Tony DixonGR21056 Soprano Irish Whistle in D

This piccolo was delivered just an hour ago so here are my first impressions of it. A very well made instrument, but you would expect that from Tony Dixon. As a previous reviewer said the hole spacing is exactly the same as the polymer D whistle but this instrument is about an inch longer the extra length before the blow-hole (I don't Know the correct term). When I first put it up to my lips it took just a minute or two to get a pleasing tone with all the holes covered and then around ten more to play a really simple tune but only in the first octave, the second octave is going to take a bit of practice. This is my first try at a side-blown instrument so it would be foolish to expect to play it without a bit of practice time. Overall I am very glad I decided to try this instrument and feel that given time I will be able to play it but it will take some hard work. If like me you have been playing the whistle for a while and fancy trying a side-blown instrument then I would certainly recommend one of these as it is an affordable way to dip your toe in the water but be prepared to put in the practice.

A very cheap way of experimenting with side-blown instruments. I bought this to see if I could learn to play before spending money on a really nice instrument. It's cheap and can be played in tune - there's no tuning adjustment but I'll upgrade before I inflict my piccolo playing on other musicians!. Black plastic with a slightly roughen feel so it is easy to hold with fake ivory rings at each end.I've managed to get the first octave and a half under control and it gets easier each day. I find the tone a bit rough but that's maybe more me than the instrument. The hole spacing is exactly the same as the Dixon D whistle.

It was a cheap item, but my flute/tinwhistle teacher could barely get a note out of it. Maybe I would recommend a toy.