Dixons and volume

Redwolf · Post by **Redwolf** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 9:54 am

First let me say that I have done a search here already and haven't quite found what I'm looking for, so if my question has already been dealt with in another thread, please feel free to point me in the right direction.

I am in need of a whistle with a bit more volume to play with our Morris troupe, as they will be getting their bells soon. I'd like to get something that is a bit louder (or "carrying") than my O Briain "improved", but not so loud that it sends even my mostly deaf dog into shudders when I practice. Basically, I'm looking for a happy medium between my Susato Dublin and my quieter whistles (Elfsong and O Briain "improved"). Is a Dixon what I'm looking for?

I should also mention that I'm not looking for something "high-end" at this time. I already have whistles that I love for their enchanting tones and playability, and this close to Christmas, I can't justify buying another whistle based on that alone. With bells in my future, however, I can certainly justify buying something with that in mind, especially if it scores higher on the playability "index" than my Susato (which Dixons appear to, from the searches I've done here)...and the price of the Dixons makes them very attractive. What do you think...is this a worthwhile investment, or should I keep looking?

Redwolf

Zubivka · Post by **Zubivka** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:10 am

Wouldn't a Sindt do the trick ? I don't own one in D but my A/Bb seems close to what you describe. And pricewise as well as for looks it's somewhere in-between the to-be-tweaked "penny" whistles and the fancy de-luxes.
Weren't there a couple of them in D for sale here recently ?

<font size=-1>I just read my last sentence. The more I write in English, the worse my syntax gets

</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Zubivka on 2002-12-30 11:14 ]</font>

Redwolf · Post by **Redwolf** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:14 am

A Sindt is a bit more than I can afford right now, I'm afraid. One of the big attractions of the Dixon is the price...and even then, only if it's what I'm looking for, y'know?

Redwolf

Zubivka · Post by **Zubivka** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:29 am

I don't know the Dixon; I remember members, though, quoting them as quieter than Susatos while not rating them quiet for that matter.

But, since money is an issue (and when isn't it ?) why don't you just "mute" a bit your Susato, with tack or something similar to narrow the blade and/or windway ?

claudine · Post by **claudine** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:39 am

I once met a very charming french whistler

He had a Susato and I had my tunable Dixon. We tried each other's whistles and agreed that the Dixon is definitely better than the Susato. Easier to blow, nicer sound, not so loud, not so shrill. The Dixon is a very good whistle for the money, it's actually my favourite session whistle. I can play this whistle in public, even in the high register, and nobody ever threw rotten tomatoes at me. So I would say it's a very safe whistle.

deanehawkins · Post by **deanehawkins** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:41 am

Well, FWIW - (I assume we're talking about soprano Ds) I don't have any of the three whistles you're using as search parameters.

Neither my old ears nor my wife's not-so-old ears can tell any significant difference between either a tunable or a non-tunable Dixon and a Burke BPS or AlPro. They are noticably louder than a Susato VSB or a Walton LBW.

I think the Dixons are good value for money.

tin-horn

Ridseard · Post by **Ridseard** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:42 am

Susato VSB

claudine · Post by **claudine** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:46 am

On 2002-12-30 11:42, Ridseard wrote:
Susato VSB

= Very Slightly Boring?

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:47 am

I have a nontunable Dixon D which is a very nice whistle.

Ironically, it is nearly identical in tone, volume, and ease of play with my Sustato VSB D.

The main difference (besides the fact the Susato I have is tunable) is that the Dixon clogs a little more often than the Susato.

Best,

--James
http://www.flutesite.com

Bretton · Post by **Bretton** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 10:50 am

I would think the Dixon would come closest to what you're looking for. The easy playing and sweet sounding higher notes do mean that the lower notes don't have quite as much volume as you might need (still at least as loud as a cheaper whistle though), but it should be a good comprimise.

-Brett

tkelly · Post by **tkelly** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 11:03 am

I also think the Dixon would do the trick. I think they may vary, volumewise, though. I've seen people here say their Dixons are very quiet. The Dixons I've played are definitely louder than my O'Briain and definitely quieter than the one Susato I've tried.

I'd go with the tuneable, since you're playing with other people.

Let us know what happens!

Tery

JessieK · Post by **JessieK** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 11:17 am

I second (or third?) the vote for the Susato VSB.

curioso · Post by **curioso** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 2:54 pm

I can't compare to the Susato, but as for my Dixon tunable High D, it's the only whistle I have that I use the words "IT SINGS!" to describe the sound...

selkie · Post by **selkie** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 5:20 pm

I have been told my Dixon soprano D is too loud once or twice especially on a perfect high C.

blackhawk · Post by **blackhawk** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 8:13 pm

The Dixon would probably be what you're looking for, Redwolf. I live near you...you could play mine if you want, to see if it's what you're looking for. Let me know.