Chiff and Fipple Forums

I've just ordered a TD tunable aluminium in 'A' for my Xmas present, (from me to me).

Does anyone have any opinions about these tunable aluminium whistles, as this will be my first, & most expensive purchase to date.

I do have a TD Trad Brass in 'A' which I really like, but I'm thinking this aluminium bodied one will be more mellow, but with a strong sound - is my thinking correct?

I have both the D and C aluminum. Although people's preferences vary, I have always enjoyed the Dixon aluminum in D and C. They have a medium volume and are quite responsive. My only complaint for the C is its tendency to squeak easily unless you really warm it up in the winter. This is not the case with the D. Of the two, I like the D better. Sometimes, the head is a little loose from the factory. Just add a tiny sliver of clear tape on the tuning slide and you're all set. I think they are good looking whistles. Regarding the A, I did not care for it. I've heard people play them nicely, but somehow my playing caused it to squeak and chirp a lot, a whole lot more than my other whistles.

(Tried to post earlier but had internet problems.)

Thanks for your thoughts, sounds like it'll be an OK whistle, I had a little bit of trouble with my Trad A originally, but there's a knack to it - evidently.

I think you'll be just fine with the Dixon A. Maybe I should have stuck it out longer with the Dixon A but I had another alloy A that I liked better, that's all.

Just came this morning - I like it!

Quite a bit heavier & bulkier than my Trad A, with a slightly different tone, but seems to be a very nice whistle.

Glad you’re happy with the Dixon. I always find myself reaching for the trusted Dixons on many occasions.

Thanks, Tyler, I seem to be grabbing up my Dixons rather than my others too, lately, so I reckon they've been a good aquisition.

Re the ABS in 'A' - someone on another forum bought one a year ago, & she likes it too, so I've sent a message to Dixons to see if they have one lurking about in their warehouse.

I'm also wondering about their tunable aluminium 'C' whistle, possibly the Duo, anyone got thoughts about those?

fatmac wrote:I'm also wondering about their tunable aluminium 'C' whistle, possibly the Duo, anyone got thoughts about those?

The aluminum C is not my favorite Dixon, but it's a fine whistle. It shares the same head as the D and the tone body has the same diameter, so you can't push it as hard as the D. In my opinion, the D is excellent, A+. The C is good, B+.

Thanks for your thoughts there, Tyler.

I've decided to try the Tony Dixon Duo in C, I'm not one for 'loud', so I think it will likely suit me quite well.

My 'Duo' just came this morning, first impression is that the whistle has a nice tone, & a fairly easy second octave.

With the flute head on it, I'm finding it more breathy than my Dixon high 'D' ABS piccolo, Dixon ABS low 'D' flute, & my Thompson delrin low 'D' flute - but that may just be my inexperience with it, (& the fact that I'm still trying to find my flute embouchure).

I can't comment on the flute, but the C alloy tunable certainly sounds nice. It's on the quiet side, which I like. There are some people on YouTube doing a fine job on it. I get along with it a lot better than the Trad C for some reason.

Re the ABS in 'A' - someone on another forum bought one a year ago, & she likes it too, so I've sent a message to Dixons to see if they have one lurking about in their warehouse.

Just wondering if you've heard anything from the Dixons yet about the ABS Alto A whistle? I'd be interested to know if there are any available too.

I did get a reply from them, saying that they replaced it a few years ago & hadn't any left, unfortunately.