Wondered if anyone had tried the new Dixon tapered (conical) bore budget flutes out, and if anyone could offer some kind of mini-review/assessment of them?
My first flute was a 2pc Dixon, that was cylindrical bore back then: I wouldn’t buy another, though I don’t feel the kind of contempt for them that some players seem to have.
I’m asking cos someone posted this vid on another thread-
and I was blown away by the sound. Admittedly, I hear Calum Stewart is pretty good in general on the old flute but, I’m not sure even a fantastic player could sound like this if the flute wasn’t at least fairly decent?
I’m just thinking at £32, if it’s as good as the video makes it sound, the one-piece would be a good potential knock-around flute that I can just stick in a rucksack and not worry about anything happening to it: I love my current Copley delrin, but, cos of the price I’ve always got an eye on it when out and about.
I have this one piece Dixon you can see on that youtube clip. I’m quite a beginner on the flute (actually, it’s my first one), so maybe I’m not really qualified for writing a review. But I think for THAT little money it’s a deal. Of course, the sound is a bit quiet and weak, especially in the lower octave, which was to expect. Responsiveness could be better, also. But it still is quite playable (and I am learning with it) and IMHO absolutely okay for the drunken session at the bonfire, and stuff. You can produce something which really resembles the typical reedy Irish flute sound, even the bottom D is not that bad. But, that to be said, it really does look like nothing but a plastic tube with a few holes in it (which it actually is).
I demo’d the cheaper tapered bore on you mentioned in Hobgoblin (is there a store near you?). The store owner was fantastic and really friendly and very pleased just to hear us make a racket.
It’s not bad for the cost. I preferred the DX030 by far - particularly the tenor version. Then he showed me a blackwood Vignoles one and I was really blown away. I hadn’t heard of the seller, but that was one magnificent keyless low D, and sadly put polymer back in its place.
Then he showed me a £1,500 Siccama flute with a A=440Hz intonation and I lost the plot.
That’s right - although the shop price was 25% more expensive.
The cheaper Dixon model is great for its £32. I can think of worse ways to spend this. Like drinking it away in a single pub night. It’s clearly designed for a budget - low maintenance flute which can be stashed and thrown around.
I can’t think of anything terrible at all for its cost. I didn’t go for it since I found a baroque relic which cost less. Instead of playing out of the box, it crumbled out of the box. But that’s my preference for older vintage sweet sounding flutes (chromatic), rather than loud diatonics.
The cheaper tapered Dixon - ergonomics and handling was much lighter. Pipe like feel. Tone isn’t complex and can seem rather dull and muddied in the low octave. First octave is loud and plays very well. Draws some air from me! Maybe the chimney/embouchure isn’t something I personally like.
The DX030 material is really dense. It has a darker thicker sound and felt less breathy/sizzling on first play. If I played diatonic scale music, I’d be happy with this one. The cheaper Dixon - maybe to leave in the car glove box without worrying much.
You didn’t ask about the Vignoles, but this was really appealing. Shame about its price. There was only one in the shop - I don’t know if they are all made to the same standard, but this one made the DX030 wilt.
Tuning for all were acceptable btw. I’d recommend going down sometime to try it in Hobgoblin. The staff are very approachable and don’t have the attitude of a curmudgeon if you just go for curiosity.
but, I’m not sure even a fantastic player could sound like this if the flute wasn’t at least fairly decent?