I have a Shaw Low D which is a conical bore, and a Chieftan tunable Low D. Two entirely different creatures, both with a lovely sound. I believe the Shaw has a much more haunting tone to it, but it is also very hard to finger, even with my big paws. It also requires a great deal of air, but it is very dependable through the octaves. If THE FAIR ONE (she whom I pursue relentlessly over the cyber hills and dales) were not such a wee lass, she would love playing this thing. A wonderful sound.

The Chieftain is tunable, and it has a bigger sound, but not nearly as haunting. It requires much less air to play, and the stretch isn't as bad, but the holes are large. Even using the pipe fingering that my friend Barbara talks of, one must pay strict attention to the covering of the holes.

The Shaw cost me $78.00 US. The Chieftain cost me $127.00 US. Both are available through Elderly. They stock them. I have also played the Susato Low D, which is available for around $45.00 US from Elderly. It plays surprisingly well, and unlike many Susato D's, it is completely reliable through the octaves.

All the best,

Big Mick