Dixon vs Syn (Bb-C-D whistles set)

[RPereira]

Hellos to all whistlers!

This is my first post!

First of all I want to thanks to Mr. Dale by the creation of this amazing forum! And I also want to say thanks to all the people who maintain this forum! And finally thanks to all the people who share their helpful opinions, news and knowledge to all the whistlers of the world!

Let me introduce my self:

My name is Ricardo Pereira and I came from Portugal (Oporto).
I played Recorder Soprano C since I was a little boy and 10 years ago I went to a Yamaha Alto F Recorder. After following in love with the Celtic music I acquire an Aulos Tenor C Recorder and follow in love with the beautiful sound of the Whistles! My whistling experience was borne in 2006 and started with my Dixon Low D tuneable whistle.

Below my whistles (my only whistles know-how):

Shearwater Low C Tuneable
Dixon Low D Tuneable (old style)
Chieftain V3 Alto F Tuneable

Waiting for:
Dixon Low C Tuneable
Dixon Low Eb Tuneable

Thinking in acquire:

Mezzo Soprano in G Tuneable (Probably a Merlin Excalibur or a Chieftain NR)
Mezzo Soprano in A Tuneable (Probably a Merlin Black Knight)

Below my whistle sound preferences:

For the Low Whistles: mellow/sweet/fatter/woody/fluty/deep/darker sounds;

For the High Whistles: bright/clear/songbird/focused without the intrinsic shrill/creak that we can find in the traditional/cheap whistles. Nevertheless, I also like the mellow/sweet/woody/fluty for high whistles (also without the shrill/creak found in traditional/cheap whistles).

So, my question is:
Regarding the whistles set of Bb, D and C, and regarding my sound preferences, which is the better choice, a DIXON or a SYN whistles set?

I recently acquire a beautiful Bb-D-C whistles set from Mr. Earl (SYN Whistles) and I’m testing them. However I’m undecided if I stay with them or not…Regarding my sound preferences, what do you think? Dixon or Syn?

Waiting for some wise replies accept my kind regards!

Thank you all in advanced!

RPereira

[elwalti]

I actually have the full set of Syn whistles, and enjoy them quite a lot. I find them to have a bright, clear, sound with an easy reach up into the second octave, but I wouldn't classify them as mellow. I can't really say that I've noticed they have a true trad sound, but it's not something I've really thought about, either. The only issue I have with them is in the lower keys (A, Bb, and B) are not quite as stable as the C, C#, D, E, and Eb. However, I knew that when I purchased them, and can adapt to get the sound out fairly easily.

I probably should say that my other whistles include a Busman D, a Harper D, and a Feadog D. I think each has its place, and I know that the Syns fill a place in my playing. I've never played a Dixon, but have heard good things about them. I don't know as you can really go wrong either way.

[Mick Down Under]

My own eperience is with the Black Diamond in d and a Dixon in A. Keeping the key of each aside and based on what you are saying you won't be dis-pleased with either as the SYN is a bright, clear, crystal sound (the BD is more of a Trad sound) and the Dixon is a mellow, woody, warm sound. If you have a Syn set, by all means go for a Dixon too.


Mick

[Adrian]

I have had both Syns and Dixons. From what you have said about the tone you like I think the Dixon polymer whistles will suit you much more than the brighter sounding Syns.

[RPereira]

Anyone can give me more opinions?

[RPereira]

Please...

[Tommy]

Please...

Sir, I believe it should come to you to try both at the same time. I have had A Syn D/C set and a soprano Dixon, and enjoy both. The Syn to me sounds very close to a Sindt whistle. My Dixon that I tweaked plays very clear.
Over several years I have tried many whistles, and have not found that ''magic whistle''. Of course I do lean to the ones I make. However I do not know at this time what I would or could say if I had the opertuinty to take a blindfold
test of several different whistles.

[RPereira]

Thank you for all your replies.

I’ll stay with the Syn Whistles…and…

…and…

…WhOA!!

I ordered a full set!!

Just want to say that Mr. Erle is a very kind person.
He’s a great person to talk and deal! Five Stars!!

I asked him if he could make modal whistles, and guess what! He will make me that full set as MODAL (8 holed whistles with thumb and pinkie)!! I’m very thrilled to see and play them!

Cheers to all whistlers!

[PhilO]

I have a D/C/Bflat Syn set that Erle sent me which is really nice; I also have a Black Diamond C which I love and may at some point seek its sister D. I have a polymer Dixon D with the brass tuning slide that is also really fine. That probably didn't help much, but it is what it is.

Philo

[Monty]

I also have a D/C/Bb Syn set which I like, but often it depends on the mood I'm in as to what make of whistle I like to play at the time i.e. I agree with the response below, that a variety of different whistle makes adds to the joy.

[caedmon]

Do not think that you have to limit yourself to just one whistle in each key. As previous posters pointed out, different High D's will sound different. Get a set of Feadogs, Generations, etc. Having a wide selection of whistles will allow you to have a wide selection of sound to choose from. Depending on the whistles, collecting many of them is not really an expensive proposition. A full set of Generations in brass will set you back a whole $38 before shipping.