The main problem with dropped-D is the modifications necessary to chord positions. But, since you have to learn chords to play, anyway, you just treat these as new chords to learn and go on with it. Some keys are particularly unsuited to using the tuning, of course (E major is one -- all the positions require fretting that 6th string if it's played), while others are only slightly hampered (G works well for two of the three common chords, D for two, A for only one, etc.).

Mention was made of Edd Trickett, who uses the tuning exclusively now, he says. I noticed that Gordon Bok did his FSGW concert last Saturday using that tuning exclusively, as well, on both 12 and 6-strings. Didn't notice if he used it on the cellamba, though. Forgot to notice.

Bob Clayton