Just had to share my excitement at getting 2 new babies, uh, whistles in the mail yesterday! One was the tweaked Clarke that Mack Hoover had for sale in the “Whoa to WHOA” sale, and the other was a Dixon nontunable D I’d order from the Whistle Shop. Both are absolutly wonderful–sweet-sounding and easy to play!
Yeah, yeah, I know they’re not O’Riordans or Burkes, but my budget is limited. Also, I’m one of the folks who likes the idea that you can get a good whistle cheap and it’s an everyman’s instrument anyhow! (I have mostly Clarkes and Gens with a few Susatos and a Walton). I highly recommend both whistles and not just for a beginner. Now, of course, I want to try all the Dixon whistles . . . perhaps a low one next :-7
I also got a Dixon nontunable D whistle yesterday.
Very nice whistle, very smooth to play, unique and very clear tone. Had some initial trouble with fipple clogging but that seems to be clearing up as I get used to the whistle.
Has a lovely, clear, haunting sound. Not my loudest whistle, but definitely is going to be one of my most played.
Also got a Susato VSB D. This is also a very nice whistle and a little louder than the Dixon. The octaves are nicely balanced and the top isn’t so shrill as on the original Susato D. The low end doesn’t quite have the punch of the original though.
I am also considering a Dixon low D whistle at some point.
The general reviews here for Dixons are very positive. I haven’t played many high-end whistles, but I’ve tried a Copeland and heard sound clips of several kinds. Yes, Copelands are fine instruments, but I don’t think I could be much more pleased than I am with this and the tweaked Clarke (as well as my couple of good Gens). But this cures any urge I would remotely have had to wait for 3 years and/or pay $400 for a Copeland, not that I was ready to do that anyhow. I don’t mean to offend anyone who has/wants a Copeland or other expensive whistle–if I had lots of $ I might buy one because they are beautiful and sound lovely.
We’d better be careful–if we praise Tony too much, he’ll go up on the price! I’ll probably be buying a Dixon Low D myself.
Of course, I’m not a professional or even close (beginning, headed toward intermediate is where I’d put myself), but I hear some of the pros do use inexpensive whistles. Apparently having an expensive one is not a prerequisite to playing well. I guess everyone has to find what’s right for them. Fortunately for me, this didn’t break my budget.
[ This Message was edited by: cj on 2002-04-12 15:45 ]
[ This Message was edited by: cj on 2002-04-12 15:45 ]
cj: I’ll jump on the Whistle Shop/Dixon D bandwagon ~ I found my package on the porch this afternoon, and just can’t put that whistle down! (Dixon tunable D) I love how it feels, looks and sounds ~ I love its nice, clear voice. I’d type a bit more, but I feel the need to play a tune…
Mary
I just got my Dixon High D Duo (with fipple & flute mouthpiece) from The Whistleshop today. Man do I love this thing. It’s a tunable D whistle and flute. I will be able to practice both the whistle and flute. It has a great tone. I may have to break down and get a low D duo. whoa!!!
Craig
(Is that a pennywhistle in yer pocket or are ya glad to see me?)
I’ll probably be buying a Dixon Low D myself.