I've narrowed my decision to either a Michael Cronnolly (M&E) or Desi Seery polymer flute. I would appreciate any feedback (pro/cons/indifference) that anyone is willing to give. Thanks, Golly
I own a Seery delrin flute and have played an M&E polymer--they're both good flutes. The M&E I played was more Rudall-esque--small holes and small bore--compared to my Pratten-style Seery. The Seery needs a really focused embouchure and a fair amount of air, while the M&E responds well to less air and is more forgiving with the embouchure.
Both are capable of producing a nice, reedy tone and plenty of volume for a session.
So it depends on what you're looking for. The M&E was easier to play, for me, but I like the challenge my Seery provides--it forces me to improve my embouchure.
Over on Chiff and Fipple just the other day, someone was selling an M&E for $250 plus shipping--a steal! Probably already snatched up.
Paddy Ward also makes a polymer flute that people rave about--I haven't heard one yet.
Paddy Ward is no longer taking orders for delrin flutes, he's only doing wood now. Jon Cochran is a new maker who comes highly recommended. He's cheaper than the other two and does beautiful work. His wood flutes don't cost too much more than his delrin ones. He also offers multiple models and embouchure cuts. I've got a 5000 series Rudall copy on order now from him. He's Jon C. on the C & F flute forum.
Of the two, I lean towards a Seery. I played an M&E R&R for a couple of weeks (on loan). It was a good flute, but the Seery is crafted more like a traditional flute and seemed better finished to me (little things like a partially lined headjoint, string on tenons, etc.). With regard to sound, the M&E sounded very good, but I preferred my Seery...then again I tend to prefer a pratten sound right now.
Jon C. is a great guy - told me how to change the thread for cork on my Seery. I trust the folks who like his flutes, and I'd buy from him myself if I was after a keyless flute (he's not making keyed flutes at this time).
THe M & E is definitely not as nice as real wood cosmetically. I got one about a year ago and the rings are a bit dodgy if you look at 'em closely.
BUt the thing is. . .who really cares? At the end of the day it's playability and tone that matter, and the MERR definitely delivers in those areas.
My only complaint is that the MERR is not as ergonomically friendly as a wooden flute, because Delrin is 20% heavier than ABW. But you'd probably find the same with the Seery. THis downside is more then compensated by the following equation:
polymer = 0 maintenance = 0 setup/takedown time = more practice time.
I found the M&E (PVC - food grade NOT standard plumbing pipe) heavier than the Seery (delrin). I think the materials have similar weight, but the M&E was thicker and had a fully lined head with a heavier metal in the headjoint. The Seery has a thinner profile, thinner walls, and a partially lined headjoint (thin silver & brass slide). Still - it's not as light as an all wood flute, but not much heavier than an ABW flute with a lined head.
People joke that they'd use their Seery's in barfights, but I'd use an M&E first...they are sturdy suckers.
I do agree, even if my earlier post didn't state this very well, that the M&E played very well and sounds great.
The old Pratten vs. Rudall agrument. What do you like? Personally even though I like to lean into my playing I am a Rudall player and would again go for the M&E.
The Seery was my first flute and I struggled with this same choice. I wanted polymer because I wasn't sure about maintaining a wooden flute in Montana's cold and dry climate, and I liked the idea of having a rough travel flute (it's been fun to bring on kayak trips).
In the end, I realized that I'd be happy with either the M&E or Seery. Having played both, I still believe that. They're both good flutes, fully sessionable. You really can't go wrong with either one.
After about a year and a half I bought a blackwood Copley (which Iove playing), but I still play my Seery almost every day--because I can. I leave it assembled and keep it on my desk, always within reach. So any "down" time during work, even just 5 minutes here and there, becomes tune time.
Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
I've narrowed my decision to either a Michael Cronnolly (M&E) or Desi Seery polymer flute. I would appreciate any feedback (pro/cons/indifference) that anyone is willing to give. Thanks, Golly
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by golly
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
I own a Seery delrin flute and have played an M&E polymer--they're both good flutes. The M&E I played was more Rudall-esque--small holes and small bore--compared to my Pratten-style Seery. The Seery needs a really focused embouchure and a fair amount of air, while the M&E responds well to less air and is more forgiving with the embouchure.
Both are capable of producing a nice, reedy tone and plenty of volume for a session.
So it depends on what you're looking for. The M&E was easier to play, for me, but I like the challenge my Seery provides--it forces me to improve my embouchure.
Over on Chiff and Fipple just the other day, someone was selling an M&E for $250 plus shipping--a steal! Probably already snatched up.
Paddy Ward also makes a polymer flute that people rave about--I haven't heard one yet.
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by Will CPT
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
The M&E might still be available:
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=34892
# Posted on November 30th 2005 by Will CPT
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
Paddy Ward is no longer taking orders for delrin flutes, he's only doing wood now. Jon Cochran is a new maker who comes highly recommended. He's cheaper than the other two and does beautiful work. His wood flutes don't cost too much more than his delrin ones. He also offers multiple models and embouchure cuts. I've got a 5000 series Rudall copy on order now from him. He's Jon C. on the C & F flute forum.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by meemtp
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
Of the two, I lean towards a Seery. I played an M&E R&R for a couple of weeks (on loan). It was a good flute, but the Seery is crafted more like a traditional flute and seemed better finished to me (little things like a partially lined headjoint, string on tenons, etc.). With regard to sound, the M&E sounded very good, but I preferred my Seery...then again I tend to prefer a pratten sound right now.
Jon C. is a great guy - told me how to change the thread for cork on my Seery. I trust the folks who like his flutes, and I'd buy from him myself if I was after a keyless flute (he's not making keyed flutes at this time).
Eric
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Jayhawk
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
THe M & E is definitely not as nice as real wood cosmetically. I got one about a year ago and the rings are a bit dodgy if you look at 'em closely.
BUt the thing is. . .who really cares? At the end of the day it's playability and tone that matter, and the MERR definitely delivers in those areas.
My only complaint is that the MERR is not as ergonomically friendly as a wooden flute, because Delrin is 20% heavier than ABW. But you'd probably find the same with the Seery. THis downside is more then compensated by the following equation:
polymer = 0 maintenance = 0 setup/takedown time = more practice time.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by wormdiet
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
I found the M&E (PVC - food grade NOT standard plumbing pipe) heavier than the Seery (delrin). I think the materials have similar weight, but the M&E was thicker and had a fully lined head with a heavier metal in the headjoint. The Seery has a thinner profile, thinner walls, and a partially lined headjoint (thin silver & brass slide). Still - it's not as light as an all wood flute, but not much heavier than an ABW flute with a lined head.
People joke that they'd use their Seery's in barfights, but I'd use an M&E first...they are sturdy suckers.
I do agree, even if my earlier post didn't state this very well, that the M&E played very well and sounds great.
Eric
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Jayhawk
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
The old Pratten vs. Rudall agrument. What do you like? Personally even though I like to lean into my playing I am a Rudall player and would again go for the M&E.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Unseen122
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
The Seery was my first flute and I struggled with this same choice. I wanted polymer because I wasn't sure about maintaining a wooden flute in Montana's cold and dry climate, and I liked the idea of having a rough travel flute (it's been fun to bring on kayak trips).
In the end, I realized that I'd be happy with either the M&E or Seery. Having played both, I still believe that. They're both good flutes, fully sessionable. You really can't go wrong with either one.
After about a year and a half I bought a blackwood Copley (which Iove playing), but I still play my Seery almost every day--because I can. I leave it assembled and keep it on my desk, always within reach. So any "down" time during work, even just 5 minutes here and there, becomes tune time.
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Will CPT
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
Sorry for repeating myself, but if you want to check the sound of M&E, R&R, click here: http://www.duan.pl/numerki/Fig_for_a_kiss.mp3
I just love this flute!
# Posted on December 1st 2005 by Barfly
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
Will I got my M&E for similar reasons, It pretty much lives in my backpack and when I feel like playing a tune during lunch or something I can.
# Posted on December 2nd 2005 by Unseen122
Re: Michael Cronnolly vs. Desi Seery
i've just own a M&E rudall and rose
what a great irish flute !!
for a first flute, i'm so happy of it !
very easy to play, a so beautiful sound,it's marvelous !
this one is in delrin, so there is no trouble with playing it and just put it in his box, it's very easy !
love it
# Posted on July 17th 2006 by Sephiroth