more favorable than I have seen here; I hope I did not make a mistake with this one. I’ve got short fingers, and I am concerned about the finger stretch. As a newbie to this forum, and a beginning whistle player, I look forward to learning from everybody!
Welcome, Chuck. Sounds like you’re getting a nice start on your whistle collection. Opinions are a dangerous thing to ask for here. Don’t say you haven’t been warned. :roll: I have played a Susato Low D and really didn’t have much of a problem with the stretch, using a piper’s grip. I have a fairly small hand – my niece (who owns the whistle) has longer fingers, yet she uses her little finger to close the bottom hole. Whatever works best for you is the way to go.
I went from soprano D’s (lots) to low D (Dixon & Silkstone), and now my favorite is a Dixon A. It gives the lower tones, but plays with a normal grip. …well, actually my favorite whistle is whichever one happens to be within reach … 
~Judy
Welcome DrChuck. You are off to a good start. I have a Susato Low D and I find it difficullt to achieve a consistent seal on the bell note (low D) even with the piper’s grip (using the pads instead of finger tips). My hands are on the small side–I wear small size gloves. I started on a Clarke original in C, and also have a Walton brass D which I do not play, an Elfsong C/D combo, a Susato high D, a Generation Bb, and a Hoover Low G Aluminum on the way.
It took me ten years to buy my second whistle, but once I found this forum, whistles started finding their way to me–funny how that works 
Enjoy,
Hi there Chuck, and welcome.
I’m a recent whistle convert myself, having purchased my first in January; a Jerry Freeman tweaked Sweetone. (Which began the whole thing!) And like you I just can’t get enough of playing the whistle. (Or buying them)
I now own in addition to the Sweetone, a Waltons Little Black, a Susato in D, two Generations (F and Eb) two Oaks (C and D; the D having been Whitecapped by Hoover; it’s soooo sweet! 
) a Hoover narrow bore in brass ( for using in hotel rooms ) two Burkes, both in D but one aluminum and one brass, a Busman in kingwood, which is a treasure, and my latest acquisition, a Humphrey wide bore in D. (The most amazing whistle of them all!!)
But I haven’t ventured into the low realm yet. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts after you’ve played the low D for a bit.
Keep us posted.
Rod