Reddit reviews GR23054 Dixon Alloy Low D Whistle

If I started over, my first whistle would be the Dixon DX001 because it is so sensitive, lovely sounding, easy to play, and smooth even up into the 3rd and 4th octaves. It is noticeably faster and more focused even to a novice.

My 2nd instrument would be the MK Pro Low D whistle. It is truly a lovely instrument and capable of very focused tone but also very chiffy and woodsy tones if preferred. My only negative is that the aluminum causes a lot of condensation build up, even on the mouth piece and even without playing. I am constantly having to dry the airway so I don't have condensation running down my chin.

The Dixon Low D tunable in metal is one I play far more than the MK but it doesn't sound quite as nice. It's got a less focused, softer, tone. However the plastic mouthpiece and fipple don't have any condensation issues and so it's much more comfortable to play, especially when it's cold.

Other whistles I've enjoyed are the Shaw High D with wood fipple. It has a very pleasant, chiffy sound but the construction is a little crude. The Clarke SDBC is almost as good as the Shaw but more refined in construction.

The Generation and Feadog whistles with the plastic fipple over a brass tube are the cheapest, most toy like whistles I own, but even they are very playable. I dislike the hard edges of the tone holes on my fingers though. It makes ornaments with finger slides less enjoyable.

All whistles are going to require VERY little breath. You could almost play it without your lips touching.

I have had my eye on the Chieftain Thunderbirds for awhile but have not had a chance to play one yet. I've heard they are much louder than average, and this can make them very good for busking and playing with others. The one challenge with any whistle is that it's difficult to control dynamics. You can only blow so hard in the low register before it jumps to a higher register, so it can be difficult to play with enough volume.