I'm buying a wooden flute. I want 5 or 6 keys and I just want it to have the ability to sound great (after I figure it all out), I've played a silver flute (only trad music) for over 10 years, and I know I've heard it's like learning a whole new instrument (because of the fingers and how they are spread), but I plan on putting lots of work into it.
Perhaps getting a keyless directly from a flute maker who can put keys on in the future if you decide they're necessary may make sense. Terry McGee has a great variety of models and set ups; having a discussion with him about what might best suit you may be worthwhile (http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/). His flutes are great and some say certain models/embouchure holes/modlified headjoints are easier to transition from Boehm to simple system.
Great thing about the Irish Flute Store is you can try out a flute for awhile and return it, exchange it, no problem. (Doc Jones, the proprietor, has many McGee models, by the way, though you pay a littIe more going through him.) I just got a flute through the IFS; it took me quite a few flutes to find one that was great that fit my style of play.
If you want keys and can afford them, by all means. Keyed, keyless--regardless, The Irish Flute Store and Terry McGee are solid places to start looking for a flute.
Thanks everyone. I want the keys because I already know so many tunes in so many different keys, and I plan on playing those 5% that need those keys. I love Joannie Madden's playing and will continue to play irish music on my silver flute, I am just looking to at least attempt the wooden flute.
If I do get a keyless flute I want one that has a great tone, and I don't know how to determine that.
If you're in Chicago, hit the sessions and try as many flutes as you can.
From a financial perspective, a US flute maker is probably the way to go, given the lousy exchange rate to Euros. (Although some makers, like Glenn Watson in Galway, are still competitively priced.) Another factor is the waiting time--it sounds like you're not keen on a multi-year wait, so that narrows the field some more, unless you can find something used.
For instance, Copley and Boegli flutes are well made, play well, are reasonably priced, and don't involve a very long wait...I'm very fond of mine. Having switched from Boehm system flute, there certainly was a learning curve for getting a good tone and learning the keys.
Who Wants to sell me a flute??
Who Wants to sell me a flute??
I'm buying a wooden flute. I want 5 or 6 keys and I just want it to have the ability to sound great (after I figure it all out), I've played a silver flute (only trad music) for over 10 years, and I know I've heard it's like learning a whole new instrument (because of the fingers and how they are spread), but I plan on putting lots of work into it.
Anyways, Anyone selling?
# Posted on February 27th 2008 by Flute86
Re: Who Wants to sell me a flute??
http://www.irishflutestore.com/
And if you've never played an Irish flute, definitely start out with a keyless one. You don't need the keys for 95% of tunes out there, anyway.
# Posted on February 27th 2008 by mcdevincabe
Re: Who Wants to sell me a flute??
Perhaps getting a keyless directly from a flute maker who can put keys on in the future if you decide they're necessary may make sense. Terry McGee has a great variety of models and set ups; having a discussion with him about what might best suit you may be worthwhile (http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/). His flutes are great and some say certain models/embouchure holes/modlified headjoints are easier to transition from Boehm to simple system.
Great thing about the Irish Flute Store is you can try out a flute for awhile and return it, exchange it, no problem. (Doc Jones, the proprietor, has many McGee models, by the way, though you pay a littIe more going through him.) I just got a flute through the IFS; it took me quite a few flutes to find one that was great that fit my style of play.
Good luck.
# Posted on February 27th 2008 by InSearchofCraic
Re: Who Wants to sell me a flute??
Look at Joannie and her da Joe Madden here and honestly tell me why you want to bother changing from keyed to keyless:
http://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_243_2_joannie_and_joe_madden_play_some_reels
# Posted on February 27th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Who Wants to sell me a flute??
If you want keys and can afford them, by all means. Keyed, keyless--regardless, The Irish Flute Store and Terry McGee are solid places to start looking for a flute.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by InSearchofCraic
Re: Who Wants to sell me a flute??
Thanks everyone. I want the keys because I already know so many tunes in so many different keys, and I plan on playing those 5% that need those keys. I love Joannie Madden's playing and will continue to play irish music on my silver flute, I am just looking to at least attempt the wooden flute.
If I do get a keyless flute I want one that has a great tone, and I don't know how to determine that.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Flute86
Re: Who Wants to sell me a flute??
If you're in Chicago, hit the sessions and try as many flutes as you can.
From a financial perspective, a US flute maker is probably the way to go, given the lousy exchange rate to Euros. (Although some makers, like Glenn Watson in Galway, are still competitively priced.) Another factor is the waiting time--it sounds like you're not keen on a multi-year wait, so that narrows the field some more, unless you can find something used.
For instance, Copley and Boegli flutes are well made, play well, are reasonably priced, and don't involve a very long wait...I'm very fond of mine. Having switched from Boehm system flute, there certainly was a learning curve for getting a good tone and learning the keys.
# Posted on February 28th 2008 by Tintin