First off - I love my Dixon trad. It’s tone is what I consider ideal, but it’s a little on the quiet side for the big session I attend (10-14 people…2 of which play accordion).
I have a susato…and I think it’s still too loud for the session.
What’s between the dixon trad and the susato in volume, with a tone like the dixon trad, and coming in at $75 or less (the most I personally feel like spending since I play flute 90% of the time).
Eric
A Gen or Feadóg actually fits your bill. The Feadóg in particular is fairly aggressive, and cuts through pretty well. And remember that even if you have trouble hearing yourself, others can still hear your whistle quite well. If there’s another whistler in your session, step away from the table while they’re playing, and you’ll see (or, rather, hear).
My other suggestion is the newest incarnation of Jerry Freeman’s Mellow Dog whistle, using Blackbird technology. This is a very robust and smooth playing whistle that reminds me a lot of a Burke in sound and volume, but with a bit more trad chiff. If you like the Dixon Trad, I can almost guarantee that you’ll really like the Mellow Dog. And it’s well within your price range. I gave mine a good workout at a larg-ish session of ~10 players, and it got a big thumbs up all around.
I agree with what was said about the Mellow Dog. Mine works well in the session, and the C in the D/C set is my favorite whistle I own.
But, what’s this about a new incarnation using Blackbird technology? If the Mellow Dog is being made differently now, I need to get one and compare!
I’ll have to check out the new blackbirdized mellowdog…would that be a mellow bird dog?
Thanks,
Eric
I think we were tossing about “Black Dog” for fun when MT brought Jerry’s new offerings to try out.
I have no idea what he is really calling it though.
You get a lot of reward in playing it and without too much extra work.
I quite enjoyed it.
The Blackbird was built on what I learned from developing the Mellow Dog. Then, based on discoveries made developing the Blackbird, I was able to return to the Mellow Dog and incorporate a little of what I had learned. The Mellow Dog identity hasn’t changed, but I believe there’s a subtle refinement, especially in the upper register.
The major technical difference between the two is that the Blackbird is a standard bore whistle; the Mellow Dog is a wide bore whistle. That translates to distinct differences in the sound and playing characteristics of the two whistles, but there is a relationship between them, if that makes sense.
Best wishes,
Jerry
Jerry - that does make sense. Check you PMs… 
Thanks,
Eric
Jerry - I sent you an email…I think…to your address from your profile but haven’t heard back so I may have messed it up. I can’t figure out how to order a mellow dog directly from you. Could you PM or post information?
Thanks,
Eric
Sorry for the delay responding. I’m in the middle of moving house, and things are topsy turvy. I’ll get to the messages later today. (Yes, you can order directly from me. Details this afternoon.)
Thanks!
Best wishes,
Jerry
That’s OK Jerry…I just wanted to make sure the message had gone through. In th past, I’ve waited for weeks only to later find out I sent it to the wrong address.
I hope you move goes as smoothly (as smoothly as any move can!).
Eric
The Mellow Dog has been ordered…now I have to act mature and wait patiently. 
Eric