when to use low D

[ofloyd]

From the recording I have heard thus far, it seems that the higher keyed whistles are used for soloing. When do you find it best to use your low D's? Are they used more for slower songs? Perhaps ballads? Maybe background music? Thanks.

[johnnyboi]

In my limited experience, I would say the opposite :p
Though yes, the low whistles do suit themselves to slow tunes more than high whistles i think

[Wanderer]

I use my low D when the other whistler guy is using his high D...that way we're less likely to run into the warbles when one of us is just a little off

[jemtheflute]

Wanderer's point is a good one. They are great for song accompaniment, to be sure - though you'll probably need other keys too to allow for singer's tessituras and where guitarists fit capos etc. Also for slow paced reels (Try Dunmore Lasses slow on low whistle, for example) and I particularly like doing some of the big piping jigs on my low D - e.g. Humours of Ballyloughlin, An Phis Phliuch, The Monaghan.

[Daleth]

I love my low whistle for slow airs and waltzes. Mostly for slow airs if I want to show one off at a session, and yes, often also for accompanying songs (although it depends on the song). I don't normally use it in the local session since there's a usually a flautist there, and I can't be heard over a flute like I can with a high D whistle. If there's no flautist, though, and another whistler, I'll usually pick up my low D so our two whistles aren't clashing.

[pancelticpiper]

I use my low D as my standard session instrument. I might play my high D on one or two tunes, but it often just stays in the case.
So, low D for everything possible on a D instrument, for those pesky odd tunes I use a low E, a mezzo G, a mezzo A, and a high C.