does there exist a reasonably priced, decent sounding low d for under 100.00?
Well, all I can tell you is that I own a Dixon Low D ($50.00) and I’ve been happy enough with it. It’s a little quiet in the bottom register, but other than that, it seems to play well in tune, and has a nice tone.
That said, it’s hard to answer without knowing a little bit more about what you are looking for in a low D. What kind of tone do you like etc.
Richard
It has become customary for me at this point to recommend the Kerry Low D. I am very happy with my it. Aluminum body, black plastic head, $65. Good tone with the right amount of chiff, good volume and plays well over both octaves. Caveat: It’s the only Low D I’ve owned and I can’t compare it to Dixons, Susatos, Howards.
The Susato is another option in the $50-60 range.
I played a Susato and Dixon side-by-side for awhile a few weeks ago, and playing-wise they were quite similar. Both tend to crack or break into the upper octave if you try to get a little more volume out of the lowest notes, the hole sizes and reach are similar, and the wind requirements are similar.
The mouthpieces are different – the Susato is bigger top to bottom lip and a little smoother. The volume is similar, but the sound of the Susato is a little purer and the Dixon a little more chiffy.
Charlie
I play both a Kerry low D and a Dixon. (not to mention a Hoover, which I also like…)The Kerry is great for its rich bottom end, but takes a lot of effort to get higher than 1 1/2 octaves. The Dixon is softer in the bottom end, but soars into the 2nd octave effortlessly. And, it’s more flexible in tuning, since it has more play in the slide than the Kerry. I’ve found that I need both - the Kerry for the bottom end, and the Dixon for the range. Both are decent whistles. (as is the aforementioned Hoover…)
Cal
Hi Cramer,
I have played both the Kerry and the Dixon Low D’s.
The Kerry was my first Low D, and I wish it would have been the Dixon!
You really need to push the Kerry to get into the second octave, and soundwise it is not worth the great effort IMO.
The Dixon is very easy to play - a bit less volume, but a lot more encouraging as a first Low D.
If you are looking for a more powerful sound, go for the Overton.
Actually I have an overton and a chieftain, but would still like to get a Dixon for practice, song accompaniment and trying to play faster on the low D.
Jeroen
I have the Dixon Low D Duo, with flute head, and don’t feel the need for any other low D at present. I also have a piccolo head for the high D.
I have managed to get notes out of piccolo and flute heads, and hope with more practise to be able to get a purpose built flute - but this is a nice low cost option which gave me an entree into the flute world.
I got my first and only Low D, a Dixon tuneable, a few months ago and am happy with it. I have fairly small hands and can make the reach, it doesn’t take much air and sounds pretty.It would be nice if it had a bit more volume but actually for practice or playing solo it is just right.