In Cquick's defense, I have heard several, and I mean several, stories about negative dealings with Mr. Murray. I do, however, still do believe in supporting the artist and would give him a chance.
In Cquick's defense also and similar to what Jonny said, I have also heard several complaints about how notoriously difficult it is to get a flute from Sam although I'd still like to at least give it a try.
Are there any alternatives or next best things?
A Grinter, Martin Doyle, Hammy Hamilton or Ormiston flute?
I have dealt with Sam and I found him a nice man, happy to chat in the workshop and correct and efficient in his communications by e-mail. He took my order and deposit, gave an estimate when the flute would be ready and delivered a fine flute.
Mind you, I didn't hassle him, I allowed him time to work and when the deadline arrived I didn't threaten with going to the guards if he didn't deliver immediately. He took ten days longer than promised, left to his own devices, which was pretty good I thought.
That is what I was thinking, when I ordered the flute I said I'd collect it. Around the deadline (around three months at the time, a few years ago) Same sent a message he was about to finalise the flute and I picked up two days later from the workshop, on a sunday.
His flutes are great, seems to be the consensus. My GF and I both have them and love them. . . although both of ours cracked in the wickedly dry Vermont indoor winter climate. They still sound good after repairs, however.
1) Do you live in Ireland? If so, that's probably a good thing. Both for keeping in touch with Sam and for the weather.
2) Check out the discussions at Chiff & Fipple. He's been the subject of much relevant conversation.
I had a good experience buying direct from Sam although I am well aware that others have not had such a good experience. You should have a look at Glenn Watson's flutes. They are a similar Rudall style and you may receive it quicker. Glenn is located in Galway city. Hammy's and Martin's flutes are also very good but a different style.
I am always meeting people who are in awe of Sam's flutes so there is a "desirability factor" and the flute will hold its value, however I have played other maker's flutes which have been just as good if not better (for me).
Watson flutes carry in fact a considerable wait while Sam is able to deliver a keyless flute within two or three months. That's how it was a few years ago anyway and I don't think it has changed.
"Watson flutes carry in fact a considerable wait while Sam is able to deliver a keyless flute within two or three months. That's how it was a few years ago anyway and I don't think it has changed."
No it hasn't. I ordered my keyless D flute from Sam Murray in early May, early July i got a mail saying that due to a change in orders he had a keyless blackwood flute if i was interested. Got it 3 weks later.so smooth sailing for me, although i can't answer for or comment other peoples experience in dealing with Sam.
Oh, btw the flute is belting! Couldn't be happier.
A Sam Murray Flute.
A Sam Murray Flute.
Does anyone know if Sam Murray is still making flutes?
If so, are there any contact details available for him?
Thanks in advance
C
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Ciarán.
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
http://www.firescribble.net/flute/makers.html
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by kkrell
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
A caution! Sam is a wonderful flute maker AND a terrible businessman.
I had a bad experience with Sam. If you want one of his flutes buy it from someone else.
Enough said!
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Cquick
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
So what you're saying, in a nutshell, is "Let's put Sam Murray out of business."? That's nice of you.
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by sechan
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
In Cquick's defense, I have heard several, and I mean several, stories about negative dealings with Mr. Murray. I do, however, still do believe in supporting the artist and would give him a chance.
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by pipersgrip
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
In Cquick's defense also and similar to what Jonny said, I have also heard several complaints about how notoriously difficult it is to get a flute from Sam although I'd still like to at least give it a try.
Are there any alternatives or next best things?
A Grinter, Martin Doyle, Hammy Hamilton or Ormiston flute?
Suggestions and recommendations appreciated
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Ciarán.
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
I have dealt with Sam and I found him a nice man, happy to chat in the workshop and correct and efficient in his communications by e-mail. He took my order and deposit, gave an estimate when the flute would be ready and delivered a fine flute.
Mind you, I didn't hassle him, I allowed him time to work and when the deadline arrived I didn't threaten with going to the guards if he didn't deliver immediately. He took ten days longer than promised, left to his own devices, which was pretty good I thought.
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
Well - can't say fairer than that Prof. Prlwytzkofsky!
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Ciarán.
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
My experience of buying a flute from Sam - which I still play nearly 20 years later- was similar to the Prof's.
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Kenny
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
Sam makes great flutes, mine from 1992 is super.
Think the best thing (if its possible) is to go to Galway and meet Sam and talk to him yourself, think face to face contact would be your best option.
K
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Kess
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
That is what I was thinking, when I ordered the flute I said I'd collect it. Around the deadline (around three months at the time, a few years ago) Same sent a message he was about to finalise the flute and I picked up two days later from the workshop, on a sunday.
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
Prof Prlwytzkofsky - I've sent you a private mail, if you get a chance can you have look please...
Thanks
C
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Ciarán.
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
Yes, replied and all.
# Posted on February 9th 2011 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
Sorry but people are just relating their experiences of dealing with the man. Unfortunately mine was not good either.
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by cprooster
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
His flutes are great, seems to be the consensus. My GF and I both have them and love them. . . although both of ours cracked in the wickedly dry Vermont indoor winter climate. They still sound good after repairs, however.
1) Do you live in Ireland? If so, that's probably a good thing. Both for keeping in touch with Sam and for the weather.
2) Check out the discussions at Chiff & Fipple. He's been the subject of much relevant conversation.
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by wormdiet
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
Hi Ciarán
I had a good experience buying direct from Sam although I am well aware that others have not had such a good experience. You should have a look at Glenn Watson's flutes. They are a similar Rudall style and you may receive it quicker. Glenn is located in Galway city. Hammy's and Martin's flutes are also very good but a different style.
I am always meeting people who are in awe of Sam's flutes so there is a "desirability factor" and the flute will hold its value, however I have played other maker's flutes which have been just as good if not better (for me).
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by mr_segundus
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
Watson flutes carry in fact a considerable wait while Sam is able to deliver a keyless flute within two or three months. That's how it was a few years ago anyway and I don't think it has changed.
# Posted on February 10th 2011 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: A Sam Murray Flute.
"Watson flutes carry in fact a considerable wait while Sam is able to deliver a keyless flute within two or three months. That's how it was a few years ago anyway and I don't think it has changed."
No it hasn't. I ordered my keyless D flute from Sam Murray in early May, early July i got a mail saying that due to a change in orders he had a keyless blackwood flute if i was interested. Got it 3 weks later.so smooth sailing for me, although i can't answer for or comment other peoples experience in dealing with Sam.
Oh, btw the flute is belting! Couldn't be happier.
# Posted on August 3rd 2011 by Mr_Blackwood