I’ve decided to venture into the world of crooked whistles, and ordered a Dixon polymer tenor D flute due to affordability and the fact that it has six holes and none of that fancy shmancy shiny metal bits on the body. I follow the K.I.S.S theory whenever I can. Now, would anyone like to give me their thoughts or opinions on this as a beginner crooked whistling weapon?
I admit I should have asked this BEFORE actually placing the order, but I’m kind of impulsive sometimes. However, in this case it was just an oversight, as I have been thinking about getting a Dixon flute for sometime. I went for the tunable two piece even though I really wanted the tapered three piece. I just couldn’t spring for that amount as the Pound is almost twice the value of the Aus$.
As a foot note I already have a Dixon polymer A whistle and I like it alot.
I know a thing or two about Crooked flute playing, but unfortunately nothing about the Dixon. I predict you’ll like it, though ---- it being a flute, and all.
Most of the people on this forum suffer from FAD (flute acquisition disorder), so don’t expect the Dixon flute to be your last purchase. There is a fellow named McGee in your neck of the woods. I’m sure that he would be willing to give you some free advice and set you up with a very nice flute at some point in your fluting career.
I’m not sure if you’ve got the cylindrical Dixon flute - if you have it’s a different beast than the conicals you’ll gravitate to shortly so I humbly suggest moving on
I ‘begun’ on a 3 piece conical Dixon which I really enjoyed and still think is great value (now it’s a camping flute and security device)
Do you go to any sessions in Brisbane? Plenty of good fluters there and it will open your mind if you are able to hear/play other flutes and have your particular flute played by someone else (or if you’re in Melbourne talk to me)
Thanks for the thoughts from you all. I don’t know what a tipple is…Yet.
I’m sure I will like the flute though.
I did have a listen to a few youtube flautists and I can’t believe just how many people who can’t play, promote themselves on the internet like that…I would at least try and get a tune down reasonably well before putting myself and it on public display.
I’ve already suffered from WhoA, so why not add another condition like FAD.
‘Not bad’ is all I need for now.
I can’t find any sessions in Brisbane…Well I couldn’t the last time I tried anyway. I think Brissy is devoid of any sort of cultural experiences whatsoever.The flute I’ve ordered appears to be of the straight body variety and not of a conical shape…I don’t know what the internal bore shape is at all.
I will look into this bloke ‘McGee’. You’ve piqued my curiosity.
Mick, just to second some of the above - the Dixon cylindrical poly tube things are poor - there are plenty of old threads on them and related issues and a Tipple would indeed have been a much better investment. Nonetheless, it will get you started. Welcome to the lateral world (nowt “crooked” about it, mind!) - enjoy traversing it!
A “Tipple” is a Doug Tipple flute; he’s replied to one of your posts above, but maybe he’s too shy to recommend his own flute?
i don’t have one yet, i tried to buy one off this board, but the guy stopped replying to my pms so i don’t know if he decided to keep it or sell it to someone else…
Jem, if it turns out I’m unhappy with the dixon or I outgrow it, I figure my kids will make good use of it and it maybe it’ll be something for them to learn on later. It’ll be alright in the long run.
Doug, Terry may be the best maker around, but he’s well and ruly priced out of my range…If I was a pro flautist maybe, maybe for my kids, if they take to music and learn to play. I do like the look of your range…Wished I had have known about you earlier…Down the track some time perhaps.
Tucson, Thank you for directing me to Doug’s site. I would not have known to look otherwise. It’s added to my favourites list for further looking.
Don’t personally like Dixon. Do like Burns, Copley, Tipple and Forbes for a variety of different reasons. If you’re looking for a conical flute, then Mike Copley (seven to ten weeks waiting list), Casey Burns (don’t know about his wait time) or Rob Forbes (four month waiting list) would be great choices; however, there are many other excellent choices out there; these are just my favorites beceause I’ve played all of them, own some of them, or will very soon own them. Good luck and hang in there!!
I picked up a dixon abs flute at NTIF on a whim this last weekend.
I can play it much easier than all of the crap renaissance festival bamboo flutes I’ve bought over the years.
But I find the 2nd octave very sharp. I don’t know if that’s me or the flute, because I’m a total rank beginner.
I figure I’ll play around with it for a while, and if I get comfortable enough keeping a stead embouchure to play it with the band, I’ll get me a Tipple
thanks Denny! I remember reading that before, but for some reason I thought the ABS flute wouldn’t have a stopper. But I got brave, grabbed the end cap and twisted, and lo and behold, there was some cork I was able to adjust it to bring the octaves closer together in tune for me, though I couldn’t get it exact. But I’m still sure a lot of that has to do with me.
You guys must’ve given that advice a million times, so I appreciate the repetition for my benefit.
I was able to adjust it to bring the octaves closer together in tune for me, though I couldn’t get it exact. But I’m still sure a lot of that has to do with me.
just keep it to the easy questions