I was just mulling about over at Big Whistle Music, and saw this, the Dixon Trad.
It’s not even listed over at Tony’s site yet. Anyone have any info on this one?
All I have is some speculation at this point. From what I can see in the picture, it doesn’t appear to have the ring common of the brass tuning slide The ABS head looks slightly larger in circumference than the other whistles, as well. A less sophisticated head could be the difference in price, if it’s just an ABS head with no brass ring inside for the side, instead just sliding along the body of the brass whistle.
It still looks like a bargain for the price, and I certainly trust Tony’s whistles. If I can find it through a US carrier, I’ll probably grab one. I had an unfortunate drop with my polymer recently that ended with a small chip by the windway.
Is that a Dixon polymer? How do you like it?
I’ve been thinking about getting one for a cheaper alternative to carrying my aluminium Dixon to campus with me, something I won’t have to worry about so much.
I asked Tony about the new whistle. Here’s his reply:
Yep,the trad is a new one made of thin wall brass. So new that I havnt even
had time to advertise it myself!
This is a back to basics whistle really, my distributor in Ireland has been
asking me to make one for a long time now.
The only dealer to have them at the moment is www.bigwhistlemusic.com and
they can send you one.
Or, if you prefer you can buy direct from me quoting - DXTRAD price £12.80
plus shipping.
The whistle shop should have them soon, as will The Harp and Dragon.
Regards,
Tony
Note: This link doesn’t work. Try this: http://www.bigwhistle.co.uk/index.asp
I wonder where The Harp and Dragon is? I have never heard of them.
I don’t have any experience. I was curious, too, and did a web search.
Best, John
Thanks, John. 
Well, if they’re available at The Whistle Shop within the next couple weeks I’ll certainly order one and post my impressions. And if not I may just break down and have one sent over the pond, though I’m awfully impatient. 
I just tried and bought this whistle. Tony Dixon is in town for the Willie week. I was never too keen on his other whistles, they were sort of OK but not quite there. This one plays lovely clean and pure (if that’s the term, he used it himself so I’ll go with it here). Not a bad word to say about it, not at first glance anyway. A bit loud maybe but not in an unbalanced way, high notes on the contrary quite balanced with the rest of the volume. Quite pleased with it.
Just received my Dixon Trad. I agree with Peter, its a fantastic whistle. A bright, rich sound. On the loud-ish side but equally loud through 2 octaves. Nicely in tune with a good stong bottom D and really responsive although perhaps not quite as responsive as a Generation.
The tube is slightly wider than a Generation which means the whistle body is shorter - but with the addition of some tape to the top of a Generation tube you can add the Dixon head. The combination is really pleasing giving a “Generationy” sound but easier to control. Although since the Gen tube is longer its impossible to get it into concert pitch - have to get the hacksaw out.
I think this is as near perfect you can get a whistle for £15 or for that matter any other price
Would either of you say that it’s loud enough for session play?
I haven’t tried it at one but I’m fairly sure the volume is more than adequate for the purpose
Pssst…word on the street has it that one these new whistles may just be at the NE Whistle Gathering on July 29th.
Keep this between you and me. Don’t want no stampede.
Queen mum’s the word.
Mike
I got one today from Tony and am delighted with it. It’s nice and light and have had to go look for the 3rd Octave fingerings as mine went up cleanly to 3rd G! Nice and easy to blow and as my friend said. Easy enough to pop down your sock when out of the house. Not a harsh brassy sound either.
selkie
Great, now I have another whistle for consideration for my next one, just when I though I had it figured out.
I just ordered one direct from Tony Dixon. I’ve never ordered anything before online that comes from outside the states. Looking foward to getting it. I’ll share my thoughts.