Made by Tony Dixon Music in the UK, the Dixon DX005 stands out among the high D whistles on the market for its full plastic construction and some interesting features. In this review, we’ll see how it performs and what makes it different from its sibling, the Dixon Trad.
Design & build
| Model: | Dixon DX005 |
|---|---|
| Key: | D (high/soprano) |
| Material: | ABS plastic |
| Mouthpiece: | ABS plastic |
| Windway type: | Curved-flat |
| Length: | 290mm (11.42″) |
| Weight: | 30g (1.06oz) |
| Bore diameter: | 12mm (~ 0.47″ or 15/32″) |
| Tuneable: | Yes |
The Dixon DX005 is Tony Dixon’s flagship all-plastic model, featuring a sleek brass and nickel tuning slide that connects the head and body, painted in black matte color. This gives the whistle a refined, premium appearance.
The mouthpiece design is slightly unconventional, just like on the Trad model. It uses a so-called “flat-curved” windway — one side is flat while the other is rounded, with a relatively large opening.
The bore diameter is standard for a narrow-bore high D whistle. However, because of the slightly thicker plastic walls, the instrument feels a touch bulkier in the hands. In terms of weight, though, it stays in line with most high D whistles — very light and comfortable to hold.
The DX005 is essentially an upgraded version of Dixon’s DX001 model, which is basically the same whistle, just without the tuning slide, so it’s not tunable.
Dixon DX005 – Sound samples and demonstration
The video below features samples from both octaves, starting with slower melodic phrases and then moving into faster tunes to show how the Dixon DX005 D responds in different playing contexts.
As you can hear in the recording, the DX005 has a bright and focused tone that stays nicely balanced across both octaves — whether you’re playing slower phrases or picking up the pace. Ornamentation also comes through well, with a sweet and crisp sound.
Like many plastic whistles, the tone remains quite uniform throughout. While there’s definitely a bit of air in the sound, it lacks the resonant tonal variations you often get with metal-bodied whistles. Some players might find it a bit “plain” or recorder-like in character, but that really comes down to personal preference.
Intonation is solid, and interestingly, the upper octave requires a slight reduction in breath pressure to ensure the correct pitch of a note. The C natural is well in tune using the standard “OXX OOO” fingering.
How it handles from a player’s perspective
One thing you don’t hear in the sound sample (but immediately notice when playing) is just how air-efficient the DX005 is. Even though it’s an easy-blower, you can go quite a while without needing to take a new breath. That’s not only handy for players who prefer air-efficient whistles, but it can also be an excellent “solution” for those dealing with breathing-related health issues.
However, the upper octave still does require a bit more finesse. To get a good tone, you’ll often need to pull back slightly on the breath pressure. It won’t break if overblown, but it will start to sound airy and harsh — a clear shift in tone that experienced players will immediately notice.
Ornamentation is easy to execute and feels crisp and responsive. However, the DX005 is definitely on the quieter side volume-wise. It’s somewhat softer than the average high D whistle, which makes it less suited for sessions, but a good option for personal practice.
Overall, Tony Dixon has done a great job tailoring both the DX005 and Trad models to the needs of real players. The two models behave differently, both in terms of playability and tone, giving players two distinct options to choose from depending on their preferences.
Your thoughts?
Have any questions or impressions about the Dixon DX005? Feel free to drop a comment under the video on YouTube. We check in regularly and are always happy to chat, answer questions, or hear your experience with the whistle!
Dixon DX005 whistle comparisons
Below are a few quick sound comparisons between the Dixon DX005 and other tin whistles. Each clip is recorded using the same microphone and settings to give a fair impression of tone and character, with raw, unprocessed sound.
More comparisons coming soon…
Please note: due to YouTube’s automatic audio normalization, real volume differences between whistles are effectively removed. That’s actually helpful in this case — since louder sounds are often perceived as better to the human ear on a subconscious level, this allows you to focus more objectively on tone, texture, and response.
Where to buy this whistle
If you’re interested in picking up this whistle, here are a few trusted places where you can find it. Prices typically range around $50-$60, depending on the shop and region. At the time of writing, the Dixon DX005 whistle is only available in the key of D.
- Amazon
- BigWhistle (UK, ships worldwide)
- Tony Dixon Music (UK, ships worldwide)
- Hobgoblin (UK, ships worldwide)
- McNeela Music (Ireland, ships worldwide)
