Second attempt at posting this... thinking of trying the flute. Wondering about a good beginners instrument, I've seen lots of praise for Casey Burns folk flute which is in my budget but what
others should I look at? I'll be buying online in the absence of a good local music shop.
Thanks,Paul
Its a tricky one, spending a lot when you're trying something out
I want something thats good enough to last if I stick with it but at the moment £300 is about all I can manage.
Paul
Seeing as your in the UK, you could get one of Tony Dixon's 3 piece polymer flutes for about £200. Fairly tough and good enough I think to start playing on but like me, you may want a decent wood flute after a while. I tried some of Martin Doyle's 2 piece flutes recently and thought they were lovely - about Euro 500+ which might be in your budget.
Thanks, looks interesting. I have sent him an email, be much happier if I can source a flute in the UK. What do people think of the Grey Larson book as a learning resource?
Paul
I was talking to a guy at the weekend was was looking to get rid of his de Keyser flute. He only has it just over a year, and he has hardly ever played it. The de Keyser is a good beginners flute. It doesn't take to long to get a good tone out of and is reasonable. I'll be talking to the guy again at the weekend and will find out what he's lookin for it.
You won't find a more comprehensive book than Grey's. Get it. I own two flutes by Casey Burns, and I have never played anything better. I got mine some time ago, so I can't vouch for his economy models, but given all the experience he has had since he made mine, I'm betting you're getting value for your dollar. One of mine has a brass-lined headjoint, which makes a substantial difference and plays more like a vintage eight-key flute, although Casey designed it to have much more volume and punch, which suits Irish trad best. It is pitch-perfect and even has a scultured groove in the body where the flute rests against the first finger of the left hand.
Phil Bleazey's (6 hole wooden) flutes are very good, and a lot cheaper if you buy them directly from him- he's based near Nottingham. They are based on Ruddall design, so are smaller- holed and quieter than some Pratten- style ones, but I find volume is perfectly adequate.
The main problem I find with them is that they are a bit flat- but I think that's my style of blowing- and they don't cross finger for F natural and B flat very well, which cuts out a few tunes.
Thanks for the advice, issues re volume have come up a few times with the Bleazey flutes. Being a big bloke with large hands
I'm inclined to think that a Pratten style might suit me better. I've ordered the Larsen book, might as well get started on whistle methinks, looks like the flute hunt going to take a while.
Cheers,Paul
People have spoken highly of the Tipple flutes as an inexpensive pvc starter, unpretentious but good value. You can find out if you can get a handle on the general technique and satisfaction without blowing hundreds of pounds to start.
On the other hand, if you don't get on with it, a good-quality wooden flute shouldn't depreciate much if you have to sell it on.
"Being a big bloke with large hands
I'm inclined to think that a Pratten style might suit me better"
One of the reasons that I got a Bleazey was that it was recommended for small hands - I couldn't manage the stretch that the polymer flutes (eg Dixons or Tipple) which are cylindrical needed. The hole placing on theses flutes are pretty much the same as a lo D whistle ... if you can get one of these (whistle) you can start learning the fingering and ornaments. The Larsen book covers both flutes and whistles.
The main problem with Larsens book is that it's huge and won't lie flat without several kilo weight on it! I usually end up photocopying the page that I'm working on.
If you are thinking about ordering from the States, there is a new maker on the chiffboard who is making some amazing flutes for a very good price, definately under your 300 quid. People on the flute board say they are up there with some of the top makers and since he is starting out (about a year now) his waiting list is shorter.
I took my Larsen book to Office Depot and had them convert the binding to Spiral bound. Only had to sacrfice a little bit of margin, it needs to be done carefully. Great book. Well worth the cost.
Gotta put in the standard plug for M & E. Indestructible polymer, good tone, most people think it's wood (in looks, volume, and tone) doubles as a nightstick. I love mine.
"The main problem with Larsens book is that it's huge and won't lie flat without several kilo weight on it! I usually end up photocopying the page that I'm working on."
Flute recs?
Flute recs?
Second attempt at posting this... thinking of trying the flute. Wondering about a good beginners instrument, I've seen lots of praise for Casey Burns folk flute which is in my budget but what
others should I look at? I'll be buying online in the absence of a good local music shop.
Thanks,Paul
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by murphydog
Re: Flute recs?
Grey Larson/Terry McGee make good ones, but you'll spend more.
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by O'Lehane
Re: Flute recs?
Its a tricky one, spending a lot when you're trying something out
I want something thats good enough to last if I stick with it but at the moment £300 is about all I can manage.
Paul
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by murphydog
Re: Flute recs?
you may get some good leads at the following web site:
http://irishflutestore.com/
The guy who runs it, Patrick "Doc" Jones, is sort of a flute broker. I sold a flute to him before. He's a decent guy and may have something for you...
Good luck!
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by Brendan
Re: Flute recs?
Seeing as your in the UK, you could get one of Tony Dixon's 3 piece polymer flutes for about £200. Fairly tough and good enough I think to start playing on but like me, you may want a decent wood flute after a while. I tried some of Martin Doyle's 2 piece flutes recently and thought they were lovely - about Euro 500+ which might be in your budget.
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by the wounded hussar
Re: Flute recs?
I'm keen to try a wood flute, something that will last me a while, maybe secondhand?
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by murphydog
Re: Flute recs?
I've just started trying to learn flute, and have a Bleazey
which I like. They'd be in your price range
<a href = "http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/bleazey/F/flutepage.html">;
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by spindizzy
Re: Flute recs?
Bother - try this
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/bleazey/F/flutepage.html
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by spindizzy
Re: Flute recs?
Thanks, looks interesting. I have sent him an email, be much happier if I can source a flute in the UK. What do people think of the Grey Larson book as a learning resource?
Paul
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by murphydog
Re: Flute recs?
I was talking to a guy at the weekend was was looking to get rid of his de Keyser flute. He only has it just over a year, and he has hardly ever played it. The de Keyser is a good beginners flute. It doesn't take to long to get a good tone out of and is reasonable. I'll be talking to the guy again at the weekend and will find out what he's lookin for it.
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by An Deargán
Re: Flute recs?
You won't find a more comprehensive book than Grey's. Get it. I own two flutes by Casey Burns, and I have never played anything better. I got mine some time ago, so I can't vouch for his economy models, but given all the experience he has had since he made mine, I'm betting you're getting value for your dollar. One of mine has a brass-lined headjoint, which makes a substantial difference and plays more like a vintage eight-key flute, although Casey designed it to have much more volume and punch, which suits Irish trad best. It is pitch-perfect and even has a scultured groove in the body where the flute rests against the first finger of the left hand.
# Posted on August 1st 2006 by Ailin
Re: Flute recs?
Phil Bleazey's (6 hole wooden) flutes are very good, and a lot cheaper if you buy them directly from him- he's based near Nottingham. They are based on Ruddall design, so are smaller- holed and quieter than some Pratten- style ones, but I find volume is perfectly adequate.
The main problem I find with them is that they are a bit flat- but I think that's my style of blowing- and they don't cross finger for F natural and B flat very well, which cuts out a few tunes.
# Posted on August 2nd 2006 by LastToFinish
Re: Flute recs?
I have 2 very nice flutes made by Dominic Allan (England). He asks 660 Euro for a keyless wooden flute.
# Posted on August 2nd 2006 by claudine
Re: Flute recs?
Thanks for the advice, issues re volume have come up a few times with the Bleazey flutes. Being a big bloke with large hands
I'm inclined to think that a Pratten style might suit me better. I've ordered the Larsen book, might as well get started on whistle methinks, looks like the flute hunt going to take a while.
Cheers,Paul
# Posted on August 2nd 2006 by murphydog
Re: Flute recs?
People have spoken highly of the Tipple flutes as an inexpensive pvc starter, unpretentious but good value. You can find out if you can get a handle on the general technique and satisfaction without blowing hundreds of pounds to start.
On the other hand, if you don't get on with it, a good-quality wooden flute shouldn't depreciate much if you have to sell it on.
# Posted on August 2nd 2006 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Flute recs?
"Being a big bloke with large hands
I'm inclined to think that a Pratten style might suit me better"
One of the reasons that I got a Bleazey was that it was recommended for small hands - I couldn't manage the stretch that the polymer flutes (eg Dixons or Tipple) which are cylindrical needed. The hole placing on theses flutes are pretty much the same as a lo D whistle ... if you can get one of these (whistle) you can start learning the fingering and ornaments. The Larsen book covers both flutes and whistles.
The main problem with Larsens book is that it's huge and won't lie flat without several kilo weight on it! I usually end up photocopying the page that I'm working on.
Chris
# Posted on August 2nd 2006 by spindizzy
Re: Flute recs?
If you are thinking about ordering from the States, there is a new maker on the chiffboard who is making some amazing flutes for a very good price, definately under your 300 quid. People on the flute board say they are up there with some of the top makers and since he is starting out (about a year now) his waiting list is shorter.
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=522
He can make you any kind of flute you want, R&R, R&C, Pratten style and has started getting into restoring antique flutes.
Glenn Watson is getting great reviews and is virtually undiscovered and is closer to you. Might be right on the 300 quid mark for a keyless.
http://www.watsonflutes.com
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=42087
# Posted on August 2nd 2006 by michael_coleman
Re: Flute recs?
I took my Larsen book to Office Depot and had them convert the binding to Spiral bound. Only had to sacrfice a little bit of margin, it needs to be done carefully. Great book. Well worth the cost.
# Posted on August 3rd 2006 by windybaer
Re: Flute recs?
Gotta put in the standard plug for M & E. Indestructible polymer, good tone, most people think it's wood (in looks, volume, and tone) doubles as a nightstick. I love mine.
# Posted on August 3rd 2006 by wormdiet
Re: Flute recs?
Had some feedback from the Irish Flute Store, hes expecting a Copley in my price range. Anybody care to comment, good or indifferent?
# Posted on August 3rd 2006 by murphydog
Re: Flute recs?
I have a Copley and am very pleased. It is an older one but the tone, tuning etc are all very good. You will be very pleased with your new flute.
# Posted on August 3rd 2006 by Cquick
Re: Flute recs?
The Copleys are nice.
# Posted on August 3rd 2006 by michael_coleman
Re: Flute recs?
Chris,
Take your Grey Larsen book to Staples and have them turn it int a spiral book. It is a lot more convenient.
Shaskeen
# Posted on August 8th 2006 by shaskeen
Re: Flute recs?
Whoops, meant to include this :
"The main problem with Larsens book is that it's huge and won't lie flat without several kilo weight on it! I usually end up photocopying the page that I'm working on."
Chris
# Posted on August 8th 2006 by shaskeen