Looking for opinions on WD Sweet's new Shannon flute

[cunparis]

This is a relatively new flute that does not yet have any sound samples (searched everywhere on the net). I'm considering purchasing this for my first flute. There was some talk about it a year ago but then that thread died down. I'm curious if anyone has one and what they think about it. It is comparable in price to the Dixon 3 piece tapered bore and based on my research, it seems Sweet's Shannon has potential to be better value for the money.

Here is a link for the Shannon page: http://www.wdsweetflutes.com/shannon.php

Mr. Sweet has told me the Shannon is very similar to the Sligo (a more expensive model made of wood). He said it plays the same. So or this reason I'm thinking it'd be a good deal for a first flute.

If you've heard one or seen one, or have an opinion on the Sligo, please let me know.

Thanks

[sfwhistle]

I received my Shannon flute today and it's a beauty. It's very responsive, plays in tune, and has a beautiful full sound. I have small hands and can play the flute without using the EZ grip (hope I got that right). However, it is more comfortable to use the EZ grip with my right hand.

While I didn't weigh the flute, it is substantial. Heavier than an older Dixon model I have.

I haven't played the Dixon you mentioned, but I can wholeheartedly recommend the Shannon. And Walt Sweet is a pleasure to do business with.

[MTGuru]

the EZ grip (hope I got that right).

[cunparis]

I received my Shannon flute today and it's a beauty. It's very responsive, plays in tune, and has a beautiful full sound. I have small hands and can play the flute without using the EZ grip (hope I got that right). However, it is more comfortable to use the EZ grip with my right hand.

While I didn't weigh the flute, it is substantial. Heavier than an older Dixon model I have.

I haven't played the Dixon you mentioned, but I can wholeheartedly recommend the Shannon. And Walt Sweet is a pleasure to do business with.

Thanks for the report. You're the first person who has one that I've found.

What do you think would be the difference between the Shannon and some of the more expensive flute makers that have delrin flutes for $100-$200 more (for example a Copley)?

Thanks and if you can post a sound sample of the Shannon I'd love to hear it.

[waltsweet]

Thank you, everyone.
I weighed the Shannon at 315g. Sorry I won't have sound clips for a while.
Walt

[dunnp]

Does the Onyx head fit the Shannon?

[waltsweet]

Bad response and bad tuning will result. I explored this possiblity years ago, about having swapable heads; for best results, they're two separate instruments with two separate bores. I know I've done this on HiDs, but they, too, might be better if separated. The low Ds can be tricky, but the results will be disappointing. I haven't fully evaluated the competitions' duo-head instruments, but for me, I want to offer the best flute and the best whistle, and this is the best I've come up with so far.

[Ronk]

While I understand that the Shannon and the Onyx are different breeds they do come from the same stable and my experience as a relative newbie low whistler with the Onyx has been outstanding. I am able to cross finger / half hole every note making it esentially a chromatic instrument. It plays easy and as best as I can tell is in excellant tune. If the Shannon performs like that based on the maker's skill it should be a winner.

[maki]

Thats a mighty attractive price for a conical bore derlin flute.

[sfwhistle]

Now that I've had a few days to play my new Shannon flute, I like it even more than when I first replied to this post.

I would like to clarify my referring to the flute as "substantial". I meant that in a positive way. It feels good in my hands and when I lift it up to play, the flute just settles into the playing position. With lighter flutes I've had the feeling that any movement of my arms or hands would affect the position of the flute. This instrument doesn't move unless you want it to.

I've not played a Copley or an Olwell flute, so I can't compare. However, my Boehm flute is a Powell, so I do know a good flute when I play one.

If I can figure out how to record a sound sample I will. I'm technologically challenged, but I'll try.