Hello, I have a quick question in regards to a beginner’s flute. I was considering buying a 3 piece Dixon polymer flute but was discouraged by my instructor since she felt it was too light to hold to the lips. Has anyone else noticed the weight to be a problem?
Thanks
Mark
I’d bet a large sum of money that your instructor is thinking of the cheaper PVC flutes (like the Dixon one piece or two piece) instead of the 3 piece Dixon machined from Delrin. The 3 piece weighs more than a wood unkeyed flute. I’m not saying it’s heavy, but it does not feel like you are playing a toy. In fact, it would be useful in a bar fight! 
You might have guessed I have one. I love it. JessieK on this board has highly recommended them, and I can’t recall who it was that had Patrick Olwell play theirs which led them to state they’d never sell it because they’ve heard how good they can sound when played by a great player. I guess what I’m trying to say is that they’re nice, real, conical flutes well worth the money. I bet your teacher would be surprised if she played one. Ask her if she has played an M & E or a Seery - the 3 piece Dixon is on par with those for weight and tone (in my opinion).
Your instructor obviously has never seen a Dixon polymer 3 piece. It is a quality beginner flute. You can take it with you and forget it in the car during the summer or winter and it will stand up to that. It will also stand up to a child think that they have found the “Force” or that they are Zorro and beginning attacking his friends. You will not be sorry about getting one of these.
Delrin weight at least as much as blackwood.
I’m sure your teacher was talking about the PVC pipe flutes.
Some of the Sweetheart’s are made from very light wood, and are very thin as well.
Good luck on your search.
Actually, this is one reason I switched to my Delrin Seery flute. Originally I had a Ralph Sweet in walnut but had difficulty with it because it was just too light. I tried a Seery and really like the heft of it, so I bought one of those and now rarely play the Sweet.
I’ve never played a Dixon polymer flute but I assume the weight is similar.
Eddie
I have a Dixon PVC, a Dixon 3-piece, and recently acquired an old German 8-key. The PVC is very light. The German and 3-piece weight ratio are similar though they do balance differently in my hands. I think because of the keys the 3-piece is a little lighter than the German. The Dixon 3-piece feels lovely in the hands. If Dixon made a car, I would drive it.
Cheers,
Aaron
Aaron - I agree with you about Dixon. I think he is undervalued as a flute maker. Would you want one of his tropical hardwood cars or one out of Delrin? 
Eric
Indeed, I think Delrin is heavier than blackwood.
There is no problem at all with the 3 piece
Dixon.
I have three flutes that I play regularly, a Seery delrin pratten model, the three-piece Dixon, and a Blackwood Ormiston. The Ormiston and Dixon are close in weight, but the Seery is considerably heftier. I like the Seery best partly because it is heavier and more stable to hold.
I think that the Dixon three piece polymer is probably hefty enough to brain a Sasquatch (see todays whistleboard topics)!
While a Dixon may seem heavy enough when dealing with Sasquatch, I’ve heard that a keyed M&E is much, much better 
Why do you think Doc Jones really ordered that keyed M&E R&R? And why do you think he really decided to sell it? I personally have not seen any Sasquatches in Southern Idaho since Doc made his purchase. 'Nuff said, some might say too much said… 
Eric (state to state astral traveler)
Long live the crystal people!
Hey Jayhawk,You crack me up! 
Whereas the hardwood car gives much better performance the Delrin gets better mileage with less maintenance. I’d have to go with the Delrin car (provided it comes with a/c). Plus due to it’s keylessness you can whack all the Sasquatch you want and have no worries about repairs.
Cheers,
Aaron