I only started playing the whistle a couple of years, but am a converted flutist…not Irish flute, just your traditional orchestral model. I have a few Ds and a C/D set but find that I miss the lower tones. I love the sound of the low D whistles, but my finger span just will not reach. I have researched various “grips”, but I think it is just inevitable that the low D is “out of my reach”. I have been considering a different key, but am unsure of what would be the most “practical” (for lack of a better word) to start with. Any suggestions?
Personally, I would say F.
low G is pretty reachable. I have pretty small hands and using the pipers grip I can get to the low D holes. Take a look at the video on Phil Hardy’s site. gives a good explanation of how to actually hold thing. And Phil’s hands aren’t very big either. Don’t give up yet 
If just a little lower would satisfy you, I find my Bb the most useful for playing along with various recordings, next to my D. The Bb reduces that shrill edge on the upper register notes.
I use piper’s grip on my Bb. I have fairly large hands but the reach to the lowest tone hole hurts my right hand if it’s too far. I gave up a low D whistle whose sound I loved for this reason.
Or you could just buy an Irish flute…
Jennie
Meadhbh,
If you want to play Low D whistle, then you would probably be best with a Copeland Low D or a Shaw Low D. They are both conical whistles, and have probably the easiest reach of any Low D whistle, because they are conical (tapered), instead of cylindrical (straight bored), which will give you closer holes for fingering.
On the other hand, a conical bore Irish keyless Low D flute would be just about the same, depending on maker, for easy reach. But, they will be more costly, usually, except for the Copeland. Casey Burns now charges $295 for his Folk Flute, still a lot less than the Copeland Low D at about $495!
So, you do have options. There are some makers of cylindrical Low D whistles that have small hand versions also, like Colin Goldie’s Overton, and others.
Yes, the higher keys like F, G and A (A would be most useful for D tunes) will be more finger friendly, if you can live with the key.
The flute is a different feel in terms of reach, because the fingers can curve. I don’t find my flute a problem, though I’ve tried some that would have been too hard to play because of the reach. Though if it’s whistle you want, the sound is entirely different.
I didn’t know about small hands low whistles! Whoa! Sounds dangerous!
Jennie
Thank you so far with all of your wonderful suggestions and comments. I do have an Irish flute but had favored the whistle more because of a past injury to my left hand that mended with a crooked ring finger…which in turn creates a burning/numbing feeling after playing (my flute and/or Irish flute) for lengthy periods. The whistle has given me the enjoyment of playing without the pain.
If you want to save some money, you could consider a low whistle from Daniel Bingamon. He makes some specifically for smaller hands. I’ve never seen or heard one myself, but it might be something worth looking into.
http://www.tinwhistles.us/whis-brass.htm
He has others on the site as well, including his $28 low D, but I don’t know what the spacing is like on that one.
Jason
I’m a big fan of Low F’s.
I agree that both Shaws and Copelands Low D’s seem to be a bit easier to cover for the small-handed.
Hi Meadhbh, No one has sugested a Susato keyed low-d. SO here I go:
The Susato low whistles can also have a key fitted for the lowest finger on both left and right hands. This is often the only way to go for those who cannot develop the grip through physiology or injury. It makes slides a bit tricky but not imposible.
Just a thought.