My New (Hand-Me-Down) Dixon

Irish Flute
1

Hi Y’all,
Just got my Hand-me-down Dixon poly flute from “Doc Jones”. Thanks Doc!
I was surprized that it is almost exactly the same size as my 1830ish english “mystery flute”. The holes are pretty close, the head joint is longer on the dixon, as the old flute is tuned to A=460, I usually pull it out about 1/4" to tune it. This leads me to believe that the original he copyed must have looked a lot like my flute.
It is almost the same volume, not as rich sounding as the boxwood, but it won’t CRACK…(No more fear of hearing that loud crack!) :slight_smile: Jon

2

Glad you’re liking it Jon. I found it to be a dandy flute.

Assuming you don’t run over it, you can hand it down to your grandkids in the same condition as it is today. Gotta love that polymer!

Doc

3

Have any of you done direct comparisons between the Dixon polymer flute and the M & E Rudall model? I’m thinking about picking up a polymer flute because of the durability factor, but would like to get the best polymer instrument (at the best price) I can find. Is the M & E Rudall model definately better than the Dixon?

4

Hi,
Sorry I can’t compare the Dixon to the M&E.
But off the top I would say that the Dixon does not have a tuning slide, but you could pull out the socket a little if need be. The holes are probably quite a bit bigger on the M&E. I also have small hands, so I don’t mind the smaller holes, The flute still has a honk to it.
I was considering the M&E, but my funds were to tight. I really like the Dixon, I don’t have to break it in, I can play away anyday!
You might look in the ARCIVES,(famous line) I think there was a comparison a while back on the two flutes… Jon

5

The opinion expressed seems to have
been that the M@E may be somewhat
better, but not enough to justify
the difference in price. I’ve played
the old M&E only, and like it less
well than the Dixon.

The absence of a tuning slide
on the Dixon is no problem–the
cork tenon functions fine as one.
Part of the beauty of the Dixon
is its simplicity.

6

I sold John the Dixon to raise funds.
I have a keyed M&E Rudall Rose on the way. Should be here in a week or so. I’ll post a review when it arrives.

Doc

7

Pleased you like your Dixon,Jon.I’m afraid that I’ve rather neglected mine lately,due to a couple of Overton whistles being added to my ‘instrument family’.However,hearing Jack Coen’s playing lately encouraged me to have a little toot the other day- I still think that the Dixon is a fine instrument!

8

Well Kevin,
Another nice thing about the Dixon is that it won’t dry out if you don’t use it!
I guess this can be counter productive…:slight_smile: