Hi Everybody-
Im currently in the market for a begginer-ish wooden flute. I've been playing whistle for quite some time, and recently I've been playing with a silver flute.
Now I've decided that I want to try a wooden flute. Ideally I would like a flute with at least three or four keys.
The flute is number 61 on the list. The description they include for it is:
"OSTERREID & GERLACH, 1895-1909, Cocuswood, French style simple system with 8 nickel keys (one is a roller), nickel rings, tuning slide is working, C-foot, original case, sounding length 602 mm, no cracks, new corks, modern pads-but they could stand to be replaced, edges of end cap are gnawed off all the way "
If theres anyone out there who could take a look at the flute and give me their opinion on it, I would appreciate it very much. I dont know much about these flutes, so its hard for me to make a decision. Also, the thing about the end cap, is that just an aesthetic problem, or will it affect the tone?
Hi Rob,
My advice would be to get a new flute. There are tons of makers in the states that would be reasonably priced and your sure to get one that is more ideal for Irish music. Here is a link that has a whole section full of makers. http://www.firescribble.net/flute/
You can go to Terry McGee's website to find lots of info on old flutes. Unless you know what you're looking at antique flutes are a crapshoot and good ones are very expensive. You can get recommendations and advice here as well. http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewforum.php?forum=2&954
Well, I'm not a flute player.
BUT I looked at the other instruments they list as well, things like guitars and mandolins and ukes; seems to me you get a comprehensive description of all the instruments' faults and flaws, and the only question really is "Can you get out of it the sound you want ?"
And, for my pennies' worth, the price of this flute doesn't seem bad for a main session instrument at all.
Certainly, if you really need the keys, it's a much better price than new hand-made for you.
On the other hand, a Casey Jones Folk Flute would do all that you NEED, as opposed to want, in an ITM context.
Thanks for the replies. I know that I don't need the keys for ITM, but I also play with people who sing songs in keys like F or A and being able to play in those keys is pretty important to me.
Start as StephenR suggests, and keyless. Keys mean more that can or could have gone wrong, more to fuss with. Start simple, you can always upgrade to keys once you have the basics at hand, the six holes for a start, and everything else the flute will want from you to sound halfway decent...
"Casey Jones Folk Flute" ~ has Casey Burns changed his name because he likes the ol' railroad song?
old flute it's lovely thing
but you can't imagine how much work is needed to make them work properly
and another thing, old flutes were tuned a little bit different
A at the moment is 440Mhz
and in the old days it could be in 432 or even 420
Look at a simple open holed flute in D. A good beginner's flute. IF you want those extra keys, in the short term, pick up a Tipple in those keys to play along.
Sure, it's always great to look at that expensive flute as a starter. However, what if you decide that it's just not for you? Personally, I'm more than happy with my Delrin Seery Pratten with no keys.
"~ and in the old days it could be in 432 or even 420" ~ and upwards to A: 485... But, not forgetting some really peculiar fingerings. I love Sicamas, great flutes, but not the normal fingering...
Ok, so I've considered the advice given and am now trying to decide between a Casey Burns folk flute or a Copely Blackwood flute. Neither of them has a tuning slide, which I regret, and the Folk flute is considerably lower priced.
Now you're talking. If it were me, I'd seriously consider the M & E. You can find discussions on site here and elsewhere about their work. Read up on your options ~ Burns, Copely, M & E... Let us know what you go with in the end. You have at least had the wisdom to ask others, that's a great start. Do some looking and reading and don't rush into it. Let us know how it goes...
Happy New Year, and best of luck with your exploration, education and decision... It is a great joy to contemplate a new musical instrument and pursuit, lucky you... If you can find any of these instruments to see in person, at a shop or owned by someone near, pursue that. It helps to check out things in hand before putting your dosh down to purchase. However, any of these should retain their value if you decided to later sell them on...say for an upgrade, when you're ready... An older instrument, the one you were originally considering, would most likely be harder to sell...
The more I read about the M&E's the more I like them.
Unfortunately I live in a very rural area and there's not much in the way of Irish instruments shops or places to try one!
Luckily I would be buying the flute from Doc Jones at the Irish Flute Store and he told me that if I'm not satisfied with one of his flutes I can return it.
Happy New Year to you too ceolachan and thanks for your help.
You might want to consider asking Casey if he's willing to let you try one of his folk flutes as part of the decision making process. He's one of the most accommodating makers out there, and having one in your hands is always better than using one's imagination.
I have one of Casey's older folk flutes (from last year, made of mopani). His new one looks lovely. I have one of Casey's boxwood flutes, one that has a tuning slide. That is my favorite flute.
The Folk flute is a wonderful instrument. There is nothing lesser about it except that it has no tuning slide and you can't retrofit keys. Other than that, it is made as well as a better flute.
But for playing with others the tuning slide is necessary. It's not all that much extra to get a keyless with a tuning slide.
I tried the M&E myself. I know people really like it but it felt like a billy club, like you could kill someone with a single blow. It seemed like I had to blow all my air into it and still the sound was faint. I much prefer my Burns flutes.
Definitely visit Chiff and Fipple. People sell a lot of second-hand flutes there. You might see something you like and you can get a lot of help there if you ask.
The best advice is to get a flute made. Those older ones look nice and are lovely to have but they aren't all that easy to play. Since you have been playing before it is best to get all the keys fitted. "D" is best as most sessions are in this key
Begginer Wooden Flute
Begginer Wooden Flute
Hi Everybody-
Im currently in the market for a begginer-ish wooden flute. I've been playing whistle for quite some time, and recently I've been playing with a silver flute.
Now I've decided that I want to try a wooden flute. Ideally I would like a flute with at least three or four keys.
I've found one on the Vintage Instruments online catalogue. The link for the website is:
http://www.vintage-instruments.com/navigate/catidx4.htm
The flute is number 61 on the list. The description they include for it is:
"OSTERREID & GERLACH, 1895-1909, Cocuswood, French style simple system with 8 nickel keys (one is a roller), nickel rings, tuning slide is working, C-foot, original case, sounding length 602 mm, no cracks, new corks, modern pads-but they could stand to be replaced, edges of end cap are gnawed off all the way "
If theres anyone out there who could take a look at the flute and give me their opinion on it, I would appreciate it very much. I dont know much about these flutes, so its hard for me to make a decision. Also, the thing about the end cap, is that just an aesthetic problem, or will it affect the tone?
Thanks
Rob
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by rob_handel
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Hi Rob,
My advice would be to get a new flute. There are tons of makers in the states that would be reasonably priced and your sure to get one that is more ideal for Irish music. Here is a link that has a whole section full of makers.
http://www.firescribble.net/flute/
You can go to Terry McGee's website to find lots of info on old flutes. Unless you know what you're looking at antique flutes are a crapshoot and good ones are very expensive. You can get recommendations and advice here as well.
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewforum.php?forum=2&954
Stephen
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by StephenR
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Well, I'm not a flute player.
BUT I looked at the other instruments they list as well, things like guitars and mandolins and ukes; seems to me you get a comprehensive description of all the instruments' faults and flaws, and the only question really is "Can you get out of it the sound you want ?"
And, for my pennies' worth, the price of this flute doesn't seem bad for a main session instrument at all.
Certainly, if you really need the keys, it's a much better price than new hand-made for you.
On the other hand, a Casey Jones Folk Flute would do all that you NEED, as opposed to want, in an ITM context.
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Thanks for the replies. I know that I don't need the keys for ITM, but I also play with people who sing songs in keys like F or A and being able to play in those keys is pretty important to me.
Stephen- thanks for that link
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by rob_handel
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Start as StephenR suggests, and keyless. Keys mean more that can or could have gone wrong, more to fuss with. Start simple, you can always upgrade to keys once you have the basics at hand, the six holes for a start, and everything else the flute will want from you to sound halfway decent...
"Casey Jones Folk Flute" ~ has Casey Burns changed his name because he likes the ol' railroad song?
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Also, do a search of the discussions here, we've had at least two on this subject just in the last couple of months...
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Discussion: buying an irish flute
# Posted on December 21st 2007 by alonsovg
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/16162
Discussion: Wood Flutes. Advice request
# Posted on December 17th 2007 by zippydw
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/16122
Discussion: Keyed Flute vs. Keyless
# Posted on December 9th 2007 by ThomasT.
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/16050
Discussion: Flute for sale?
# Posted on August 15th 2007 by old and in the way
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/14798
Discussion: Beginner looking to buy a wooden flute
# Posted on October 19th 2006 by JennyLmk
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/11550
Discussion: Buying an Irish flute
# Posted on October 1st 2006 by begsandacon
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/11366
Discussion: buying a wooden flute -up to date advice
# Posted on June 28th 2006 by apple
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/10477
Discussion: buying a flute
# Posted on November 20th 2005 by finster16
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/8405
Chiff and fipple:
http://www.chiffandfipple.com/
http://woodenflute.com/
http://www.theflow.org.uk/
http://www.firescribble.net/flute/index.html
http://www.irishflutestore.com/newsite/
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by ceolachan
Old flutes, well, 'simple system' ~ there were a lot of them. Don't buy that old flute if you are just starting out...
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
old flute it's lovely thing
but you can't imagine how much work is needed to make them work properly
and another thing, old flutes were tuned a little bit different
A at the moment is 440Mhz
and in the old days it could be in 432 or even 420
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by padre
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Surely 440 Mhz is just a tad beyond the range of human hearing!
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by Wurzel
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Look at a simple open holed flute in D. A good beginner's flute. IF you want those extra keys, in the short term, pick up a Tipple in those keys to play along.
Sure, it's always great to look at that expensive flute as a starter. However, what if you decide that it's just not for you? Personally, I'm more than happy with my Delrin Seery Pratten with no keys.
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by Ashkettle
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
"~ and in the old days it could be in 432 or even 420" ~ and upwards to A: 485... But, not forgetting some really peculiar fingerings. I love Sicamas, great flutes, but not the normal fingering...
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by ceolachan
But not MHZ....
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Good on you Ashkettle, as you can play a Delrin flute in the rain and take it backpacking with you...
# Posted on December 26th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Ok, so I've considered the advice given and am now trying to decide between a Casey Burns folk flute or a Copely Blackwood flute. Neither of them has a tuning slide, which I regret, and the Folk flute is considerably lower priced.
Which should I choose?
# Posted on December 27th 2007 by rob_handel
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Or would a delrin M&E with a tuning slide be a better choice?
# Posted on December 27th 2007 by rob_handel
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
Now you're talking. If it were me, I'd seriously consider the M & E. You can find discussions on site here and elsewhere about their work. Read up on your options ~ Burns, Copely, M & E... Let us know what you go with in the end. You have at least had the wisdom to ask others, that's a great start. Do some looking and reading and don't rush into it. Let us know how it goes...
Happy New Year, and best of luck with your exploration, education and decision... It is a great joy to contemplate a new musical instrument and pursuit, lucky you... If you can find any of these instruments to see in person, at a shop or owned by someone near, pursue that. It helps to check out things in hand before putting your dosh down to purchase. However, any of these should retain their value if you decided to later sell them on...say for an upgrade, when you're ready... An older instrument, the one you were originally considering, would most likely be harder to sell...
# Posted on December 27th 2007 by ceolachan
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
I have an M&E and really like it. My teacher played it a week or two ago and commented on what a nice flute it is.
Eric
# Posted on December 27th 2007 by Jayhawk
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
The more I read about the M&E's the more I like them.
Unfortunately I live in a very rural area and there's not much in the way of Irish instruments shops or places to try one!
Luckily I would be buying the flute from Doc Jones at the Irish Flute Store and he told me that if I'm not satisfied with one of his flutes I can return it.
Happy New Year to you too ceolachan and thanks for your help.
# Posted on December 27th 2007 by rob_handel
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
You might want to consider asking Casey if he's willing to let you try one of his folk flutes as part of the decision making process. He's one of the most accommodating makers out there, and having one in your hands is always better than using one's imagination.
Best,
Steve
# Posted on December 27th 2007 by Stevie C
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
I have one of Casey's older folk flutes (from last year, made of mopani). His new one looks lovely. I have one of Casey's boxwood flutes, one that has a tuning slide. That is my favorite flute.
The Folk flute is a wonderful instrument. There is nothing lesser about it except that it has no tuning slide and you can't retrofit keys. Other than that, it is made as well as a better flute.
But for playing with others the tuning slide is necessary. It's not all that much extra to get a keyless with a tuning slide.
I tried the M&E myself. I know people really like it but it felt like a billy club, like you could kill someone with a single blow. It seemed like I had to blow all my air into it and still the sound was faint. I much prefer my Burns flutes.
Definitely visit Chiff and Fipple. People sell a lot of second-hand flutes there. You might see something you like and you can get a lot of help there if you ask.
# Posted on December 28th 2007 by sbhikes
Re: Begginer Wooden Flute
The best advice is to get a flute made. Those older ones look nice and are lovely to have but they aren't all that easy to play. Since you have been playing before it is best to get all the keys fitted. "D" is best as most sessions are in this key
# Posted on January 1st 2008 by ennisman