Has anyone played (owned) the Dixon one piece model that costs about $32? I have one and although I am new to Flute (being a whistle player), I am worried that mine is a little Flat when compared to my Chieftain Low D, Susato Low D, and any high D. BUT, I also realize that it may be because I am just developing my embouchure. It seems I read somewhere where some builders make Flutes a bit flat since most players in the Irish tradition tend to over blow a bit.
Any suggestions, or should I send it back and get the tunable version? Thanks!
Trad, before you call it truly flat, you may want to check it out with a tuner, as opposed to other instruments. I found when I did that with my whistles, I was overblowing them sharp all the time.
Check your embouchure. I’ve heard of flute players playing flat due to embouchure. If your close enough to the hole, you’ll shorten the air column and make it sharper.
The flute might be flat. However, the flute and the whistle have some very distinctive differences. The one that comes to mind in regards to tuning is that embouchure and position greatly affect the tone and how “in tune” the flute is.
If this is your first flute playing experience, or you’re relatively new to the flute, I wouldn’t be too quick to send the instrument back.
Tony Dixon, please forgive me, but I don’t like playing the plastic flutes he makes. He’s a wonderful guy, and I love his whistles, but I cannot deal with his duo flute or his one-piece plastic flute. If you want a decent inexpensive flute, I’d really recommend the 3-piece polymer. It’s much more friendly and sounds a whole lot better.
Happy Tooting 
Frank