Hello. I'm thinking about getting a practice set this fall when I have the money, but I have a question first. It sort of developed after I got my first low whistle. I have pretty long fingers so the stretch isn't a problem. Unfortunately my fingers are also very thin and I often have a hard time covering some of the holes completely. How large on the holes on uilleann pipe chanters?
If you can cover the holes on a low whistle, then covering the ones on an uilleann pipe chanter should be comparatively easier. Eight year old kids can manage it, so you should be alright.
I guess that even the widest wide-bore D chanter has smaller and narrower spaced toneholes than the average low whistle. Lower pitched (flat) chanters have wider spacings of course, but the toneholes are still smallish (and smaller than on standard concert pitch wide bore D instruments).
Should be OK if you can play a whistle - toneholes on a narrow bore (flat) set are usually samller but if going for a lower pitch then stretch is wider
Some makers use smaller tone holes on their chanters so if still unsure get yourself along to a tional and try a few before you buy
