The Session >> Discussions >> Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
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Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I'm at that time in a young flute-players life when he must choose his instrument. One that will provide the tone, quality and patience to last forever. You know, the one you buy and then you will never be upgrading again?
That is, until i'm famous and rich and can buy them for the sheer joy of knowing there is someone out there learning who can't even afford a half decent one!
Anyway, i'm looking for all your tips and information at this crucial time in my career. Something easy on the wallet would'nt hurt either...
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I"ve played flutes from pretty much every maker, and my favourite is Patrick Olwell. The tone, response, and tuning are the best on the planet. They are very forgiving for the beginner and as your embouchure develops your tone just keeps getting more and more powerful.
I've played fantastic Hammy Hamiltons to be sure, but for my embouchure it's the Olwell.
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I'd try all of the "reputable makes" that you can, and try and play them for more than ten minutes. IE. . . borrow one for at least a session or a few days or a week (if possible).
Around here, the flutes that I had access to were Murray and Olwell and Hammy. I went with the Murray because the keys were cheaper and the wait was very reasonable. In your neck of the woods it might be Grinters and Ormistons.
The point is, don't pick a "big name" at random, get a flute that you KNOW you will like. Figure this out by trying as many as possible.
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I've just had a look at Doug's flute page, are they erm, plastic?
I will second Sam Murray and Martin Doyle for a good wooden flute.
I play a Chris Wilkes, simply brilliant, but the waiting list is long.
I recently bought a DeKeyser flute from a pal, no keys, a very well made flue indeed. Nice tone, and I believe very affordable, I would recomend one, however I have no contact details, sorry.
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I agree with worm's comment on getting a flute you know. I recently got a 6 key from Martin Doyle (probably the one pictured on his website listed above). But I know other people with his flutes and got the chance to try them out over a period of time before I made my decision, so I knew what I was going to get.
There is a good tone and volume and not difficult to blow.
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I've played flutes from most of the makers mentioned above (though I admit not all).
Without mentioning names, I have to say that I've played quite mediocre flutes from several of the makers people here have recommended. Seems like many makers cannot consistently make great flutes, but rather make flutes that range from average to very good.
I have tried perhaps 30 different Olwell flutes and the "worst" was among the best flutes I've ever played, superior to all but a couple exceptional (in the true meaning of the word) flutes by other makers. All but that one Olwell were amazing, several notches above even the exceptional great flutes made by others. To try to put numbers to it, most maker's flutes range from 4 to 8, while all the Olwells I've played were 9 or 10 except for that one 7.
I wonder if the people recommending flutes other than Olwell have played Olwells. It would be like people who had never drived a Porshe recommending Fords.
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I'm not a flute-player, my SO is, but I am an amateur maker of stringed instruments, and tried my hand at flutes and whistles inpvc as an experiment. It is by no means as easy as it looks. I'll go back to my more expensive materials and strings and frets as a relief.
Doug Tipple's flutes ARE plastic, with a quality well over what the material and the price asked would suggest, certainly ideal for travel/second instrument/practice stand-in. Maybe not the instrument for a lifetime.
Meanwhile, you could also look for old instruments, but always try before you buy, beware of the ebay bargain.
And also remember that Instrument Acquisition Syndrome is a creaping disease or addiction, not easily recognised in the early stages.
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
MARTIN DOYLE!
Great flute and wonderful service from a true gentleman. I agree with all other comments on his flute: blows easy, great power and volume, nice dark tone. I got mine about 8 months ago, I only had to wait 3 weeks!
If I didn't love my Doyle flute so much I would buy a Murray.
Would be lovely to have the money to be deciding on flutes again, hope you enjoy whatever it is you end up buying!
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
piper jj did mention he would like something which was 'easy on the wallet', so that would eliminate Grinters, Wilkes etc, generally speaking, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
piper jj would also like to make that once in a lifetime investment in a flute that they will not need to upgrade from.
I think perhaps you are going to have to dig deep into your pocket and pay the going rate for a quality instrument.
Good luck in your quest, and do let us all know when you have made your choice.
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Many new names there, and a few I've heard before. One name not mentioned is Desi Seery, which happened to be a name i have heard, he lives relatively close to me. I know one excellent flute player who swore by him, in fact.. Is this justified?
Either way, it seems to be a case of personal preference.. I have a lot of phone calls to be made, research to be done, and questions to ask of every flute player i meet!
Thank you for the comments, and I will be sure to let you all know how it goes.
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Deirfinn féin Hammy Hamilton nó Sam Murray. Chuala me go bhfuil Glenn Watson an-mhaith fosta agus praghas réasúnta aige, ach níor sheinn mé fliút dá chuid go fóil.
Ádh-mór!
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Tá an cheart agat Double Bass, tá Hammy iontach maith chomh maith, ach tá níos daoire ná Murray fá choinne fliúite le heochracha.
Don't know why people bring up the likes of Wlikes or Ollwel on discussions like this. I would love to own a Chris Wilkes and many feel there is nothing like a Pat Ollwel, but unless you can find someone who wants to sell their own (and why would they?) you will be waiting 6 years or more for the Ollwel and 10 or more for the Wilkes As I said, great flutes, but is it really worth waiting 10 years when you can have:
Murray; keyless: Now (irishflutestore.com) 3 months or so from the man himself. / Keyed: 8 months.
Doyle; Keyless Now (list of stocksts on his site), 2 months or so from the man himself. / Keyed; Up to 2 years.
Hammy; I'm not sure of his lists but I know your not talking about more than a couple of years for a 6/8 key and sooner for keyless.
But as I said before, hope your enjoying this, it is an exciting time as I remember. It's good practice to try out as many as you can and see what suits you best! Good luck!
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I ordered my keyed Olwell flute in 1992, and I'm still on hold. But I have a lovely unkeyed D flute by Pat , with an Eb barrel that practically plays itself. No, I would not consider selling it but I sure wish I could get my order completed. Man, like I'm getting old.
My advice is to grab onto any decent flute that will play a hard D,
and consider yourself lucky. Don't expect to go "cheap". A worthy flute could be and often is priceless.
wb
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I have an Olwell and a Dave Williams. I love the Olwell and really like the Williams. I'd have to say if you want a flute that you'll never have to upgrade from, get the Olwell, it is worth the money and the wait. I just had a week long class with Kevin Crawford at Augusta Irish Week in West Virginia, and of course he swears by his Grinter, which is a very lovely instrument, but this is what he said about Olwells... that they were great instruments also but "dangerous" because they play so easily. In his case with an instrument that plays like an Olwell, he could get very obnoxious in a session and overpower all the others (which in my opinion wouldn't be such a bad thing). (Also since most of us aren't up to Kevin's level of playing, it probably wouldn't be a problem, plus for us, every little advantage is helpful.)
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
May I recommend Casey Burns? The "Folk Flute" is a great playing flute that doesn't cost too much. His higher-priced flutes are also great, and cost more. Mine is the "standard," before his recent design change. I love it, as do most people who try it out. Some mention that it's headjoint-heavy, but you get used to that. I also have one of his Bb flutes, and love it too.
By the way, hello "Kowanaman." I was in that Augusta flute class with you, dunno if you remember me, but I'm Kelly.
Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I'm at that time in a young flute-players life when he must choose his instrument. One that will provide the tone, quality and patience to last forever. You know, the one you buy and then you will never be upgrading again?
That is, until i'm famous and rich and can buy them for the sheer joy of knowing there is someone out there learning who can't even afford a half decent one!
Anyway, i'm looking for all your tips and information at this crucial time in my career. Something easy on the wallet would'nt hurt either...
Thank you kindly
# Posted on July 28th 2007 by piper jj
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
http://dougsflutes.googlepages.com/home
You will be happy for short money.
# Posted on July 28th 2007 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Respectfully
Hammy Hamilton or Martin Doyle
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by Whistlin'Dixie
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
sam murray-long waiting list but good investment
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by aoibheann-90
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I will second the Doug Tipple recommendation, they sound good and are cheap.
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by crazy_fingerz
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Hammy Hamilton
http://www.hamiltonflutes.com/
Sam Murray
murrayflutes@gmail.com
Martin doyle
http://www.martindoyleflutes.com/
Norman Holmes/Bill McNaughton
http://www.holmesmcnaughton.com/flutes.html
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by kkrell
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
'sam murray-long waiting list but good investment'
Sam quoted me a three moth wait recently. Shorten actually than for Hamilton, Glen Watson, Martin Doyle and many others.
I don't by the way want to look on a musical instrument in terms of 'an investment' , feels very shoddy but maybe that's just me.
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by kilfarboy
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I"ve played flutes from pretty much every maker, and my favourite is Patrick Olwell. The tone, response, and tuning are the best on the planet. They are very forgiving for the beginner and as your embouchure develops your tone just keeps getting more and more powerful.
I've played fantastic Hammy Hamiltons to be sure, but for my embouchure it's the Olwell.
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by Richard D Cook
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
what about the waiting list for each maker ? I am also looking for a decent flute ...
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by Ralex
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I'd try all of the "reputable makes" that you can, and try and play them for more than ten minutes. IE. . . borrow one for at least a session or a few days or a week (if possible).
Around here, the flutes that I had access to were Murray and Olwell and Hammy. I went with the Murray because the keys were cheaper and the wait was very reasonable. In your neck of the woods it might be Grinters and Ormistons.
The point is, don't pick a "big name" at random, get a flute that you KNOW you will like. Figure this out by trying as many as possible.
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by wormdiet
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I've just had a look at Doug's flute page, are they erm, plastic?
I will second Sam Murray and Martin Doyle for a good wooden flute.
I play a Chris Wilkes, simply brilliant, but the waiting list is long.
I recently bought a DeKeyser flute from a pal, no keys, a very well made flue indeed. Nice tone, and I believe very affordable, I would recomend one, however I have no contact details, sorry.
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by curlew
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
well made flute indeed
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by curlew
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
http://www.irishflutestore.com/ check out the used flute section here, a couple nice ones and no waiting. Don
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by Dont
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Hamilton, Olwell or...... Lehart - which will cost you a bit less, less time to wait and be just as good!!
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by cariad
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Bryan Byrne's flutes (Vermont, USA) are world-class. The wait can be long, but his instruments are worth it.
Unfortunately they don't fit your "easy on the wallet" criterion.
Best of luck on your search. I'd be glad to hear what you finally decide.
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by browndog
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
just two words - Martin Doyle
# Posted on July 29th 2007 by Barfly
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
i do love my mcgee pratten. also just took delivery of a low combo set from casey burns [Bb/C] and am very pleased with it. Don
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by Dont
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I agree with worm's comment on getting a flute you know. I recently got a 6 key from Martin Doyle (probably the one pictured on his website listed above). But I know other people with his flutes and got the chance to try them out over a period of time before I made my decision, so I knew what I was going to get.
There is a good tone and volume and not difficult to blow.
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by southsider
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I've played flutes from most of the makers mentioned above (though I admit not all).
Without mentioning names, I have to say that I've played quite mediocre flutes from several of the makers people here have recommended. Seems like many makers cannot consistently make great flutes, but rather make flutes that range from average to very good.
I have tried perhaps 30 different Olwell flutes and the "worst" was among the best flutes I've ever played, superior to all but a couple exceptional (in the true meaning of the word) flutes by other makers. All but that one Olwell were amazing, several notches above even the exceptional great flutes made by others. To try to put numbers to it, most maker's flutes range from 4 to 8, while all the Olwells I've played were 9 or 10 except for that one 7.
I wonder if the people recommending flutes other than Olwell have played Olwells. It would be like people who had never drived a Porshe recommending Fords.
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by Richard D Cook
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Nobody's mentioned Grinter here. I know Kevin Crawford and Mike McGoldrick play them.
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by Fiddlebabe
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
sorry for the typo I of course meant "driven"
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by Richard D Cook
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I'm not a flute-player, my SO is, but I am an amateur maker of stringed instruments, and tried my hand at flutes and whistles inpvc as an experiment. It is by no means as easy as it looks. I'll go back to my more expensive materials and strings and frets as a relief.
Doug Tipple's flutes ARE plastic, with a quality well over what the material and the price asked would suggest, certainly ideal for travel/second instrument/practice stand-in. Maybe not the instrument for a lifetime.
Meanwhile, you could also look for old instruments, but always try before you buy, beware of the ebay bargain.
And also remember that Instrument Acquisition Syndrome is a creaping disease or addiction, not easily recognised in the early stages.
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
MARTIN DOYLE!
Great flute and wonderful service from a true gentleman. I agree with all other comments on his flute: blows easy, great power and volume, nice dark tone. I got mine about 8 months ago, I only had to wait 3 weeks!
If I didn't love my Doyle flute so much I would buy a Murray.
Would be lovely to have the money to be deciding on flutes again, hope you enjoy whatever it is you end up buying!
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by proinsiasrua
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
piper jj did mention he would like something which was 'easy on the wallet', so that would eliminate Grinters, Wilkes etc, generally speaking, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
piper jj would also like to make that once in a lifetime investment in a flute that they will not need to upgrade from.
I think perhaps you are going to have to dig deep into your pocket and pay the going rate for a quality instrument.
Good luck in your quest, and do let us all know when you have made your choice.
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by curlew
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Many new names there, and a few I've heard before. One name not mentioned is Desi Seery, which happened to be a name i have heard, he lives relatively close to me. I know one excellent flute player who swore by him, in fact.. Is this justified?
Either way, it seems to be a case of personal preference.. I have a lot of phone calls to be made, research to be done, and questions to ask of every flute player i meet!
Thank you for the comments, and I will be sure to let you all know how it goes.
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by piper jj
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Deirfinn féin Hammy Hamilton nó Sam Murray. Chuala me go bhfuil Glenn Watson an-mhaith fosta agus praghas réasúnta aige, ach níor sheinn mé fliút dá chuid go fóil.
Ádh-mór!
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by double bass
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Tá an cheart agat Double Bass, tá Hammy iontach maith chomh maith, ach tá níos daoire ná Murray fá choinne fliúite le heochracha.
Don't know why people bring up the likes of Wlikes or Ollwel on discussions like this. I would love to own a Chris Wilkes and many feel there is nothing like a Pat Ollwel, but unless you can find someone who wants to sell their own (and why would they?) you will be waiting 6 years or more for the Ollwel and 10 or more for the Wilkes As I said, great flutes, but is it really worth waiting 10 years when you can have:
Murray; keyless: Now (irishflutestore.com) 3 months or so from the man himself. / Keyed: 8 months.
Doyle; Keyless Now (list of stocksts on his site), 2 months or so from the man himself. / Keyed; Up to 2 years.
Hammy; I'm not sure of his lists but I know your not talking about more than a couple of years for a 6/8 key and sooner for keyless.
But as I said before, hope your enjoying this, it is an exciting time as I remember. It's good practice to try out as many as you can and see what suits you best! Good luck!
# Posted on July 30th 2007 by proinsiasrua
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
Olwell: A year or two for a keyless. The legendary waiting times are for keyed flutes only, unless things have changed recently.
Something else to consider - if you get a good enough flute, the most important thing to worry about isn;t gear, it's tone and musicality.
# Posted on July 31st 2007 by wormdiet
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I ordered my keyed Olwell flute in 1992, and I'm still on hold. But I have a lovely unkeyed D flute by Pat , with an Eb barrel that practically plays itself. No, I would not consider selling it but I sure wish I could get my order completed. Man, like I'm getting old.
My advice is to grab onto any decent flute that will play a hard D,
and consider yourself lucky. Don't expect to go "cheap". A worthy flute could be and often is priceless.
wb
# Posted on July 31st 2007 by windybaer
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
I have an Olwell and a Dave Williams. I love the Olwell and really like the Williams. I'd have to say if you want a flute that you'll never have to upgrade from, get the Olwell, it is worth the money and the wait. I just had a week long class with Kevin Crawford at Augusta Irish Week in West Virginia, and of course he swears by his Grinter, which is a very lovely instrument, but this is what he said about Olwells... that they were great instruments also but "dangerous" because they play so easily. In his case with an instrument that plays like an Olwell, he could get very obnoxious in a session and overpower all the others (which in my opinion wouldn't be such a bad thing). (Also since most of us aren't up to Kevin's level of playing, it probably wouldn't be a problem, plus for us, every little advantage is helpful.)
# Posted on July 31st 2007 by Kowanaman
Re: Calling all flute players / people in "the know". THE TIME HAS COME!
May I recommend Casey Burns? The "Folk Flute" is a great playing flute that doesn't cost too much. His higher-priced flutes are also great, and cost more. Mine is the "standard," before his recent design change. I love it, as do most people who try it out. Some mention that it's headjoint-heavy, but you get used to that. I also have one of his Bb flutes, and love it too.
By the way, hello "Kowanaman." I was in that Augusta flute class with you, dunno if you remember me, but I'm Kelly.
# Posted on July 31st 2007 by seisflutes