hi guys,
i currently play a Brendan McMahon flute (Ennis Flute maker). it was a gift a long time ago when i was a wee lad so i never had any input or did any research into who\what flute to get.
I am just wondering what is the opinion of McMahon flutes is?
Also, if a list of top flute makers was to be compiled who would be the chart toppers?
Hammy Hamilton seems to be discussed alot on the forum.
My first two flutes were both Brendan McMahons. Small holes broke up into the 2nd octave too easy, couldn't lean into it.
Great for a beginner though
Apparently Cotter flutes are very consistent and in tune.
The one I played was easy to fill and had a great tone round the low D ( what I look for ). They are based on a Rudall model I think. Excellent flutes. Good workmanship also.
They are reasonanly priced and not too long a wait I think.
I'd agree with unseen 22...and add Michael Grinter to the list...but he's a "northerner" so don't know if ya want him on the list!
In addition...these guys ALL have tremendous waiting lists as far as I know!
Seery's flutes are very nice...but they are made of Delrin and many's the purist who turns their nose up at that as a "real" flute material (including my teacher...who plays an American Flute made by Patrick Olwell) I happen to like Seery's flutes myself!
Lots of factors go into finding a flute that's a good (or great) personal fit. Country of origin wouldn't be high on my list.
Bear in mind that most makers pattern their flutes after a particular model (in broad terms, Ruddall and Rose is one, Pratten another, Hawkes and Prowse are somewhat less common), and these have very different playing characteristics. So flutes can vary a lot in terms of embouchure cut, tone hole size and spacing, key placement and design, back pressure, outer diameter, and weight and balance, all of which influence whether a flute suits a particular person. So it's nigh impossible to say that one maker is better than another, or to find consensus on a ranking of the best flutes.
That said, Hamilton, Murray, and Cotter flutes are widely played and respected. So are Marcus Hernon and Martin Doyle flutes. Desi Seery also makes wooden flutes (not just Delrin ones). And Glenn Watson is getting good reviews (living in Galway).
But limiting your choice to flutes made in Ireland leaves out many other fine makers: Michael Grinter and Terry McGee (both in Australia), Tom Aebi (Switzerland), Chris Wilkes and George Ormiston (both UK), Maurice Reviol (New Zealand) and Patrick Olwell, Bryan Byrne, Peter Noy, John and Seth Gallagher, David Copley, Michael Copeland, Skip Healy, Casey Burns, Rod Cameron, and Paddy Ward (all USA), all of whose flutes are popular among players in Ireland and around the world.
Also, don't overlook older, used flutes by past makers: Dave Williams, Ruddall and Rose, Hawkes, Prowse, etc.
Eamonn Cotter made my flute for me and even played it in for me as I was unable to collect it from him for about 6 months after he'd made it. I just walked into Custy's in Ennis and asked how to contact a good flute maker and they gave me his number. Went to his house and played a few flutes, had a chat about what I wanted, agreed a price and that was that! It's a lovely flute (I think it's wasted on me!). I'd recommend Eamonn to anyone.
Yes, but a used Wilkes shows up for sale on ebay or Chiff and Fipple about once a year.
And many other fine makers have remarkably short waiting lists. David Copley's is about 6 weeks right now for a keyess flute. Some even have flutes already waiting--Paddy Ward had a couple of keyless blackwoods a while back.
There are several makers whose reputations haven't yet caught up to the fact that their flutes are absolutely top flight. Ward is one of these, and I've heard great reviews from excellent players of John Gallagher's flutes and Glenn Watson's as well.
Flute makers in Ireland
Flute makers in Ireland
hi guys,
i currently play a Brendan McMahon flute (Ennis Flute maker). it was a gift a long time ago when i was a wee lad so i never had any input or did any research into who\what flute to get.
I am just wondering what is the opinion of McMahon flutes is?
Also, if a list of top flute makers was to be compiled who would be the chart toppers?
Hammy Hamilton seems to be discussed alot on the forum.
all responses welcome.
# Posted on October 11th 2006 by misk06
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
Dessy seery is good.
# Posted on October 11th 2006 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
In Ireland I would say the top three Are Hammy Hamilton, Sam Murray, and Eammon Cotter.
# Posted on October 11th 2006 by Unseen122
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
Some say Glen Watson is an up and comer.
# Posted on October 11th 2006 by flutefry
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
My first two flutes were both Brendan McMahons. Small holes broke up into the 2nd octave too easy, couldn't lean into it.
Great for a beginner though
Apparently Cotter flutes are very consistent and in tune.
The one I played was easy to fill and had a great tone round the low D ( what I look for ). They are based on a Rudall model I think. Excellent flutes. Good workmanship also.
They are reasonanly priced and not too long a wait I think.
HTH
Pat
# Posted on October 12th 2006 by Pat Higgins
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
I'd agree with unseen 22...and add Michael Grinter to the list...but he's a "northerner" so don't know if ya want him on the list!
In addition...these guys ALL have tremendous waiting lists as far as I know!
Seery's flutes are very nice...but they are made of Delrin and many's the purist who turns their nose up at that as a "real" flute material (including my teacher...who plays an American Flute made by Patrick Olwell) I happen to like Seery's flutes myself!
# Posted on October 12th 2006 by yekdeli
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
Gotta redeem myself there...Grinter's an Aussie...I was misinformed.
# Posted on October 12th 2006 by yekdeli
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
Lots of factors go into finding a flute that's a good (or great) personal fit. Country of origin wouldn't be high on my list.
Bear in mind that most makers pattern their flutes after a particular model (in broad terms, Ruddall and Rose is one, Pratten another, Hawkes and Prowse are somewhat less common), and these have very different playing characteristics. So flutes can vary a lot in terms of embouchure cut, tone hole size and spacing, key placement and design, back pressure, outer diameter, and weight and balance, all of which influence whether a flute suits a particular person. So it's nigh impossible to say that one maker is better than another, or to find consensus on a ranking of the best flutes.
That said, Hamilton, Murray, and Cotter flutes are widely played and respected. So are Marcus Hernon and Martin Doyle flutes. Desi Seery also makes wooden flutes (not just Delrin ones). And Glenn Watson is getting good reviews (living in Galway).
But limiting your choice to flutes made in Ireland leaves out many other fine makers: Michael Grinter and Terry McGee (both in Australia), Tom Aebi (Switzerland), Chris Wilkes and George Ormiston (both UK), Maurice Reviol (New Zealand) and Patrick Olwell, Bryan Byrne, Peter Noy, John and Seth Gallagher, David Copley, Michael Copeland, Skip Healy, Casey Burns, Rod Cameron, and Paddy Ward (all USA), all of whose flutes are popular among players in Ireland and around the world.
Also, don't overlook older, used flutes by past makers: Dave Williams, Ruddall and Rose, Hawkes, Prowse, etc.
# Posted on October 12th 2006 by Will CPT
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
Eamonn Cotter made my flute for me and even played it in for me as I was unable to collect it from him for about 6 months after he'd made it. I just walked into Custy's in Ennis and asked how to contact a good flute maker and they gave me his number. Went to his house and played a few flutes, had a chat about what I wanted, agreed a price and that was that! It's a lovely flute (I think it's wasted on me!). I'd recommend Eamonn to anyone.
# Posted on October 12th 2006 by SineadE
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
Michael Cronnely.
# Posted on October 12th 2006 by banjo billy
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
Good luck getting a Wilkes - isn't the waiting list up to around 6-8 years?
# Posted on October 13th 2006 by wormdiet
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
Yes, but a used Wilkes shows up for sale on ebay or Chiff and Fipple about once a year.
And many other fine makers have remarkably short waiting lists. David Copley's is about 6 weeks right now for a keyess flute. Some even have flutes already waiting--Paddy Ward had a couple of keyless blackwoods a while back.
There are several makers whose reputations haven't yet caught up to the fact that their flutes are absolutely top flight. Ward is one of these, and I've heard great reviews from excellent players of John Gallagher's flutes and Glenn Watson's as well.
# Posted on October 13th 2006 by Will CPT
Re: Flute makers in Ireland
im going to a flute/ whistle class in cork and all the flute players there play hammy hamilton keyless d flutes, including the teacher.
and i have one on order.
# Posted on February 22nd 2007 by Kevo32A