I want to buy a polymer flute for my daughter. She plays tin whistle fairly well. She is an adult so we are looking for a full size instrument. I have corresponded with someone who has a Rob Forbes Delrin-polymer from http://www.forbesflutes.com/index.html and at the price they seem to be reasonable. Reports are that they are a good flute also.
I live in Australia so have to import it and we can't afford an expensive hand made wooden flute so a polymer flute seems the go. Should be able to keep the costs to about US$450.00 which is all we can afford. The recordings of Kevin Crawford on the site sound good too.
I have also looked at some of the other makers of similar flutes. Now I am ready to buy it for her I would just like some other opinions.
If there is anyone in Australia that may have something new or used that suits feel free to contact me also.
Take a look at the M&E delrin keyless as well... I have one and use it in situations where I don't want to "risk" my blackwood - like camping. The website is: http://www.irishflutes.net/
Yet another great option would be the Copley keyless, ringless, and w/o a tuning slide (it's still tunable, BTW). The web address is: http://www.celticlands.com/page3.html
The Forbes is allegedly a very good flute, the same with the delrin Copley...but I've never played either. I have played both Seery and M&E flutes, and can vouch that they're very nice instruments.
If you can splurge for a bit more, I love my new M&E 8 key ebonite flute (yes, ebonite - not his usual PVC or the commonly used delrin). It's got a great tone, and they're going for only $650 USD new these days.
Forgot to say, Doug's flutes are nice, but they're not conical bore flutes that are made like a wooden flute (the other flutes we're talking about here are bored out and hand made - just like the wooden ones). I think there is a difference in tone and playability. Also, the finger spread on Doug's flutes is more difficult than on a conical flute where the holes are closer together.
The Forbes flutes are good, from what I understand. I personally know 4 people who have bought one as a travel instrument after trying them out the first time.
And Rob is an upstanding guy...
(however, this is coming from a banjo player, who knows nothing of flutes, so take that as you will)
Some great responses folks. I am taking it all on board and have looked at all the flutes suggested.
The Copley's look good and the M$E's - though a bit dearer. Have had a contact from somone in Australia with an almost new Dixon 3 piece polymer for sale. So it's all happening. Seery website a little below par and no good photos. I am understanding the conical and pratten stuff a bit.
I bought a Rob Forbes flute a year and a half ago (student on a budget, can't afford my own wooden flute yet), and I've been very happy with it so far. Mine is well in tune with itself, and I really like the sound. It has a bit of "oomph",even in the low register, and puts out a fair volume so you don't drown in the session din. Bottom line is, I'd recommend a Forbes.
When I bought my flute I narrowed my choice down to M&E or Seery. In the end I decided on the M&E as it is a Rudall & Rose copy, apparently these are less demanding in terms of volume of air required compared to the Seery, which is a Pratten copy. I have to say I am very satisfied with the instrument, lovely tone.
You can see and hear one being played here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-zUeq5Pnac
I've played a couple of Seery's, an M+E, a Copley, a Forbes, and a Jon C. (Cornia flutes) delrin. My opinion is that the fit and finish, and tuning are better on the latter three than the first two.
The Forbes is a big bore, big holed flute with a big fat sound, beautifully made and tuned. It's my favourite, and the delrin flute I own for travelling, outside gigs. I find that when I lend it out, people don't want to give it back. Tradeoff is that the first octave is superb, and the second octave takes more time to find for beginning players.
The Copley is a medium bore, larger holed-flute that incorporates aspects of both Pratten and Rudall and Rose style flutes. These are very fine, and in my hands have a sweeter second octave than Prattens. Good all round flute, tends to be forgiving which is good when you are starting. Dave Copley is a straight-shooter.
Jon C. isn't making as many flutes as formerly, and may have stopped making delrin flutes, but one sees them used on Chiff and Fipple flute forum, and on www.theirishflutestore.com from time to time. He makes various models, but his Rudall model has that blowing resistance and complex tone, takes beginners more time to find the bottom octave, and has a gorgeous upper octave. Tuning is more like the originals than either Copley or Forbes.
The Seerys I've played are PVC, so they are more flexible than delrin. They seem to me to be less forgiving for beginners than any of the Forbes, Copley or Cornia.
The M+E delrin doesn't have as much attention paid to the cosmetics, but is capable of a fine punchy sound, but beginners may find that it takes quite a while to get the tuning sorted out.
Hi, the Forbes is a very good choice. I am very satisfied with my one. The finish is very good. The joints fit very well and the tuning slide works very well. It's quite powerfull. And the embouchure is quite forgiving.
Played M&E, Seery and Forbes. And the later is definitely my favourite!
Some great info there everyone. Thanks again. Could someone explain about the silver rings. Is it just for looks and is a flute without them ok. Also is the pratten system a little harder to get around at first.
On a polymer flute, the rings are purely decorative. On a wooden flute, they look nice but also help keep the flute from cracking. I don't like flutes without rings...they look funny to me.
FWIW, Des Seery does not use PVC - he uses delrin (or the generic equivalent). Michael Cronnolly of M&E uses either PVC (special rod stock) or ebonite for his keyed flutes these days. All the others use delrin.
Hi again. I noticed that the M&E R&R keyless polymer is a four piece and the Forbes is three piece. Could anyone tell me about the significance of this.
The four-piece will have a break in the body of the flute, between the right and left hand holes. The possible advantage of this is that you can rotate one section or the other for a more comfortable reach. The possible disadvantage is that you have an extra joint that can leak.
Either way, it's not that big a deal.
Far more important are the bore and cut of the embouchure hole. I've owned a Seetry Delrin and a Paddy Ward Delrin, and played M&E's and Forbes Delrins. The Ward and Forbes were by far the best flutes, and the Forbes is half the price of a Ward.
I'm happy to see that so many people also really like the Forbes. You've read my comments on it so I won't rave on about it now. My Forbes is a 3-piece and you can rotate the right and left-hand sections to suit.
M&E is a great flute for the price. Impervious to hudmidity, temperature etc.., nice growly sound. If it rolls off the table or stand , not a worry unlike its wooden kin !!
Makes a great club in emergency situations too !!!!!!!!
Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Hi All
I am looking for a bit of help and advice here.
I want to buy a polymer flute for my daughter. She plays tin whistle fairly well. She is an adult so we are looking for a full size instrument. I have corresponded with someone who has a Rob Forbes Delrin-polymer from http://www.forbesflutes.com/index.html and at the price they seem to be reasonable. Reports are that they are a good flute also.
I live in Australia so have to import it and we can't afford an expensive hand made wooden flute so a polymer flute seems the go. Should be able to keep the costs to about US$450.00 which is all we can afford. The recordings of Kevin Crawford on the site sound good too.
I have also looked at some of the other makers of similar flutes. Now I am ready to buy it for her I would just like some other opinions.
If there is anyone in Australia that may have something new or used that suits feel free to contact me also.
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by bigyabby
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Please consider Doug Tipple's PVC flutes. They are inexpensive and sound great. You will not be sorry.
http://dougsflutes.googlepages.com/
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Thanks Greg will check them out again.
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by bigyabby
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
You might want to check out Mark Hoza in Oz.
http://www.woodenflutemaker.com/DFlutes.html
Haven't tried them but could be a good option for you.
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by InSearchofCraic
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Take a look at the M&E delrin keyless as well... I have one and use it in situations where I don't want to "risk" my blackwood - like camping. The website is: http://www.irishflutes.net/
Yet another great option would be the Copley keyless, ringless, and w/o a tuning slide (it's still tunable, BTW). The web address is: http://www.celticlands.com/page3.html
Pat
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by plunk111
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
The Forbes is allegedly a very good flute, the same with the delrin Copley...but I've never played either. I have played both Seery and M&E flutes, and can vouch that they're very nice instruments.
If you can splurge for a bit more, I love my new M&E 8 key ebonite flute (yes, ebonite - not his usual PVC or the commonly used delrin). It's got a great tone, and they're going for only $650 USD new these days.
Eric
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by Jayhawk
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Forgot to say, Doug's flutes are nice, but they're not conical bore flutes that are made like a wooden flute (the other flutes we're talking about here are bored out and hand made - just like the wooden ones). I think there is a difference in tone and playability. Also, the finger spread on Doug's flutes is more difficult than on a conical flute where the holes are closer together.
Eric
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by Jayhawk
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
I find the Copley a much better flute than the M&E. Have not tried the Forbes.
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by InSearchofCraic
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
From my experience, which includes M&E, Seery and Dixon, Seery was best in terms of playability and sound. I've played only one of each though.
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by EastPole
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
The Forbes flutes are good, from what I understand. I personally know 4 people who have bought one as a travel instrument after trying them out the first time.
And Rob is an upstanding guy...
(however, this is coming from a banjo player, who knows nothing of flutes, so take that as you will)
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by Reverend
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Some great responses folks. I am taking it all on board and have looked at all the flutes suggested.
The Copley's look good and the M$E's - though a bit dearer. Have had a contact from somone in Australia with an almost new Dixon 3 piece polymer for sale. So it's all happening. Seery website a little below par and no good photos. I am understanding the conical and pratten stuff a bit.
Thanks to all again.
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by bigyabby
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
I will also recommend the Flute forum at Chiff and Fipple-it's a great source for information.
http://forums.chiffandfipple.com/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=7a55812d322298336659550cdb8e6782
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
I bought a Rob Forbes flute a year and a half ago (student on a budget, can't afford my own wooden flute yet), and I've been very happy with it so far. Mine is well in tune with itself, and I really like the sound. It has a bit of "oomph",even in the low register, and puts out a fair volume so you don't drown in the session din.
Bottom line is, I'd recommend a Forbes.
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by ingridrt
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
When I bought my flute I narrowed my choice down to M&E or Seery. In the end I decided on the M&E as it is a Rudall & Rose copy, apparently these are less demanding in terms of volume of air required compared to the Seery, which is a Pratten copy. I have to say I am very satisfied with the instrument, lovely tone.
You can see and hear one being played here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-zUeq5Pnac
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by neilowen
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
I've played a couple of Seery's, an M+E, a Copley, a Forbes, and a Jon C. (Cornia flutes) delrin. My opinion is that the fit and finish, and tuning are better on the latter three than the first two.
The Forbes is a big bore, big holed flute with a big fat sound, beautifully made and tuned. It's my favourite, and the delrin flute I own for travelling, outside gigs. I find that when I lend it out, people don't want to give it back. Tradeoff is that the first octave is superb, and the second octave takes more time to find for beginning players.
The Copley is a medium bore, larger holed-flute that incorporates aspects of both Pratten and Rudall and Rose style flutes. These are very fine, and in my hands have a sweeter second octave than Prattens. Good all round flute, tends to be forgiving which is good when you are starting. Dave Copley is a straight-shooter.
Jon C. isn't making as many flutes as formerly, and may have stopped making delrin flutes, but one sees them used on Chiff and Fipple flute forum, and on www.theirishflutestore.com from time to time. He makes various models, but his Rudall model has that blowing resistance and complex tone, takes beginners more time to find the bottom octave, and has a gorgeous upper octave. Tuning is more like the originals than either Copley or Forbes.
The Seerys I've played are PVC, so they are more flexible than delrin. They seem to me to be less forgiving for beginners than any of the Forbes, Copley or Cornia.
The M+E delrin doesn't have as much attention paid to the cosmetics, but is capable of a fine punchy sound, but beginners may find that it takes quite a while to get the tuning sorted out.
Hugh
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by flutefry
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Hi, the Forbes is a very good choice. I am very satisfied with my one. The finish is very good. The joints fit very well and the tuning slide works very well. It's quite powerfull. And the embouchure is quite forgiving.
Played M&E, Seery and Forbes. And the later is definitely my favourite!
Moritz
# Posted on July 3rd 2009 by brotherstorm
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Some great info there everyone. Thanks again. Could someone explain about the silver rings. Is it just for looks and is a flute without them ok. Also is the pratten system a little harder to get around at first.
# Posted on July 4th 2009 by bigyabby
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
On a polymer flute, the rings are purely decorative. On a wooden flute, they look nice but also help keep the flute from cracking. I don't like flutes without rings...they look funny to me.
FWIW, Des Seery does not use PVC - he uses delrin (or the generic equivalent). Michael Cronnolly of M&E uses either PVC (special rod stock) or ebonite for his keyed flutes these days. All the others use delrin.
Eric
# Posted on July 4th 2009 by Jayhawk
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
Hi again. I noticed that the M&E R&R keyless polymer is a four piece and the Forbes is three piece. Could anyone tell me about the significance of this.
# Posted on July 5th 2009 by bigyabby
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
The four-piece will have a break in the body of the flute, between the right and left hand holes. The possible advantage of this is that you can rotate one section or the other for a more comfortable reach. The possible disadvantage is that you have an extra joint that can leak.
Either way, it's not that big a deal.
Far more important are the bore and cut of the embouchure hole. I've owned a Seetry Delrin and a Paddy Ward Delrin, and played M&E's and Forbes Delrins. The Ward and Forbes were by far the best flutes, and the Forbes is half the price of a Ward.
# Posted on July 5th 2009 by Miss Lonelyhearts
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
I'm happy to see that so many people also really like the Forbes. You've read my comments on it so I won't rave on about it now. My Forbes is a 3-piece and you can rotate the right and left-hand sections to suit.
# Posted on July 5th 2009 by Bredna
Re: Buying a Delrin-polymer flute.
M&E is a great flute for the price. Impervious to hudmidity, temperature etc.., nice growly sound. If it rolls off the table or stand , not a worry unlike its wooden kin !!
Makes a great club in emergency situations too !!!!!!!!
# Posted on July 5th 2009 by firnatine