Instruments
Over the years we have developed a range of whistles and flutes allowing for different price levels and for different tastes and musical tones.
One way of visualising the range of instruments is like this:
- duo-head flute/whistles
- metal-body
- polymer-body
- tuneable whistles and flutes
- metal-body
- polymer-body
- one-piece polymer whistles and flutes
- three-piece flutes
Duo-Head Flute/Whistles
Overnight inspiration gave Tony the idea that became the ‘Duo-Head’. With a clever adaptation of the neck, the head of the instrument could be made interchangeable. One minute a flute - then a twist - and you have a whistle. So, if you're a whistle-player and fancy moving on to the flute; or you're flautistry fancies developing to a whistle, this is the instrument package for you.
From low D up to high D are available with all the intermediate keys available - tenor, alto and soprano. The aim is to provide well made and tuned instruments, well voiced, and at realistic prices to encourage students of all ages and abilities. Robust polymer construction ensures minimal maintenance and easy cleaning, while giving a loud and bright tone in the higher keys, the lower keys being rich and full sounding.
Serious instruments offering ease of maintenance and playability.
Tuneable Whistles and Flutes
Tunable polymer whistles with an internal telescopic tuning slide. Available in Soprano D and C. Designed for their sleek appearance and positive tuning, this new addition to the range is based upon the existing whistle head with a tuning slide similar to that found on many wooden concert flutes.
Internal thin walled brass tubing slides telescopically and can be fully separated to allow head changes or cleaning.
A range of budget priced instruments from soprano 'D' piccolos and whistles to the tenor 'D' low whistles and flutes - and available in all intermediate keys.
One-Piece Polymer Whistles and Flutes
The traditional one-piece whistle or flute in polymer throughout for the flute and polymer body with an ABS head for the flute.
Three-piece Flutes
These are turned from solid polymer material which produces tonal qualities directly comparable to those of their wooden counterparts - the only real difference being that they don't grow on trees.
Being only a few grammes heavier helps the solid tone they produce. They are virtually maintenance free and they won't crack through swelling or contraction.
What is Polymer?
After considerable research, Tony Dixon has developed what is believed to be a unique design for his flutes, piccolos and whistles. Looking for a material which would be economical, low-maintenance and suitable for beginners and professionals alike, Tony has developed the ideal instrument.
Resisting the effects of moisture, both from the atmosphere and from the breath, these polymer instruments are tolerant of both temperature changes and knocks in transit. The musical tone is rich and golden - in fact professionals are using these flutes, piccolos and whistles just for the warm notes they produce.
Easy to play, practically maintenance free and a pleasure to hold. Just some of the comments from very happy musicians. They make an ideal first instrument for the novice and a perfect complement to the range of instruments for the professional musician.
Polymer? ABS? Aluminium? Brass?
The different materials are come from a blend of practical reasons and musical tonal reasons. The polymer material provides a warm tone, aluminium and brass produce brighter tones.
The flute heads are polymer and the whistle heads are ABS (another type of polymer) because each material is better suited to the mouth action involved.
ABS is harder and more suited to a mouthpiece whereas polymer provides a better shape and feel to accommodate the embouchure (the shape of the lips when blowing across the mouth hole).
