Dixon Bb Opinions

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Jayhawk
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Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by Jayhawk »

I am contemplating a Dixon Bb, but am not sure if I should get the Bb trad or the all polymer tunable model.

Thoughts? I don't want a heavy bodied whistle as I need it to warm up fast for the few tunes I use it on while playing gigs.

Louder is a positive, as is flutier tone.

Thanks,

Eric
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Chifmunk
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by Chifmunk »

I have both the Trad and the polymer Dixons in Bb. They are both delightful and have beautiful round tone. The brass has that metal-like hollow tone and a little more whistley 'chiff'. The polymer IMHO has a stronger but more velvet tone- a tiny bit closer to the sound of a recorder. The polymer seems to hit the notes more clearly right away, while the brass might have a bit more flexibility before it lands square on the note.
Both are so much fun to play and I feel are greatly in tune up and down. But...If I had to keep only one, it would be the polymer one, because I love the softer rich 'old' sound when I play Early music and medieval etc. However if i played only Irish tunes then probably i'd pick the Trad! :D
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Jayhawk
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by Jayhawk »

Very helpful...I play the whistles solely as backing for Irish songs so opted for the all polymer model. I have a fine Bb Generation for Irish tunes.

Thank you!
Last edited by Jayhawk on Mon Nov 20, 2017 5:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
Hooleh
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by Hooleh »

I have the brass Bb and the mouthpiece comes right off so you can use it as sort of a tunable whistle. At least that's the case with my whistle.
Otherwise Chifmunk said it all.
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Tell us something.: I am playing whistles since 3 years ago but still at a beginner level. I especially like the tone produced by whistles of key of Bb.

Re: Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by puipui »

Jayhawk wrote:Very helpful...I play the whistles solely as backing for Irish songs so opted for the all polymer model. I have a fine Bb Generation for Irish tunes.
You also have a nice Susato s-bore Kildare Bb.
I am curious about why you transfer your affections to Dixons.
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by Jayhawk »

I have a susato Oriole Bb, but I find it more temperamental than the Gen and the Gen a tad louder.

The Susato has simply fallen out of favor, and since no one wants to sell me their Bb water weasel...I thought I would try a Dixon Bb.
puipui
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Tell us something.: I am playing whistles since 3 years ago but still at a beginner level. I especially like the tone produced by whistles of key of Bb.

Re: Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by puipui »

Jayhawk wrote: since no one wants to sell me their Bb water weasel...I thought I would try a Dixon Bb.
I saw Bb water weasel listed in the Irish flute store web page, although their price is too high for me.
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Jayhawk
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by Jayhawk »

I think it's gone now, bit it was a combo and I would never use the other key.
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Jayhawk
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by Jayhawk »

Ok...received a Dixon all polymer Bb, and it is simply wonderful. Strong bell note, louder than a Generation Bb or a Susato Oriel... it's exactly what I wanted.
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Chifmunk
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Tell us something.: Hi, I play 5-string banjo, mountain dulcimer, bones, and am now a beginner pennywhistler. I have some Dixon, Freeman, and Susato whistles. This is obviously the most extensive forum for information in whistle learning- thanks!
I also run a banjo/mando/fiddle shirt site at https://harmonias.com/
and a mountain dulcimer social site at: fotmd.com
Location: Germantown, NY

Re: Dixon Bb Opinions

Post by Chifmunk »

I'm so glad you love it! It's one of my three most favorite whistles to reach for... so velvety smooth and rich. :D
Having FUN playin' my whistles!
http://pennywhistleclub.com/
...a new social network just for whistlers
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