I (very) recently purchased a Dixon Low-D Duo. I’ve played around with whistles on and off for years, but this is my first low whistle. First, I’ve got to say that I love it. The low-d just seems to suit me better then the hi-d.
I do have a question though. In the reviews and notes from other folk, the Dixon Low-D is noted as being breathy, and being fairly loud. My Duo, on the other hand, has unbelievably low breath requirements, and is very quiet. Is this a characteristic of this particular model? Come next winter, I may want to do some outdoor playing at a ren-faire, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a louder whistle than this one in order to be heard over the background noise. (Note that when played with the flute head, it really “wakes up” and generates some volume.)
In the meantime, this is a great whistle for practice and playing with a small group of friends. I tend to be up late nights, and it’s quiet enough that I can practice without disturbing herself while she’s sleeping.
a) breath requirements are moderate - the term “breathiness” refers to the texture (“timbre”) of the tone…
b) It is somewhat weak in volume; especially in the low end. You can apply your technique to make it sound louder in the low end. This will alter the tone; and it takes some exercise to avoid the whistle to break into the next register. I have been able to produce a more powerful tone in thhe low end by trying to keep my mouth as ‘open’ as possible (inside the mouth cavity) and thinking that I want an as wide as possible air stream into the fipple…
Not easy to describe this… Anyway; it is possible to squeeze a little more out of it with some practise.
I love my Dixon Low D for it’s nice tone and easy playability. It think is a perfect first Low whistle!
I’m new in ‘town’ but wanted to reply to your post. I usually play an Overton low D, but I also kept the Dixon that I started on. It always surprises me when I pick up the Dixon how little egressive lung air is required in the low register. It’s difficult not to stray into the upper register once the diaphragm is used to a higher back pressure. I wonder if you notice a difference between fipple and flute head.
Ian
the term “breathiness” refers to the texture (“timbre”) of the tone… <<
Ack! I know this, yet managed to screw up anyway. Sorry 'bout that.
On mine, any air at all passed through it will generate a note. There is literally no way I can blow soft enough to keep it from sounding. As you said though, it means I really can’t put much volume into it without it jumping up an octave. Of course, that also means it’s the first whistle I’ve had where playing a third octave is not only possible, but almost reasonable.
I’ll agree that the Low-D Duo is a great first low whistle. I was able to jump right in and play it with little difficulty at all.
So will the standard Dixon tunable Low-D give me the volume I want when it comes time?
Anyway; it is possible to squeeze a little more out of it with some practise.