I have a Dixon tuneable high D whistle and anyone that owns a Dixon knows that the part where your bottom lip goes on the mouthpiece is a seperate piece. Mine leaks after playing it for about 10 minutes, no matter how often I swab it out…it gets to the point that I have to stop playing just to wipe the moisture off my lip. (Sorry if this grosses anyone out) If I press gently on that back piece I can see where the leak is. The thing is, I’m afraid to mess with it too much for fear of breaking the fipple or blade. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is this normal in Dixons or did I get a weird one???
Thanks!
Hi!
I hae no idea whether that is common to the dixon or not. I have a low D non-tunable and haven’t had any trouble, but maybe I just don’t play it enough. I recommend that you email Tony Dixon himself and ask him about it. He might be able to give you advice on what to do, or even fix it himself. Usually makers are more than willing to help. It’s worth a shot.
A.J.
If the whistle plays well I wouldn’t think there’s anything to fix.
Some whistles make me drool when playing more than others.
Remember that the whistle doesn’t produce moisture, only the player does.
–James
My high D Dixon doesn’t leak, but I know what you’re describing. Another one of my whistles does, but only when I’m blowing hard to clear the windway. It seems to be a problem with a poor seal with the piece that hits the lower lip.
I emailed Tony Dixon with an unrelated question some time back and he got back to me quite quickly. Others here have mentioned getting replacement whistles from him when there’s a problem. Seems like a good guy who stands behind his whistles.
One thing you could try, and run this by Tony first, is a cyano type glue. You know, the kind that glues your fingers together no matter how careful you are. Super Glue is one brand.
Clean it good with iso alcohol and let it dry for a good while. Make sure the surfaces are aligned well. Apply just a small amount and it should wick along the crack. This fix should not affect the playability at all since a very small amount is used.
Thanks for all the advice everyone! I emailed Tony Dixon and he is sending a replacement! I never expected such service…I’m quite pleased!
Leaky Dixon sounds like a really mean spirited nickname someone got stuck with!
Rod