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
Dixon Bb Opinions
- 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!
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions
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!
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!
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions
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!
Thank you!
Last edited by Jayhawk on Mon Nov 20, 2017 5:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions
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.
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
You also have a nice Susato s-bore Kildare Bb.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.
I am curious about why you transfer your affections to Dixons.
- Jayhawk
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions
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.
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.
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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
I saw Bb water weasel listed in the Irish flute store web page, although their price is too high for me.Jayhawk wrote: since no one wants to sell me their Bb water weasel...I thought I would try a Dixon Bb.
- Jayhawk
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions
I think it's gone now, bit it was a combo and I would never use the other key.
- Jayhawk
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Re: Dixon Bb Opinions
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.
- 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
I'm so glad you love it! It's one of my three most favorite whistles to reach for... so velvety smooth and rich.
Having FUN playin' my whistles!
http://pennywhistleclub.com/
...a new social network just for whistlers
http://pennywhistleclub.com/
...a new social network just for whistlers